Prague, Dec 14 (CTK) – Czech PM Bohuslav Sobotka will insist on strengthening the protection of the outer border, reject the British demand for restricting the freedom of movement and support the Energy Union at the upcoming EU summit, according to his mandate that the government approved on Monday.
The Czech Republic has repeatedly demanded safe borders and cooperation in the fight against terrorism during the migrant crisis.
“The renewal of an efficient control of the EU outer border remains a priority for the Czech government,” the government press section said.
Sobotka (Social Democrats, CSSD) also said the Czech Republic was willing to help the countries facing the strongest influx of migrants.
The Czech Republic has already sent soldiers and police to the the Hungarian and Slovenian borders.
Prague will support the information sharing by intelligence services and the completion of a directive on the register of air transport passengers within the anti-terrorism fight.
The European leaders will also deal with the British demand for an EU reform. British PM David Cameron announced in early November that London would like to restrict the free movement of persons and welfare benefits for EU citizens coming to Britain.
The Czech Republic considers a free movement restriction unacceptable. However, some of the British proposals might be useful, according to the mandate for Sobotka.
The other part of the two-day summit will focus on economic issues. Sobotka was assigned to support the Energy Union and measures to increase energy security.
Ahead of the EU summit to be held on Thursday and Friday, all prime ministers of the Visegrad Four (V4) countries, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, will traditionally meet to harmonise their stances.
