Czech EU presidency focus will be Ukraine and energy security

The Czech Republic's top priorities during its presidency of the Council of the European Union will be the management of the refugee crisis and the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, energy security, and the strengthening of defence capabilities and cyber security, Prime Minister Petr Fiala and European Affairs Minister Mikuláš Bek announced at a press conference on Wednesday. Other major focus areas will be the resilience of the European economy and of democratic institutions.

Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the five main priority areas have changed fairly significantly from those previously announced by Mr. Bek when he took office in December. Back then he mentioned dealing with the consequences of the coronavirus crisis, climate change policies, and addressing migration and security as priorities for the presidency. Czechia is due to take up the reins of the EU Council on 1 July.