CZECH REPUBLIC: BUILDING PRIORITIES BETWEEN FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC POLICY

Abstract

The article considers the position of the Czech Republic in relation to Russia after the start of a special military operation on the territory of Ukraine and its influence on the domestic and foreign policy of the country. It is noted that Prague faced this event more prepared due to the Czech-Russian diplomatic crisis that occurred in 2021, which reduced diplomatic contacts between the countries to a minimum and weakened economic interaction. In 2022, de-Russification continued, but already under the general approval of Brussels and a significant number of the local population. Moreover, we can say that the government of P. Fiala tried to make itself known at the international level through active participation in activities to support Ukraine, often becoming a «trendsetter» in this matter. A special place in the rhetoric of Prague was occupied by the theme of abandoning Russian hydrocarbons. However, as indicated in the paper, the country was not ready to take this step in the spring of 2022, since there were no alternative sources of energy supplies. It is emphasized that the desire to designate the Czech Republic in European affairs as a major player contrasted with the failed domestic policy, where the Cabinet of Ministers could not cope with the challenge of the economic crisis and was late with the introduction of an anti-crisis package of measures to support the population.

Keywords

• czech republic
• russia
• czech-russian relations
• special military operation
• anti-russian sanctions
• gas supplies to europe
• domestic politics of czech republic