Foreword by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

Dear Friends,

The Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU represents an important platform in terms of international presentation within political, trade and, last but not least cultural affairs. Our country has the opportunity (perhaps to an even greater degree) to its role as an active member of the EU, which depends on a successful shared future. This is a time when we can finally show with even greater impact that the Czech Republic is a developed democratic country open to international co-operation, and one which is not indifferent to consequential international issues. The world has changed drastically. We need to respond to these new challenges, and sometimes we also need to confront them head-on. The issues of European co-operation and sustainability have progressively become a priority for the European public. But Ukraine remains the topic most discussed, and here we emphasise aid, commonality and, above all, solidarity. These are all also the priorities for the CZ PRES.

In co-operation with the Czech Centres and our diplomatic missions around the world, an attractive project has been set up comprising a series of programmes united under the motto Visions for Europe. This concise and clear wording covers a lot, with people taking part in specific programmes using minute-long videos to present their personal vision for Europe and what they are contributing towards it. It’s not about creating just a Czech programme, but rather a truly European one. Above all, it’s about acknowledging one’s responsibility for shared European issues, and endeavouring to contribute towards finding solutions.

I consider the Czech Centres to be an important partner which can (often at an informal level) represent our country to the world with dignity. Thanks to this co-operation, new contacts are made, and deeper connections with cultural institutions are established, which through interdisciplinary activities also go beyond pure cultural exchange, pushing co-operation to new.

JAN LIPAVSKÝ

CZECH MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS