Unity in the European Union will exist only by harmonizing different interests, Jan Lipavskyi says in an interview with Der Standard, also referring to the current war, Rador quotes.

Russia’s war against Ukraine marked the whole of Europe. The government in Prague has felt this particularly acutely in the last six months: the rotating EU presidency has required a lot of political energy, as well as a willingness to once again refuse some favors already done.

Der Standard: At the beginning of the year, the Czech Republic handed over the EU Council presidency to Sweden. What balance do you end with in the six months you’ve been in charge?

Yan Lipavskyi: When the attack on Ukraine began on February 24, our preparations were completely turned upside down. The invasion and its consequences were naturally at the center of our activities – both in energy policy and in terms of humanitarian, military and economic aid to Ukraine.

The current president of the EU must navigate between the various interests of the member states. But we tried, of course, to come up with our accents, for example, such an important expansion from the point of view of the security policy of the Western Balkans, namely the candidacy of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

I think it was received positively. We were also concerned about the expansion of the Schengen area. Unfortunately, we were only able to do this in the case of Croatia, after Austria decided at the last moment to refuse Romania’s entry.

Der Standard: How did you take this decision?

Yan Lipavskyi: From my point of view, this step was somewhat sudden, Austria had previously given completely different signals. However, it is not my task to pass judgment on the Austrian policy, respectively, on the considerations that led to this decision.

However, I believe that the accession of Romania and Bulgaria to Schengen – or at least the realistic prospect of rapid accession – will lead to greater security, to a better application of common rules in these countries.

Der Standard: To what extent did you manage to preserve unity in the EU?

Yan Lipavskyi: I watched the New Year’s concert of the Vienna Philharmonic on January 1. On the contrary, the EU is not a perfectly rehearsed orchestra. This is a project that should bring different interests to the same level. Intensive work is required here, and unity is formed when the parties come to a common denominator.

If we look at the 9 packages of sanctions against Russia, the training of the Ukrainian military or the important financial aid to avoid the collapse of Ukraine, I must say that the unity is really strong.

Der Standard: Hungary agreed to 18 billion euros for Ukraine only in exchange for a reduction in European money for Budapest. Was it really a “mega-deal” as Prague announced? Or was it blackmail from Hungary?

Yan Lipavskyi: I am glad that this issue was resolved. The role of the leadership of the Council of the EU is precisely to see different interests and make proposals that may differ from those of other institutions, but contribute to the political progress of things. I consider it recognized that I conducted a constructive activity here. (Radar pickup)