The Czech Republic assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union on Thursday, nearly two decades after communism collapsed in the central European country of 10 million, DPA reported. The second formerly communist nation after Slovenia to hold the presidency took over the EU's helm at a time when the continent faces an economic crisis, Israel is attacking the Gaza Strip and Russia and Ukraine are embroiled in a gas row. Prague takes over the 27-member bloc from France - an active, strong leader - and will hold the position before handing over to Sweden on July 1. In an acknowledgment of country's size, Czech leaders said that Prague would seek common ground rather than try to make bold solo steps. Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, a close US ally, is to hold the post of the EU's president-in-office until July, while President Vaclav Klaus, an outspoken EU critic and global warming doubter, is to have a limited, ceremonial role. Klaus, whose provocative statements had stolen the limelight from Topolanek's government in the run-up to the EU presidency, is to address the European Parliament in February and possibly play host during some of the meetings in Prague.
