CEBRE - Czech Business Representation to the EU in Brussels was founded by three most important cross sectoral Czech entrepreneurial and employers organizations - Confederation of Employers' and Entrepreneurs' Associations of the Czech Republic, Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic and Czech Chamber of Commerce. Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic together with its trade promotion agency CzechTrade provided support to this joint effort. CEBRE operates in Brussels in cooperation with the Embassy of the Czech Republic to Belgium.

Currently, main focus of CEBRE is helping Czech business community to succeed in the enlarged EU by providing up-to-date relevant information, customized training for managers and analyses of EU affairs. Besides that CEBRE represents its founding organizations vis-a-vis European organizations and associations they participate in. These include BusinessEurope (former UNICE), Eurochambres, UEAPME, Eurocommerce, and others.  

Danish Presidency

From January till June 2012, Denmark presides over the EU Council. Denmark replaced Polish presidency and continues its works within presidency trio of Poland - Denmark - Cyprus. The presidency trio priorities are set up in an eighteen-month programme. The presidency works are influenced by a long-term EU agenda, impact of the Lisbon Treaty ratification, European economic situation and the overall global context, which plays an important role in EU political decision-making. The Danish presidency identified four fundamental priorities that must be strengthened to ensure stable economic and political development of the EU, such as a responsible Europe, a dynamic Europe, a green Europe, and a safe Europe.

To achieve these objectives, Denmark will seek to:

• Ensuring a responsible European economy;

• Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2014-2020;

• Create revitalised growth and employment in Europe;

• Set a proactive agenda for promoting green and sustainable growth;

• Ensure well-functioning Common European Asylum System and stronger Schengen cooperation;

• Support a strengthening of the EU external and development policies.

These priorities provide for specific actions in various EU policies. The task for the Danish Presidency will be to implement the proposed changes, which will be shaped according to the Danish ability to face challenge of economic crisis and lack of trust in the EU. Particularly, implementing the agreement on a fiscal compact at the EU Summit 8-9 December 2011 will have impact on the future direction of the EU.

Have a look at the Strategic framework and the Danish Presidency calendar

For more information, visit the official website of the Danish presidency http://eu2012.dk/en