Coordination of European Policies

European policies refer to all matters discussed at the level of the European Union. The aim of their coordination is to enable the Czech Republic to effectively promote its interests within the EU. An increasing number of EU policies are cross-cutting in nature, and both legislative proposals and non-legislative documents often fall within the competence of multiple ministries. In such cases, it is essential for the Czech Republic to speak with one voice, adopt its positions in a timely manner and support them with sound arguments, to present concrete counterproposals, and build alliances with other Member States in support of its positions. The Section for European Affairs also ensures that the Czech Republic’s positions are consistent with the Policy Statement of the Government and key strategic documents.

To this end, the Section for European Affairs of the Government Office coordinates a robust system for inter-ministerial consultation on national positions for negotiations at all levels of the EU—ranging from European Commission committees and Council working groups, through the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper), to the various configurations of the Council of the EU and the European Council. This system begins with the analysis of proposals and the formulation of initial positions and culminates in the approval of mandates for ministers and the Prime Minister. The entire system is overseen by a governmental working and advisory body, the Committee for the European Union.