The Czech Republic recently released its work program for the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU (which started on January 1 and will end on June 30). 

Given the current global state of affairs, the Czech Presidency intends to focus on preventing any further economic downturn while at the same time stimulating competitiveness.  The three key areas of the Presidency are therefore the economy, energy and the place of the EU in the world.
 
Of particular interest to ACT and its members are actions envisaged in the field of patents, better regulation, R&D and innovation. 

Many of the priorities mentioned in the work program are very much in line with the policies ACT believes to be beneficial for small and medium-sized IT companies in the EU.    

Concerning the patent reform debate, the Czech Republic has promised to continue efforts to improve the patent system.  The only drawback to this promise is that it’s a bit vague, leaving the extent to which progress can be expected rather uncertain.
 
With regard to better regulation, the Czech aim to continue discussions for reducing regulatory burdens.  In the area of R&D and innovation, the Czech Presidency supports increased growth in knowledge and protection of IPR. On SMEs, the Presidency will continue implementing measures from the SBA and emphasize ‘Think Small First’ and ‘Only Once’ principles.
 
An additional measure to be taken by the Czech Presidency is the strengthening of the interoperability of health care systems and the development of telemedicine.

The following quotes from the work program are of particular interest to ACT and its members:

On Patents:

“The Presidency will also build upon the efforts to improve the patent system in Europe. Work will continue on the preparation of a European patent judiciary and on developing a Community patent. The Czech Presidency will pay attention to the Commission’s initiatives in line with the Industrial Property Rights Strategy for Europe.”
 
On better regulation:

“The improvement of regulation, including the reduction of the regulatory burden, is an important factor for improving competitiveness, making it easier to engage in business, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises. The Presidency is interested in the fastest possible implementation of the initiatives submitted on the basis of the outcomes of the evaluation of the administrative burden on businesses, and in approving further steps, in the Action Programme for Reducing Administrative Burdens at the Spring 2009 European Council.”

“The Presidency will lead the preparation of the Council’s positions on the third strategic review of the Better Regulation initiative and aims to recommend the continuation of this agenda after the new Commission takes office.”
 
On R&D/innovation:

“The Presidency will be concerned with methods promoting further growth in knowledge and European competitiveness in the long term. This topic will become a part of the Key Issues Paper.”

“The protection of intellectual property rights and cooperation of companies with universities and research institutions will be at the centre of attention of the Czech Presidency.”
 
On SMEs:

“The Presidency will therefore focus on the implementation of specific measures arising from the Small Business Act and its reflection in the fulfillment of the Lisbon Strategy objectives. The Czech Presidency will put emphasis on the thorough application of the ‘Think Small First’ principle… The Presidency will actively promote the application of the ‘Only Once’ principle.’”
 
On e-Health and Telemedicine:

“The Presidency will also be looking into the issue of improving cooperation between EU Member States, increasing the quality of healthcare provision with the help of telemedicine, and strengthening the interoperability of information systems in the healthcare sector.”