Czech Business Today
EESC – REVIEW OF THE CZECH PRESIDENCY
The preparation of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU has been significantly affected by the epidemic of covid, but also by Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the war conflict that began in February 2022 and is still ongoing. The Presidency’s priorities had to be based on the current situation and the overall atmosphere in Europe. The war in Ukraine was fundamental for deciding on the issues, and other priorities were based on it – energy security, defence and security, economic resilience, and also democratic values.
Among the main achievements of the Presidency, we should mention, for example, the capping of energy prices, joint gas purchases, and the rules of mutual solidarity in case a country runs out of gas and needs help from others. Adopting the crisis pricing mechanism, which introduced a dynamic price cap on gas prices, and mitigating the impact of high energy prices on citizens and businesses were also crucial.
Furthermore, among the Presidency’s achievements, we should also mention the adoption of three sanctions packages against Russia and the approval of financial support for Ukraine.
Marie Zvolská, EESC
