The Czech Republic is moving centre-stage during the first half of 2009 when it will preside over the EU Council.  In the current economic climate and political situation, this represents both prestige and enormous responsibility for President Vaclav Klaus and his government. 

Creating the conditions for increased EU economic competitiveness is of great importance to CIAA. The EU food and drink industry is an important pillar of the European economy, serving approximately 500 million consumers with a vast variety of safe and high quality products. It is the largest manufacturing sector in Europe, with a turnover of €870 billion in 2006 and provides direct employment to over 4 million people.

The EU food and drink industry continues to be committed to serve European consumers efficiently and to respond to their ever more rapidly changing needs. In turn, European policy makers are responsible for fostering a stimulating business environment to ensure that the food and drink industry can remain competitive in an increasingly global market.

CIAA has highlighted a number of priority areas for the Czech Presidency which include:

• High Level Group on the Competitiveness of the Agro-Food Industry
• Novel Foods 
• European Commission Proposal on the provision of Food Information to Consumers
• Sustainable Consumption and Production & Sustainable Industrial Policy
  

CIAA looks forward to working closely with the Czech Presidency, contributing to its success and making progress in the areas that are key to Europe’s food and drink industry.