The Czech Republic will assume the EU presidency on 1 January 2009.

“We aim to work together to draw up a climate package that is also in the interests of our industry,” declared Angela Merkel. The climate goals have already been set, but there is more than one possible way of achieving them.

In view of the current financial and economic situation, the Chancellor would like to give industry a firm decision as rapidly as possible, to enable businesses to plan accordingly. Care must also be taken not to jeopardise their competitiveness at international level, she pointed out. These criteria are already moulding the constructive talks during the ongoing French EU presidency.

Indeed they are becoming increasingly important: now Europe must do all it can to ensure that the economy suffers as little as possible as a result of the financial crisis, Angela Merkel stressed. Incentives will be needed to foster economic growth. Under no circumstances can unemployment be allowed to rise again.

The EU Reform Treaty is a precondition for admitting new members

A number of important items are already on the agenda for the Czech EU presidency in 2009, including Croatia’s accession efforts and the need to agree on a common energy policy. 

“I hope that it is safe to say today that the Treaty of Lisbon will be ratified in the Czech Republic too,” the Chancellor underscored.

The Czech Prime Minister assured her that he would be doing all he could to ensure the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon in his country. This should make it easier to convince Ireland to reconsider, said Mirek Topolanek.

The Chancellor once again praised the many advantages offered by the EU Reform Treaty. She is fully convinced that relations between the states of the EU will be simplified and the EU will be brought closer to its citizens.

The economic advantages that the new treaty will bring must be more clearly publicised, she said. The current financial crisis illustrates how important it is to act together, provided leeway is left for individual national-level solutions too.

The Treaty of Lisbon will strengthen this trend, Angela Merkel underlined. In the coming year, it will be up to the Czech presidency to make this clear to all stakeholders.