PM: Czech gov't wants Britain to stay EU's key member

Prague/Brussels, Jan 23 (CTK) - The Czech government certainly would not like Britain to leave the European Union, Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas said in reaction to PM David Cameron's address in which he Wednesday promised a referendum on Britain's EU membership after British elections in 2015.

Necas said the Czech government is interested in Britain being an active and key member of the EU integration process.

He added that he understands Cameron's attitudes.

Necas said he shares Cameron's opinion that Europe should be more flexible, more open and should seek trust of its own citizens more.

He indicated that the Czech public, similarly to the British public, is rather sceptical and reserved about the EU.

Cameron's address had first of all impact on Britain's home politics, Necas said.

The European Commission appreciated that Cameron said he wishes Britain to stay part of the EU.

But Cameron said Britain may have the tendency to leave the EU unless the EU undergoes a significant change. He said he wants to negotiate about new conditions of the EU membership of his country.