Czech gov’t crisis hampers EU talks

As the reputation of the Czech Republic's role as president of the European Union is hijacked by an internal government crisis, it remains to be seen whether Turkey will be able to open at least two accession chapters before the country's term presidency expires at the end of June. Â

Although EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn had earlier said Turkey could begin accession talks in two policy areas or chapters by June -- namely in social policy and employment, and taxation -- the failure to open any of the planned chapters so far sparks concern that Ankara could be left with less than that.

Two chapters for Turkey
Opening two chapters with Turkey in each EU term presidency has become a common practice. The Czechs, however, in favor of Turkey's EU bid, agreed to open three chapters during their term. But considering the current Czech government's condition, concerns are running high that this target will not be reached.

Turkish diplomatic sources expressed the belief that the government crisis in the Czech Republic would not have an impact on the Turkish-EU negotiations, saying there was still time for the opening of the two chapters.

Turkey, whose accession talks were launched in October 2005, has so far opened only 10 out of 35 negotiating chapters. The EU froze talks on eight chapters in 2006 due to Turkey's refusal to open its air and sea ports to traffic from member Greek Cyprus. France, additionally, vetoes five chapters on the grounds that their opening will lead to full membership.

Outgoing Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek's coalition government was dissolved late March when it failed a vote of confidence from the lower house. The Topolanek-led government, acting as a caretaker since then, will be replaced by a technocrat government on May 8. However, the new government, which will steer the country's foreign and domestic policy until general elections in October, is largely viewed as inexperienced, causing uncertainty with regards to Czech participation in important EU summits.

Czech President Vaclav Klaus, known as an anti-EU figure, is expected to chair the Eastern Partnership summit May 7, an important tool for the EU's cooperation and enhancement of its relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

Energy chapter awaits Swedish presidency
The Czech Republic, considering energy security among the top priorities during its term presidency, wanted to open Turkish-EU talks in that sphere but Czech diplomats say the Greek Cypriot blockade over the opening of negotiations in the energy chapter is not a secret.

"Opening and closing of the chapters is a game of responsible officials, civil servants. This is not an important matter. What's important is political will and I displayed my political will about Turkey's participation in the EU integration process," President Klaus told a joint press conference with his visiting Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gül, last week in Prague. He was asked to comment on the EU's failure to begin talks with Turkey in the energy area due to political reasons.

Diplomats say the opening of the energy chapter depends on progress on negotiations between the Cypriot leaders to reunify the divided island but note the talks on that chapter are very likely to begin during the incoming Swedish presidency set to take office in July.

At the very start of its presidency, the Czech Republic sought ways to resolve a serious natural gas crisis involving Russia and Ukraine last winter and prompted the EU to invest in energy security. The presidency will host another energy summit on May 8 about the EU's flagship Nabucco natural gas project to be attended also by Turkey but it is not yet clear at what level Turkey will be represented.

3,300 kilometer Nabucco pipeline aimed at carrying Middle Eastern and Caspian gas to Europe via Turkey faces a number of obstacles including finding alternative suppliers and financial commitments. Officials say the flow of even one-third of the planned gas from the pipeline is important given the past crises, adding that not trying Nabucco would be a mistake.