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Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Czech Republic will take over from France the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July 2022 for the period of six months. 

The visual identity of the Czech Presidency reflects its guiding principle, priorities and objectives under the slogan "Europe as a Task: rethink, rebuild, repower". The EU2022.CZ brand is based on the logo of the first Czech Presidency of the EU Council in 2009. It builds on its foundations, but at the same time it looks to the future and reflects the current developments in graphic design.

The brand consists of a graphic character and a text part. The graphic symbol contains a total of 27 elements representing the Member States of the European Union. Each element is based on the colours of the flag of a particular Member State, replacing the two-letter abbreviations in the original identity from the 2009 Presidency. At the same time, each element is stylised into a shape of a compass needle, which refers to the complementary motif of the original Presidency logo – a map composed of the abbreviations of the EU countries.

The homogeneous emblem composed of several elements reflects the motto of the European Union “United in diversity”.

Europe as a Task: rethink, rebuild, repower

The motto of the Czech Presidency “Europe as a Task: rethink, rebuild, repower” is a public declaration of the legacy of the first Czech President Václav Havel. It was chosen to reflect on the essay of the same name published in 1996 by the former President. This motto is a testimony and reminder that we all need to work continuously towards a modern and functioning Europe. The motto expresses a commitment to strengthen common freedom, responsibility, security and prosperity.

For the second Czech Presidency, the greatest inspiration in Havel's texts dwells in their leitmotiv, which is the demand for critical re-thinking of the task that lies ahead of Europe and Europeans.

Havel’s “Europe as a Task” slogan can be understood not only as an opportunity for joint reflection, but above all as a call to accept responsibility and act decisively in line with the values imposed by our conscience.

Czech Prime Minister Professor Petr Fiala said:

"Europe is first and foremost a collection of principles and values which we uphold and cherish together. The fundamental ones are freedom and responsibility. Freedom of individuals, but also of nations. Responsibility for oneself, for our families, for other citizens, but also for the environment that surrounds us.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has shown us that our freedom and security are as threatened today as they were in the past. The fight for freedom never ends. The task of the European Union and the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU is to assist Ukrainians who are currently fighting for their homeland and for the freedom to choose their future.

The Russian invasion has triggered the largest population movement in Europe since the end of the Second World War. It also far exceeds the migration wave of 2014-2015. The Czech Presidency is focusing on effective European cooperation and solidarity to achieve long-term successful integration of refugees into the societies of the EU Member States.

Another important task of the Czech Presidency will be the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. This should focus on restoring critical infrastructure, ensuring essential services, strengthening resilience and overall economic stability. The EU's intensive cooperation with Ukraine and the coordination of the necessary financial resources of the entire free world will be crucial.

The need for an accelerated transformation of Europe’s energy sector is even more urgent today. Its decarbonisation is no longer only about climate protection. It is now, above all, a condition for our independence and energy security. The EU’s climate commitments are heading towards the end of this decade. This transformation must be carried out in an economically and socially sensitive manner, so as to not jeopardize the standard of living of our citizens and the competitiveness of our industry. The Czech Presidency will focus on implementing the RePowerEU package, which includes a faster transition to low-carbon and renewable energy sources, energy savings or more resilient, diversified sources.

The Czech Presidency will also seek to strengthen European defense capabilities, especially in cooperation with NATO, where the priority is to support the implementation of key topics under the Strategic Compass. The development of long-term cooperation in strategic military systems is essential. In addition, we will seek budgetary support for the renewal of the armaments of European armies.

The COVID pandemic and the war in Ukraine remind us that we need to strengthen supply chains and increase the resilience of the European economy as a whole to external threats. The Czech Presidency aims to move forward as quickly as possible with the conclusion of trade agreements with democratic states and to deepen transatlantic cooperation within the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC), with an emphasis on strategic cooperation.

Europe is currently facing many problems and challenges, but if we act with unity and determination, we will emerge stronger and more resilient from these crises.

On behalf of the Czech Republic, I promise to accept the Presidency of the Council of the European Union with pride, humility and determination and that we will carry it out in the interests of all citizens of the Member States of the European Union."

Priorities of the Czech Presidency

During its Presidency, the Czech Republic will focus on five closely linked priority areas:

  1. Managing the refugee crisis and Ukraine’s post-war recovery
  2. Energy security
  3. Strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities and cyberspace security
  4. Strategic resilience of the European economy
  5. Resilience of democratic institutions
     

For more information: https://www.eu2022.cz/