Experts from FIR are helping shape the Czech Republic’s trade strategy: The faculty organized a roundtable discussion for the National Convention on the EU
New Economic Partnerships and EU Trade Policy in a Time of Geopolitical Uncertainty. This was the main topic of the April roundtable organized by the National Convention on the EU, for which the Faculty of International Relations at the Prague University of Economics and Business served as the academic sponsor.
The roundtable, titled “EU Trade Policy in Unpredictable Times: New Economic Partnerships and Opportunities for the Czech Republic,” organized by the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, took place at the Liechtenstein Palace with the participation of representatives from government, academia, business associations, and other institutions.
FIR experts Mgr. Jarolím Antal, Ph.D., Director of the Center for European Studies, and Ing. Josef Bič, Ph.D. from the Department of International Economic Relations played a key role in preparing the roundtable by drafting the expert background document and recommendations.
The presented background material analyzes the transformations in the European Union’s trade policy in the context of growing geopolitical uncertainty, protectionism, and pressure for the EU’s strategic autonomy. As the authors emphasize, “trade liberalization is now complemented by new aspects such as supply chain resilience, sustainability, and economic security.”
The roundtable discussion focused primarily on the future shape of EU trade agreements, strengthening the presence of European and Czech companies in markets outside the EU, diversifying export activities, and the role of environmental and social standards in trade policy.
The participants agreed that the European Union should combine the ambition to conclude comprehensive trade agreements with a pragmatic approach that allows for a flexible response to current geopolitical challenges.
The roundtable produced recommendations aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the Czech economy and ensuring the Czech Republic’s active involvement in shaping EU trade policy. Key conclusions include:
- Emphasis on supporting export-oriented companies
- Development of economic diplomacy
- Strengthening the EU internal market
- Striking a balance between trade openness and strategic resilience
The recommendations are then discussed within the Committee on European Affairs at the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic.
The involvement of the Faculty of International Relations at the Prague University of Economics and Business in the activities of the National Convention on the EU has long confirmed its significant role in linking academic research with public policy-making. The faculty’s expert outputs thus contribute to an informed debate on European policies as well as to the formulation of practical recommendations for the government.
You can read the background document and recommendations on the Tvoříme Evropu website.
