Influence of the Czech presidency of the Council of the EU on public opinion on the EU among Czech citizens

Bc. Daniel HORÁK

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The aim of this thesis is to analyze the impact of the Czech Presidency in the Council of the European Union in 2022 on the perception of the European Union by the Czech public. The primary aim was to determine whether this Presidency led to a significant positive shift in attitudes toward the EU among Czech citizens. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a questionnaire survey to gather firsthand insights from Czech respondents and a comprehensive analysis of secondary data from various European sources. The findings indicate that, despite the visibility of the Czech Presidency, it did not result in a substantial improvement in public perception of the EU. Instead, the analysis suggests that other factors, notably geopolitical and economic conditions, particularly those stemming from the recent crises in Europe, had a much stronger influence on how the EU is perceived within the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, a general ambivalence remains, as many citizens appear to have pre-established opinions on the EU that are relatively resistant to change. In light of these findings, the thesis underscores the need for future research to focus on external influences - such as economic shifts, political developments, and international events - that shape public opinion on the EU.

Abstract:

The aim of this thesis is to analyze the impact of the Czech Presidency in the Council of the European Union in 2022 on the perception of the European Union by the Czech public. The primary aim was to determine whether this Presidency led to a significant positive shift in attitudes toward the EU among Czech citizens. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a questionnaire survey to gather firsthand insights from Czech respondents and a comprehensive analysis of secondary data from various European sources. The findings indicate that, despite the visibility of the Czech Presidency, it did not result in a substantial improvement in public perception of the EU. Instead, the analysis suggests that other factors, notably geopolitical and economic conditions, particularly those stemming from the recent crises in Europe, had a much stronger influence on how the EU is perceived within the Czech Republic. Nevertheless, a general ambivalence remains, as many citizens appear to have pre-established opinions on the EU that are relatively resistant to change. In light of these findings, the thesis underscores the need for future research to focus on external influences - such as economic shifts, political developments, and international events - that shape public opinion on the EU.

Keywords

European Union, Council of the European Union, Czech presidency, Perception of the EU, Czech citizens

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 11. 11. 2024

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Petra Měšťánková, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Law

Master programme / field:
Political Science / European Studies Focusing on European Law