Merkel on a mission ****************************************************************************************** * Merkel on a mission ****************************************************************************************** The Prague Post, 22.10.2008, rubrika: the front page, strana: 1, autor: By Curtis M. Wong German Ch ancello r visi ts prague , urges EU uni ty amid marke t mel tdown Europe’s current financial crisis and the future of the Lisbon Treaty were at the top of G Angela Merkel’s agenda during her Oct. 20 meeting with Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek in l country’s impending European Union presidency. Merkel received an enthusiastic welcome upon her arrival at the Kramář Villa, the prime mi residence next to Letná Park, where she was greeted by Topolánek and a full-scale marching posing for photographs, the two headed inside the villa for a press briefing. Merkel praised the Lisbon Treaty in her opening remarks to reporters, which some interpret move, as the Czech Republic is one of a few countries that have yet to ratify the controve which aims to set rules for the functioning of the enlarged EU. Picking up after Merkel, Topolánek assured reporters that “the ratification See MERKEL on Page A2 Merkel touts Lisbon Treaty MERKEL FROM A1 process is not simple. I support the ratification despite all the problems ... with the tr Following the press conference, Merkel proceeded to the Karolinum at Charles University, w presented with the Golden Memorial Award, the university’s highest honor, in recognition o Czech and German relations, particularly in the realm of scientific research. After accepting the award, Merkel praised the country’s efforts before a crammed audience dignitaries, including Topolánek and Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Alexandr V university professors and students. “The Czech Republic definitely had a large stake in the reunification of Germany, and, as will never forget that,” Merkel said. After describing Czech and German relations as “trad complicated,” she added, “We are now neighbors who are curious to get to know each other w face up to our past, and our future is crucially linked to the integration of Europe.” She went on to congratulate the Czech Republic in its preparations to take on the EU presi as only the first post-communist country since Slovenia to take on the position. “With the presidency, a voice will be heard that’s of a different past than those of us which have a freedom. The Czech Republic has had its share of oppression, particularly during communism it’s very important to have this perspective in the EU.” Europe’s voice Merkel also stressed the need for strong cooperation between the two nations, particularly current financial crisis. “From a fiscal perspective, this is going to be the greatest cha since World War II,” she said. “Such a crisis can only be solved by a worldwide [collabora She was, however, critical of the EU’s leading industries, suggesting there was room for i “The European economy is one of small and midsize industries, which are role models in man said. “However, much of the problem is that most of their work is done only for short-term long-term perspective is forgotten in the process.” She spoke of the need for EU integration in the face of global competition. “Europe’s voic world … is something that we need to develop,” she said. “We need to show that the EU is a that can face today’s challenges.” After touching on ecological and bureaucratic issues, s her address by entreating a final plea for the Czech Republic’s support of the Lisbon Trea certain it’s a treaty that shows we have learned from our mistakes in the past,” she said. hope that the Lisbon Treaty will soon be used as a basis for all of us.” Topolánek ignored treaty during his brief follow-up remarks, simply describing political relations with Merk more alike in our thoughts and approaches,” and focusing on the country’s presidential age “The Czech Republic has to be prepared to take on a number of controversial topics. … I do size of the country or the duration of its EU membership matters in this respect,” he said the race for new ideas, then we’ll lose in the future.” Differing perspectives Merkel had long been expected to discuss issues regarding Belarus, often called “Europe’s dictatorship,” with Topolánek in the wake of last week’s removal of a travel ban against B President Alexander Lukashenka, seen by many authorities as a reward for that country’s re toward democracy, since her visit was announced. However, most officials weren’t surprised chancellor’s decision to forgo the topic in favor of economic issues. “Merkel’s visit is meant to serve as a platform for the exchange of information between th and Germany, and the Czech government is seeing it as an opportunity to inform German offi agenda for the EU presidency,” said European integration specialist Jan Karlas from Prague International Relations. “In the middle of the global financial crisis, it was likely that be modified somewhat. They had to react to fiscal events that have taken place in the past Karlas said relations with Germany should be a top priority during the Czech Republic’s pr to the geographic proximity of the two countries as well as their bureaucratic similaritie to describe the “European Neighborhood Policy,” a plan that proposes establishing a strong between current EU members with countries not expected to join in the foreseeable future, Moldova and Georgia. “Germany is one of the most important countries in the EU. … Both the Czech Republic and Germany have a strong interest in the EU’s activity in Easte keen on the development there,” he said. “However, their perspectives often differ, and th is just one example.” “From a fiscal perspective, this is going to be the greatest challenge we’ve seen since Wo Angela Merkel, German chancellor