GRADE

84 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2016
1. The Czech Republic should not be reactive or isolationist in its
approach to the refugee crisis and should seek a solution that preserves
and strengthens the Schengen system. The free movement of people and
other freedoms that ensue from EU membership represent one of the greatest
achievements of European integration. It is in the eminent interest of the
Czech Republic to help the EU emerge from the regee crisis as a stronger and
better nctioning unit. Political representatives should not exploit the fears
of socie for short-term political gains. The Czech Republic is a prosperous
and economically growing country, which makes short-sighted egoism in
foreign policy utterly inexcusable. In emphasizing the protection of Schengen
borders, the Czech Republic must be more actively involved in humanitarian
activities in Middle East countries that have become the primary rege of the
majori of regees. At the same time, it is important to realize that the only
way to maintain the Schengen system is through reform of EU asylum policy.
The basic goal of the Czech Republic should be to ensure uniform procedures
and standards of protection during asylum proceedings in the EU. Czech and
European asylum and migration policy must conform to international law.
Lastly, the Czech Republic should accept a greater number of regees from
endangered areas and place them in a national integration program. The current
Czech contribution does not correspond to its capacities.
2. The government should clearly distance itself from statements by the
President that are not in line with its foreign policy. The government must
be able to substantively counter the damage to the Czech Republic’s reputation
caused by the President. It is not enough to simply emphasize that there is a
difference between presidential rhetoric and official foreign policy. Without a
concerted explanation of the government’s position to the public and foreign
partners, Czech diplomacy will remain unreadable. In addition to the Minister
of Foreign Affairs, these tasks should also be undertaken by the Prime Minister.
It would be wise to continue the consultation meetings of government officials.
Discussion is beneficial under all circumstances. Nevertheless, we cannot
pretend this will achieve consensus on a broad range of foreign policy issues.
3. The government should initiate national debate on the future of the
Economic and Monetary Union and the role of the Czech Republic in
it. The year 2016 will be crucial in the discussion of the rther development
of the EMU. There has not yet been any true debate in the Czech Republic on
the ture of the euro area, thus a more sophisticated position on this matter
has not been formed. Discussion should not only concern the economic impact,
but also political and geopolitical effects. A strategic debate cannot be reduced