Volume XXII, 7-2024

Evaluating the Outcomes of Commissioner Hearings for Czech Businesses

As the European Commission embarks on its new mandate, the hearings of Commissioner-designates have offered critical… continue reading »
The Budapest Declaration: What It Means for Czech Businesses and Their Role in a Stronger EU

The Budapest Declaration, adopted on November 8, 2024, signals the EU's commitment to economic resilience, digital and… continue reading »
What Global Gateway Portfolio Means for Czech Businesses

Jozef Síkela, the Czech Commissioner-designate for International Partnerships, recently faced a three-hour confirmation… continue reading »
EESC CORNER: The EU Should Take Inspiration from the Czech Model in Tackling Bureaucracy

The European Union has long struggled with bureaucracy, which burdens businesses across the continent. Many… continue reading »

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Flash news

Comprehensive Energy Balance of the Czech Republic (2010–2022)

The Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Department of Analysis and Data Support has published the Comprehensive Energy Balance of the State for 2010–2022, adhering to Eurostat methodology. Based on data from the Ministry and the Czech Statistical Office, the report supports the development of the National Energy and Climate Plan and other government needs by ensuring maximum data clarity and consistency. The publication includes simplified annual energy balances, time series from 2012–2022 by fuel type and usage, and comparisons of Europe 2020–2030 indicators. An interactive data annex enables detailed parameter-based analyses and recalculations.

Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
Global Awareness Campaign Targets Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

The OECD has launched awareness campaign on consumer product safety, focusing on lithium-ion batteries. The campaign aims to address safety issues uniformly on a global scale. 23 countries, Consumer International, and various economic actors and online marketplace providers have joined the initiative. The campaign, unveiled at the OECD Ministerial Committee on Consumer Policy on October 8–9, 2024, will run until January 31, 2025.

Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
Czech Republic secures CZK 41 billion from the EU for modernization

The European Commission has reviewed the Czech Republic’s latest request for funding under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), granting a positive preliminary assessment of 63 milestones and targets, with partial fulfillment noted for two. Pending approval by EU member states, the Czech Republic is set to receive over CZK 37 billion in grants and CZK 4 billion in loans. These funds will support critical reforms in energy transition, education, healthcare, and innovation, alongside infrastructure projects like railway modernization, new university campuses, and community care systems. Some payments are temporarily withheld, pending legislative progress on energy and care reforms. Final approval is expected by year-end, with remaining funds likely in 2025.

Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
EU Trade Ministers Focus on U.S. Relations, Mercosur Deal, and WTO Reform

The EU-U.S. trade relationship, ongoing trade negotiations, and WTO reform were key topics at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting of trade ministers held in Brussels, led by Czech State Secretary Vladimír Mana. Discussions emphasized the role of trade agreements in boosting EU competitiveness and resilience, with focus on negotiations with Mercosur, Indonesia, India, and Gulf states. Mana highlighted the importance of the Mercosur deal for its economic and geopolitical benefits. Ministers also stressed the significance of transatlantic cooperation post-U.S. elections, calling for strengthened ties through the Trade and Technology Council. Over lunch, they addressed WTO reform, underscoring the need for updated multilateral trade rules to meet modern challenges.

Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic