Prime Minister discussed the incoming President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen

The Prime Minister stressed that the Czech Republic is currently most interested in the future setting of the EU budget, i.e. the multiannual financial framework. He recalled that decision-making on investment priorities should be brought closer to citizens, as it is the national governments that know best where to channel the money. Prime Minister Babiš also recommended investing European funds in supporting families with children, in sewage treatment plants, in combating drought and finally in transport infrastructure.

On the issue of combating climate change, the Prime Minister stressed the current commitments of the Czech Republic, which we intend to meet, and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. He pointed out that Europe must not remain alone in its ambition and that other world players, especially Russia, China, India and the US, must also play a role. The problem and its solutions need to be discussed, and according to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš the UN General Assembly at the end of September in New York, which he will attend in person, to be a suitable place to do so.

“Ms von der Leyen is a nice and highly educated politician who understands the needs of our region well and will try to unite Europe. I appreciate the fact that she has received me as the third prime minister of the EU and that she has tried to understand our positions. The EU needs a pragmatic leadership that wants to discuss all the solutions sufficiently, and Ms von der Leyen fulfils this idea well”, summed up Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.