Czech gov't approves establishment of working group on Brexit

The Czech government on Monday approved the establishment of a working group to prepare for the Czech Republic's negotiations with Britain over British withdrawal from the European Union (EU), Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka announced on Twitter.

Sobotka said the Czech Republic must defend its national interests and one of their most important goals will be to maintain equal conditions on the British labor market for Czech citizens, such as those enjoyed by Britons in the Czech Republic.

The working group should also define the priorities of the Czech Republic for the future of the EU, including proposals for necessary reforms which the EU must undergo, said Sobotka.

The working group will be composed of representatives of ministries and economic and social partners, which will be headed by European Affairs State Secretary Tomas Prouza. The group should present proposals by the end of September, the expected official launch of the debate on changes between Britain and the EU, said Czech government spokesman Martin Ayrer.

After Britain officially announces its intention to leave the EU, the EU and Britain will begin negotiations. The Czech government expects Britain will announce its leave after a new British government is formed this autumn.

Sobotka will hold consultations on the position and priorities which the working group will propose across the political spectrum. Endit