Czech Business Today

New issue of Czech Business Today quarterly, brings you a number of recent information from the Czech business environment.

The first page focuses on SMEs access to finance in the light of economic crisis. Marta Gajecka, vice-president of the EIB explains how the European Investment Bank helps businesses to get financing for their business activities. New tools and measures have been introduced by the EIB recently. 

In conjunction with the economic crisis and national action plans, the entrepreneurs are calling for indirect support seen as the most effective measure contributing to a healthy free market and good quality of business environment. On the contrary, direct support is perceived as deforming the market and creating additional barriers. The Czech government intends to deal with the barriers from a presidential position in the Council of the EU. Special intention is given to the barriers on the Internal market. Implementation of the Services Directive and establishment of Single points of contact, mentioned on the page 2, seem to be the right step in this field. 

Third page deals with the Czech anti-crisis plan and European Nuclear Forum to be held in Prague in May. About what the results from the forum might be, speculate Zuzana Krejcirikova from Czech Energy Company (CEZ). 

On the last page of CBT you will learn about the events such as European Year of Creativity and innovation. Its opening ceremony, held the same day as the opening event of the Czech Presidency. On the occasion of the Czech Presidency also a Czech ball was organized in Brussels. Furthermore you can read about CEBRE debates and conferences dedicated to the European topics such as CEBRE policy café organised with MEPs in the European Parliament on the Small Business Act for Europe.