Overview
Capital: Prague
Official EU language(s): Czech
EU member country: since 1 May 2004
Currency: Czech koruna (CZK). Czechia is currently in the process of preparing to adopt the euro.
Schengen: Czechia has been a member of the Schengen area since 21 December 2007.
Figures: Geographical size – population – gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS
Political system
Czechia operates as a parliamentary republic with a prime minister as the head of government and a president as the head of state. The country came into existence in 1993 following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia into Czechia and Slovakia. Czechia is divided into 14 regions, including its capital, Prague.
Trade and economy
In 2020, the key sectors of Czechia’s economy included industry (28.1%), wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation, and food services (17.5%), and public administration, defense, education, human health, and social work activities (16.8%).
Internally, 80% of Czechia’s exports are traded within the EU, with Germany (33%), Slovakia (8%), and Poland (6%) being the main destinations. Outside the EU, 2% of exports are directed to the United States.
Regarding imports, 73% originate from EU Member States, with Germany (28%), Poland (9%), and the Netherlands (7%) being the primary sources. Outside the EU, 11% come from China, and 2% each from the United States and Russia.
Czechia in the EU
European Parliament
Czechia is represented by 21 members in the European Parliament.
Council of the EU
Czechia’s government representatives participate in the Council of the EU to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies.
Presidency of the Council of the EU
Czechia held the Presidency of the Council of the EU during January to June 2009 and July to December 2022.
European Commission
Vĕra Jourová serves as the Commissioner nominated by Czechia to the European Commission, holding the position of Vice-President for Values and Transparency. The Commission maintains representation in Czechia.
European Economic & Social Committee
Czechia is represented by 12 delegates on the European Economic and Social Committee, providing consultation on proposed laws affecting work and social situations.
European Committee of the Regions
Czechia has 12 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, ensuring regional perspectives are considered in proposed laws.
Permanent representation to the EU
Czechia communicates with EU institutions through its permanent representation based in Brussels, ensuring effective pursuit of the country’s interests and policies in the EU.
Budgets and Funding
Czechia contributes to the EU budget based on its means to support programs and projects across all EU countries.
