The Czechs have always shared the European civilisation and cultural values, they have been a substantial part of European history. It is therefore no surprise that since 1993, the accession to the EU has been perceived by a majority of the Czech population as a historic necessity and full integration into the EU is supported by all parliamentary parties in the Czech Republic.

After 1993, the EU has become the Czech Republic´s largest trading partner with more than 65 % share of its foreign trade and EU member states are now the largest investors in the country. The Czech Republic´s proximity to the Union is clearly shown by the fact that the country shares the longest part of the border with EU member states.

Europe Agreement and Treaty of Accession

The Czech Republic submitted its application for membership on 23 January 1996.

In 1995, the Europe Agreement establishing an association between the Czech Republic on the one part, and EC and their Member States on the other part (known also as the Association Agreement) entered into force.

The accession negotiations between the Czech Republic and EU opened in March 1998 and concluded in December 2002. The Treaty of Accession, which defines the conditions of the Czech Republic membership in the EU, was signed in Athens on 16 April, 2003. On 1 May 2004, the Czech Republic became a full-fledged member of the EU.

For more information please visit the Website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.