Czech Republic » International Relations

The Czech Republic's Relations with International Community

Until 1989, the foreign policy of Czechoslovakia had followed that of the Soviet Union. Since independence, the Czechs have made integration with Western institutions their chief foreign policy objective.

Fundamental to this objective is Czech membership in the European Union. The Czech Republic became a member of the EU in May 2004. This followed signature of the Treaty of Accession with nine other candidate nations in 1993. Although there have been disagreements with established EU member nations over some economic issues, such as agricultural quotas and a recent amendment to the gaming law, relations are good.

The Czech Republic is a member of the United Nations and participates in its specialized agencies. It is a member of the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs. It maintains diplomatic relations with more than 85 countries, of which 63 have permanent representation in Prague. The Czech Republic became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, along with Poland and Hungary, on 12 March 1999. This membership represents a milestone in the country's foreign policy and security orientation.

Trade And Investment With UK

In 2004 UK exports to the Czech Republic were worth £951m, down 5% on £1bn in 2003. Czech exports to the UK were £1.3bn in 2004. The UK is responsible for approximately 3% of Foreign Direct Investment in the Czech Republic. Principal UK investors include International Power, LogicaCMG, and Shell. Several British household names can now be seen on the streets of Prague Tesco, Next, Marks & Spencer, Mothercare and Debenhams.