How to sell Lisbon in Prague: prospects for the Lisbon Treaty’s ratification in the Czech Republic

Many questions remain unanswered concerning the progress of the Lisbon Treaty’s ratification in the Czech Republic. The debate in Parliament has been suspended while the Treaty has been side-tracked to the Constitutional Court. It is to be examined for its compatibility with the national constitution and a ruling is only expected in September or October at the earliest. The Irish rejection of the Lisbon Treaty has, moreover, injected new dynamics into the process. The President has proclaimed the Treaty dead and this might pose problems to complete the ratification. In the Senate, Euro-sceptic voices have been encouraged and it is not sure whether the necessary majority will be secured. However, what can push the Czechs to complete ratification is their EU Presidency, starting in January 2009.