CZECH Republic’s President Vaclav Klaus prepares himself
 for the live broadcast of New Year’s speech in his office
 at Prague Castle yesterday. Czech Republic took over the
 European Union Presidency from France yesterday. — Reuters

PRAGUE — The two parts of what used to be Czechoslovakia made European Union history as the Czech Republic took over the EU presidency yesterday and Slovakia became the 16th EU member state to embrace the euro. Slovakia is surfing on a wave of optimism as a newcomer to the euro club, while the Czechs face six months of hard work amid doubts about their capacity to preside over the 27-nation EU.

Some 100,000 people gathered in Bratislava’s main square on Wednesday night for a ceremony featuring midnight fireworks dominated by blue and yellow, the colours of the European Union. “The 16 years of an independent Slovak Republic have been a success story,” Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said triumphantly before withdrawing 100 euros ($139) from a cash machine in the parliament building.

Slovakia has beaten regional peers Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic on the way to the euro by a broad margin. The latter two countries have not set a euro entry date yet. On the Danube embankment in Bratislava, thousands of people gathered near a large stage under a huge 2009 logo in which the euro signs replaced the zeros. Another euro sign, made of yellow balloons, flew in the sky above.

The Czech Republic, in contrast, modestly marked the start of its EU presidency — the deputy prime minister illuminated a pendulum on a hill above Prague with the EU colours with the help of his mobile phone while sitting in a TV studio. Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek opted for a “private programme” on the last evening of the year, according to his spokesman.

President Vaclav Klaus, an outspoken eurosceptic who has described himself as a “European dissident”, also failed to appear in public a day ahead of his official New Year’s Day speech. The agenda-setting presidency, held for the last six months by France, may turn out to be a tough job for Topolanek in the face of growing opposition from Klaus, who has dismissed the EU presidency as “unimportant” — prompting concern elsewhere in Europe about the Czechs’ ability to do the job.

But the Czech vice premier in charge of EU affairs, Alexandr Vondra, maintained there was little cause for worry.  “If someone underestimates us or has worries, then I think we can only pleasantly surprise them,” he said. “It’s a better starting position when there are questions or misgivings. If there were great expectations and we were unable to fulfil them, that would be much worse.” The first challenge will be the stoppage of gas supplies from Russia to Ukraine, which could upset supplies to the rest of Europe, and the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the name of the 27 European countries.

Another major concern is the global financial crisis. Both the Czech Republic and Slovakia have largely been spared so far, but the effect of the turmoil on the industry-based countries is already beginning to tell. While Fico’s left-leaning government is hoping the euro will shield the country from the worst of the crisis and help it maintain its rapid growth, his Czech counterpart promotes the koruna currency, saying being independent is not a bad way to handle the crisis.

Last night showed the difference between the Czech sceptics and the euro-happy Slovaks even in the streets. “I’m happy we have the koruna,” said Milos, a Czech man in his thirties, declining to give his surname. “The euro will hurt the poorer Slovaks,” he added, walking down a Prague street. “I feel a step ahead of the Czech Republic. They are more cautious, but we are the first,” said Katarina Benczova, 28, in Bratislava. — AFP