Česká republika a předsednictví EU

Abstract

CZECH REPUBLIC AND THE EU PRESIDENTY Kateřina Bohdová The Czech Republic entered the European Union on May 1st 2004. By this act the Czech Republic gained various benefits and rights which naturally had to be compensated by new obligations. The Czech Republic was presiding over the EU Council from January 1st 2009 till June 30th 2009 just as the second country from all states having entered the EU in 2004 (the first was Slovenia). The presidency is very important opportunity for states to promote themselves within the Union and enhance the international prestige. The aim of the Czech presidency was especially to confirm the country´s competence and maturity. The aim of the thesis is to characterize and evaluate the Czech presidency - its preparations, factual process and its final evaluations from the perspectives of other countries as well as its contributions to the European Union and the Czech Republic itself.