22 November 2022 EU and the CR What is nationalism /patriotism? * What does your country’s flag symbolize? White – chastity or purity Red-blood shed by people fighting for our freedom Blue - sky without clouds - from national emblem * What are the basic ideas expressed in your country’s national anthem? written by the composer František Škroup and the playwright Josef Kajetán Tyl, appeared in Fidlovačka, or No Anger and No Brawl * How often, and in what contexts, is it sung? * Is there a ‘pledge of allegiance’ in our country? How often and where is it made? US: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. EU member country since when? since 1 May 2004 Currency: Czech koruna (CZK). Czechia is currently preparing to adopt the euro. Schengen area member since when? What does it mean? Schengen area member since 21 December 2007 Czechia in the EU and 4 main EU bodies: European Parliament There are 21 members of the European Parliament from Czechia. Council of the EU In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from Czechia's government, depending on the policy area being addressed. European Council The heads of state or government of the EU countries meet, as the European Council, to define the general political direction and priorities of the European Union. The European Council is chaired by a president who is elected for a 2.5-year term, renewable once. It does not adopt laws except for possible EU Treaty amendments. European Commission Represents the common interests of the EU and is the EU’s main executive body. It uses its ‘right of initiative’ to put forward proposals for new laws, which are scrutinised and adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. It also manages EU policies (except for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, which is conducted by the High Representative for CFSP, Vice-President of the European Commission), and the EU’s budget and ensures that countries apply EU law correctly. Representation offices act as the Commission’s voice across the EU. They monitor and analyse public opinion in their host country, provide information about EU policies and the way the EU works, and facilitate the Commission’s cooperation with the host member country. Presidency of the Council of the EU The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months. During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions. Dates of Czechia’s presidencies: Jan-Jun 2009 | Jul-Dec 2022 What are the benefits of the euro? The euro offers many benefits for individuals, businesses and the economies of the countries that use it. These include: · the ease with which prices can be compared between countries, which boosts competition between businesses, thereby benefiting consumers · price stability · the euro makes it easier, cheaper and safer for businesses to buy and sell within the euro area and to trade with the rest of the world · improved economic stability and growth · better integrated financial markets · greater influence in the global economy · a tangible sign of a European identity. EU membership - advantages and disadvantages General Advantages · Membership in a community of stability, democracy, security and prosperity; · Stimulus to GDP growth, more jobs, higher wages and pensions; · Growing internal market and domestic demand; · Free movement of labour, goods, services and capital; · Free access to 450 million consumers. Macroeconomic Impacts · Growing inflow of FDI (direct foreign investment) due to increased business confidence; · Reduced risks, more mobile workforce; · Efficient transport through the major Helsinki corridors; · Stronger competition and a drive for innovation; · State subsidy system harmonised with EU regulations; · Easier access to financial institutions and funds within the enlarged European Union; · One percent point additional increase in GDP and industrial output growth due to higher export sales dynamics. Benefits for companies · Transparency of taxation and business accounting rules; · No customs or quantitative restrictions within the EU; · Simplified administrative procedure when trading with other EU member states; Reduction of non-tariff trade barriers · Mutual certification of goods; · Single standard certification process for the entire region; · Rigorous enforcement of competition policy and intellectual property rights; · Harmonized VAT payment system in the EU. The Main Disadvantages of the EU Membership Fewer Borders = Increased Danger Local governments are powerless to act in some instances Lack of transparency & money costs The European Union favours bigger countries It is costly, too much bureaucracy It diminishes the values and national identity of individual states