Current Affairs | All stories

The Czech presidency of the European Union could not have hoped for a more powerful kick-off. On the very first day at the EU helm, the government of PM Mirek Topolánek had to address two major issues – the escalating conflict in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, and a natural gas dispute between Russia and Ukraine which could affect gas supplies for the European Union.

Slovakia became the 16th country to join adopt the single European currency on January 1st, and there were great scenes of celebration across the country. Perhaps surprisingly, however, their old partner the Czech Republic is very far from adopting the euro – the government has yet to adopt a convergence plan. But as Rob Cameron reports, that could soon be about to change.

On 1 January 2009, almost 20 years after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Czech Republic becomes the first former Soviet Bloc country to take over the rotating six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. Besides the historic symbolism of this event, the upcoming presidency will provide the Czech government with a unique opportunity to influence the EU agenda in the coming months. A successful stint at the helm of Europe could also help the country raise its profile and enhance its standing among its European partners. This is all

In just a few days, it will be easier for foreigners to come to work in the Czech Republic – or at least for some of them. Czech authorities have issued a list of 12 countries whose citizens will be eligible for the Czech green card which combines work and residence permits. Most Czech employers welcome the new provision as they hope it will make the Czech labour market more accessible. But the choice of the countries included on the Green card list has raised eyebrows.

Unless you’ve been living on the Moon for the last months you’ll know that in a few days the Czech Republic will take over the presidency of the European Union. We’ve heard a lot recently about priorities and agendas, Eurosceptic presidents and divided parliaments, but what about the practical side of it all? What will actually happen here when the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve?

The noted Czech author Karel Čapek is perhaps best known for coining the term “robot” in his 1921 play “Rossum’s Universal Robots”. Now, as Czechs mark seventy years since his death, Karel Čapek’s works are also shifting into the public domain.

On Saturday, Israel launched one of the most violent attacks against Palestinians in the history of the Middle East conflict. The Israeli blitz, unleashed in retaliation for ongoing rocket and mortar fire from Gaza, is said to have killed over 300 Palestinians and wounded more than 1,400 others. In view of its upcoming EU presidency, helping to find a solution to the drawn out Middle East conflict has become one of the Czech Republic’s priorities.

The use of mobile phones in classrooms schools has become a serious issue in the Czech Republic, with ever more children recording their classmates and even teachers, and posting the footage on the web. The Education Ministry has now, for the first time, recognized the issue of cyber-bullying, and has come up with guidelines to help schools control the use of mobile phones and other technology.

Lenka Bennerová, the head of the women’s advocacy group Forum 50% raised eyebrows last week when the media reported her comments that women in politics faced rudeness and a general negative attitude from their male colleagues. The comments underline a generally dire situation for women in Czech politics – the country has one of the lowest representations of women in politics in the developed world. Just 15.5 percent of MPs and 17.3 percent of senators are women, according to a recent study. So what is keeping women back in this largely progressive

It may be the season of peace and goodwill but there is very little of it to be seen in Czech politics. Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek’s centre-right government is deep in trouble and the opposition Social Democrats, currently riding high in the polls, are issuing ultimatums and tightening the noose.