The Czech Republic's European Policy

Czech society's relationship to European integration has changed considerably over the past three decades. After accession to the EU in 2004, a decade of enthusiasm was followed by ten years, during which Czech politics looked to Brussels, partly sobered, partly disillusioned, and domestic critics of the EU gained a greater hearing. The euro crisis and especially the issue of migration have led to a further cooling. Today, Czech politics is cultivating a pragmatic relationship with the European Union and seeks to derive advantages from its membership. But, in reality, many Czechs see European institutions as a foreign and threatening power that is undermining state sovereignty and social values.