Czech government prepares for EU presidency in 2009

The Czech government has begun preparing for the country's presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2009. Members of the government committee for EU matters, led by Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, on Wednesday discussed the future priorities of the country's EU presidency, laying emphasis on the freedom of movement of people, services, capital and goods. Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Alexander Vondra said the motto of the Czech EU presidency could be "Europe without barriers".