The Czech Republic: Between the EU and Russia

Matej Jungwirth Institute of World Politics April 3, 2013

Outline
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Basic Overview The Czech Republic and the EU Russian Interests in the Czech Republic 2013 Presidential Elections Conclusion

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Basic Overview

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Basic Overview
Population: 10, 163, 000 Capital: Prague Parliamentary Democracy Direct Presidential Elections (since 2013)

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Basic Overview
Economy

GDP: $286.7 billion Czech Crown Export Oriented Germany (32.4%) Car Industries 7% Unemployment

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Basic Overview
History

1948 1989: Communist Rule 1989: The Velvet Revolution 1999: NATO 2004: EU

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

The Czech Republic and the EU

From buoyant hopes to pervasive skepticism

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Pew Survey 2012

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Pew Survey 2012

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Pew Survey 2012

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

President Vclav Klaus (2003-2013)

Exploiting the bully pulpit
Read some European newspapers, and you would think Mr Klaus was the only political leader in Prague. (The Economist)

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Russian Interests in the Czech Republic

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Russian Interests in the Czech Republic

History

1945-1968 1989 1991 2006

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Russian Interests in the Czech Republic

Energy - gas

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Russian Interests in the Czech Republic

Energy - gas

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Russian Interests in the Czech Republic

Energy - gas

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Russian Interests in the Czech Republic

Energy Temeln Nuclear Power Plant

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Russian Interests in the Czech Republic

Espionage and intelligence gathering

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

2013 Presidential Elections

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

4/3/2013 J. Barroso Visits Prague

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Vclav Klaus and Milo Zeman

True antagonists or close allies?

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Vclav Klaus and Milo Zeman

True antagonists or close allies?

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Conclusion
Growing resentment of the EU Long-term interests of RF in the Czech Republic Unclear stances of the new President Tensions between the Castle and Foreign Ministry Younger generation of Czechs coming to age

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013

Thank you.

Questions?

Matej Jungwirth, IWP Lecture 4/3/2013