(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
The Czech Republic took over from France at the helm of the
six-month rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union
(EU), Trend reports citing Xinhua .
The presidency was launched with a joint meeting of the Czech
government and the European Commission, headed by Commission
President Ursula von der Leyen in the eastern Czech town of
Litomysl.
In a tweet following the meeting, Czech Prime Minister Petr
Fiala said his government had discussed with the European
Commission the current problems that concern the EU and Czech
citizens.
'One of the main tasks lying ahead of us is the energy
self-sufficiency of the EU. If we act unitedly, we have a chance to
solve the current crisis,' he said.
Von der Leyen said a lot of work lay ahead for the Czech
presidency, including energy security, climate protection, economic
recovery and digitalization.
'I'm sure we will make good progress on strengthening our energy
security while delivering on our climate goals; combining
investment and reforms for a robust economy; and deepening our
global partnerships,' she tweeted.
The Czech Republic joined the EU in 2004, and assumed its first
EU Council Presidency in 2009. This year, it has said that its
priorities during its presidency will be the refugee crisis and aid
to Ukraine, energy security, defense reinforcement and resilience
of the European economy.
During a visit to the Czech Republic on Thursday, European
Council President Charles Michel said the Czech presidency comes at
a 'turning point' for Europe.
'Never has our Union faced such great challenges,' he said,
adding that an informal EU summit will be held in Prague on Oct.
6-7.
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