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The UK and the Czech Republic share a similar view of an open, outward-looking and competitive Europe and fully supported the Czech EU Presidency and its theme of "Europe Without Barriers" in the first half of 2009, the first time that the Czech Republic had held this important responsibility. We worked closely together, including regular interaction between our Ministers and officials.  A number of Czech officials visited London in preparation for the Presidency, and UK experts were seconded to work in the Czech administration on issues such as better regulation and climate chance financing.

Early 2009 was an important and difficult time for the EU because of the global economic downturn, the winter gas crisis in Europe and the vital importance of making progress on tackling climate change and ensuring a low-carbon economic recovery. Co-operation between the UK and Czech Presidency was especially important on economic and financial issues at the G20 London Summit in April 2009. The Czech Presidency also made a significant contribution to improving the EU's energy security at its Southern Corridor Summit. The Eastern Partnership, launched under the Czech Presidency in May at a special summit in Prague, will also play a significant long-term role for the EU's relations with its Eastern neighbours.