Visit to Austria – Czech Prime Minister: “Understanding” for nuclear problems

While Austria remains strictly against nuclear energy, the Czech Republic wants to triple its nuclear energy by 2050. Fiala explained at a joint press conference with Nehammer that he himself signed a statement at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai. He expressed his “understanding” that Austria is concerned about the Czech nuclear power plants.

“No other way” than nuclear energy
Fiala described relations between Austria and the Czech Republic as the “best ever”. It is “important” for him to “convince Austria that our nuclear facilities are safe and meet all safety standards.” The Czech Republic has “no other option” but to rely on nuclear power and renewable energy sources if it wants to meet its climate goals. The Czech Republic is also “open to cooperation” here.

The Temelin nuclear power plant in South Bohemia has been a controversial issue between the two countries for years – and nuclear energy continues to cause many problems. Czech state energy supplier CEZ plans to build a pilot project for a nuclear park with mini nuclear power plants on the Temelin site around the Temelin nuclear power plant by 2032. This plan causes discontent, especially in nearby Upper Austria. A year ago, the National Council rejected the construction of small modular nuclear reactors, the so-called “Small Modular Reactors” (SMRs), in the Czech Republic.

“Strong partners of Israel”
Bilateral ties between Fiala and Nehammer were widely praised on Monday. They also discussed their joint visit to Israel at the end of October. The two heads of government flew together to Tel Aviv to express their support for Israel’s right to self-defense after the major Hamas attack. “We are both strong partners of Israel,” Nehammer emphasized. At the same time, “we are doing everything possible” to secure a future for the Palestinians and adhere to the two-state solution. “Hamas is responsible for the suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip because it uses civilians as shields,” Nehammer explains. And Fiala thanked the Chancellor for making a distinction between “perpetrators and victims” and for calling it all together.

Aid to Ukraine continues
Nehammer was once again grateful for the Czech Republic’s support in taking in Ukrainian war refugees. Fiala pointed out that the Czech Republic has absorbed the most Ukrainians per capita. At the same time, he emphasized: “Czech assistance to Ukraine will continue.” Even if there are fewer opportunities to deliver supplies from military camps, he still sees “potential for cooperation in the military sector.” Nehammer, in turn, reiterated that Austria “fully” supports the EU when it comes to aid to Ukraine. Neutral Austria supports Ukraine with humanitarian aid, protective equipment and financially.

Nehammer and Fiala also seemed united in the fight against irregular migration. At the same time, Fiala said that “the Czech Republic is not happy that there are temporary controls at the borders.” Both heads of government emphasized the need for an EU solution to migration. “We both want to ensure that it should be possible to carry out procedures in safe third countries,” Nehammer emphasized.

“Record value” for export
Fiala was once again satisfied with the way trade relations between the two countries have developed. Czech exports to Austria reached a “record value” last year, the prime minister said. Fiala reiterated his government’s goal of completing all transportation projects within ten years. Both road connections and improving the Vienna-Prague-Berlin railway are important to him.