Good Move

The Czech ambassador to Russia made statements today signaling that the EU will begin looking to diversify its gas providers after the most recent dispute between Russia and Ukraine.  He also said the two nations risk losing the EU's confidence in Russia and Ukraine as political and economic partners.  

The ambassador cited the proposed Nabucco pipeline as an alternative -- a $7- to $8-billion dollar project that would bring Central Asian oil to Europe, circumventing Russia.  The project is slated to begin in 2010, though it faces some major challenges and depends on the acceptance of Turkmenistan, an uncertain partner.  

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.