Czech in Charge

Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, who took the rotating EU presidency on January 1, gave a policy speech today. Most noted were his remarks, described by France24 as "lukewarm", on the future of the Lisbon treaty.

the Czech parliament is scheduled to vote on the treaty Feb. 3 but "euroskeptic" Czech president Vaclav Claus says he will delay signing the treaty as long as possible.