Czech Republic | Central European Journal of International and Security Studies

Central Europe in the World

Twenty years since the end of its artificial dismemberment and Central Europe continues to evolve as a unique political, economic and social space. Yet, there is no escaping the contagious political dynamics unfolding in Europe, and post-Cold War Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia have rapidly emerged as pillars of regional and international relations.

Located in the heart of Central Europe, CEJISS is proud to announce the launching of a new media service freely available to our electronic readership: clear and concise summaries and political analyses of key issues which link the countries and peoples of Central Europe to the rest of the world.

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(Czpoz/29/02/2011) The Czech Republic has expressed its solidarity and unity with the EU by announcing it would recall its ambassador to the Republic of Belarus, Jiri Karas. The announcement came as a response to the Belarusian threat to withdraw its diplomats from Brussels and Poland over wider sanctions that were imposed on the state by the EU over human rights abuses. (by Linda Krasna)

Today, 18 December 2011, marks the death of a true hero of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic and all those individual people who struggled and continue to struggle for freedom against oppressive regimes. President Havel will not only be remembered for what he achieved but also for what he inspired. We at CEJISS extend our deepest condolences to President Havel's family and friends.

(CzPos/08/12/2011) Czech President, Vaclav Klaus, met with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev last week in Prague to discuss business opportunities between the two countries and Russia's bid to acquire the Temelin nuclear plant. The formal dealings successfully concluded contracts worth 2,15 billion Euro for both Czech and Russian companies. On the Temelin issue, Medvedev stated that if Russia was to win the Temelin tender, Czech companies would be used in the project which is of great importance to Klaus. (by Linda Krasna)

(CzPos/16/11/2011) Predictions that the Czech Koruna (CZK) might follow the footsteps of the Swiss Frank and become a financial safe-haven, have been shattered. The Koruna has, mostly due to lack of foreign investment, fallen 6% to the US dollar and 4% to the Euro. According to the Bank of Austria, the situation is not likely to change until the second half of 2012. (by Linda Krasna)

(Prav/01/11/2011/p.1) The Czech Republic voted against Palestinian membership to UNESCO. Others who voted against the motion were the US, Canada and Germany. Despite such pressure Palestine was accepted, with 107 of 173 votes in favour. (CEJISS)

(PDM/28/10/2011) Czech Prime Minister, Petr Necas, met with US President Barack Obama (on 27 October) to discuss the planned nuclear expansion. If the US wins the order for the new nuclear units, it will benefit both the Czech and the US economies. (Linda Krasna)

(Reut/19/10/2011) State owned CEZ group announced its intention to address the EU in regard to the growing opposition from its neighbouring countries Austria and Germany towards the plans for further nuclear expansion of CEZ's Temelin and Dukovany power stations. As justification for its nuclear expansion CEZ refers to the Lisbon Treaty, which grants EU members free choice over their energy sources. (Linda Krasna)

(PRV/11/10/2011/p9) Czech FM, Karel Schwarzenberg, said that the Yulia Tymoshenko trial, which is approaching its fiinal hours, is a very dubious affair.

(MFD/11/10/2011/p2) Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili used his attendance at the Forum 2000 conference in Prague to award Václav Havel the Georgian Medal of Honour.

(16/09/2011/PrDMon) On his recent visit to Israel Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas (ODS) stated that the Czech Republic supports the scenario of Israel and Palestine as two independent states. However, this should be resolved through negotiations between the two rather than unilaterally by Palestine, which is currently seeking its statehood at the United Nations. (by Linda Krasna)

(18/08/2011/Blmbrg) Monetary experts predict that further turmoil in EU markets could produce a search for alternative safe-haven currencies to invest in. This already occurred with the Swiss Franc which has appreciated strongly in recent months and it is possible that the Czech Crown could come next. However, as the Swiss government has resisted this process it is likely the Czech government would do so as well. A more valuable Czech Crown could pose problems for Czech firms as their products would become more expensive internationally. (by Linda Krasna)

(CzPos/19/08/2011) A criminal investigation has begun against (former) Justice Minister, Pavel Němec, due to his decision to permit Qatari sex-offender, Prince Hamid Bin Abdul Sani al-Thani, to leave Czech territory. In 2005, the prince was found guilty of paying for sex with 16 minors - of which four were under the age of consent - and was duly sentenced to 30 months in prison.

(CzPos/12/08/2011) Czech Foreign Minister, Karel Schwarzenberg, has expressed great concern over the trial of Ukrainian former prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko. Schwarzenberg has hinted that the trial is politically motivated and meant to keep Tymoshenko out of politics. This comes against the backdrop of Czech President, Václav Klaus's letter to Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich, also expressing concern over the trial.

(PrDaiMon/05/08/2011) The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that, aside from the compulsory health insurance, patients in the Czech Republic only cover 16.6% of the total cost of their health care. Out of the OECD member states (34), only Denmark with 15.5% ranked lower than the Czech Republic on private health care spending. (by Linda Krasna, Staff Writer)

(PP/27/07/2011) Norwegian terrorist, Anders Behring Breivik, travelled to Prague in summer 2010 seeking connections to obtain illegal guns. He soon realised that Prague was no place for such activities and left the Czech capital without success. (by Linda Krasna, Staff Writer)

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