In January 2009, the Czech Republic will begin its six-month presidency of the European Union. However, according to a poll conducted by the Public Opinion Research Center (CVVM) it appears that as much as three quarters of Czech citizens are not interested in this momentous event at all. Only 24 percent responded that they are interested in the Czech presidency of the EU. This group is composed predominantly of university-educated people and potential voters of the right-wing Civic Democratic Party (ODS).
According to the CVVM, the public's awareness of the issue is even worse. No more than one fifth of the society have sufficient information about what the EU presidency means, how the government is preparing for it and who is participating in the process.
However, the question whether those polled believe that the Czech Republic will be successful in its role brought more positive responses. Half of those questioned expect the Czech Republic to succeed.
The CVVM conducted the poll this year in the first half of April, questioning more than one thousand people.
For more detailed information czech out: Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union
