Poland in the EU

The Czech presidency was criticised like no other I can remember, even before it began. But actually it was not bad. Unfotunately that is likely to change now.

As you probably know by now, the government of prime minister Mirek Topolanek has fallen. I am frustrated by this development.

Up til now I was sort of rooting for the Czechs. It seemed indecent how much criticism they had to endure even before their presidency started. It came mainly from the French, who seemed to share their president's sorrow that he can't stay at the head of the EU forever. Of course I am no fan of president Vaclav Klaus, or the other guys from his (former) party. But hey, give the guys a break!

The Czechs nearly showed them. They were instrumental in solving the Russian-Ukraine energy crisis. The Russians, always eager to talk only to the big guys in Europe suddenly decided they have to talk to Prague as well. In Poland their pushing forward the Eastern Partnership and steps towards a common EU energy policy were also well appreciated. "If not for the Czechs, the 5bln euro energy projects the Commission proposed would have never gotten through", a Polish diplomat told me.

I guess that's where the list of Czech successes ends. I can't imagine anyone will listen to Topolanek as a caretaker prime minister. So it's back to the big guys deciding for themselves, and the EU not doing much together.

This is really frustrating. I am not an expert on Czech politics, but I really don't see why the politicians who wanted to see the government fall could not hold their horses until July 1. Really guys, we have enough crises in Europe as it is. Disgusting. 

I feel especially sorry for Mr. Vondra, the deputy prime minister, who seemed to be holding the whole presidency together. Nothing like a few dumb politicians to wipe out months of the guys work.