Politics
The Prague Archdiocese is being investigated for misuse of property
An investigation against key figures in the management of the Archdiocese of Prague (Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia) led to their removal from the posts they have held for years.
The investigation by the authorities is against Prague Archbishop Michael (Dandar) for the transfer of church properties to a private person, and it began at the end of last year. However, his secretary Igor Strelets, considered his right-hand man and “gray cardinal” in the archdiocese, as well as the chairman of the Diocesan Council Fr. Jan Beranek. It was officially stated that their removal was due to an “audit” and the need for “reforms to improve the work of the diocese”. In addition to them, three priests were removed from their positions of episcopal vicars.
Igor Strelets, who is a secular person, was responsible for the “Russian connections” in the church of the Czech lands and Slovakia. According to an article in the local edition of “Free Europe”, the Prague diocese maintains close ties with Moscow – many of the clerics studied in Russia, and later received expensive gifts from the Kremlin and the Patriarchate. Cyril in the form of villas and financing of various projects. For example, in 2011, when the lease of the residence of the Archbishop of Prague in Prague expired, the Patriarch of Moscow “fraternally” donated a two-story building, which still houses the administration of the local archdiocese.
Archbishop. Mikhail Dandar and Strelets have had close ties to Russia for many years and were formerly members of the Czechoslovak security service, the equivalent of the KGB. Strelets worked in the counter-intelligence department, and Mikhail Dandar lived for several years in the USSR, receiving a diploma from the Leningrad Theological Academy in 1969, and in the same year he was recruited by the Czech secret services under the pseudonym “Misha”. He was ordained by Mitr. Nikodim (Rotov) from the Russian Orthodox Church and was sent to one of the Russian parishes in Dresden.
For many years the right hand of the archbishop. Mikhail Dandar was Igor Strelets, a man without a theological education, but with close ties to Russia, thanks to which he financed projects of this highly Moscow-dependent local church. He sponsors the publishing activity of the diocese, the website of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Republic and Slovakia is registered in his name. He organizes and pays for the domestic and foreign travel of church hierarchs. These activities are carried out through the joint-stock company “Czech National Cultural Fund”, which he owns and which is financed by the Russian budget. The Czech media accused him of having a business relationship with a sanctioned businessman close to the Kremlin.
In July 2023, against the backdrop of the war started by Russia in Ukraine, the Archbishop of Prague participated in a meeting with representatives of the Night Wolves motorcycle club. The members of the motorcycle club and their leader are under sanctions for their close ties to Vladimir Putin and their support for the war in Ukraine. When asked why the Czech Orthodox hierarch attended a meeting with the Russian rockers, assistant head of the Prague Diocese Stšelec, organizer of the event, said that the meeting was dedicated to the memory of those who died during the First World War. These ties of the Czech clergy to Russia were sharply criticized by local believers, which was widely reported in the Czech secular media.
Among the problems of the Czech and Slovak Orthodox Church, which from time to time become known to the general public, are mainly property issues.
In May 2022, it became known about the huge debt of the church. It turned out that the church had not paid into the state health insurance system for its employees for ten years. Because of this, part of the church’s property was confiscated. It is in debt, even though the Czech Republic passed a restitution law in 2013, under which the budget pays money to churches that lost property as a result of nationalization during communist rule in Czechoslovakia, as compensation for repression. By virtue of this decision, the Czech and Slovak Orthodox Church received more than 300 million crowns (about 16 million dollars). Czech law enforcement authorities are currently investigating two cases in which, according to the investigation, Archbishop Michael Dandar has appropriated church property.
According to a 2021 census, Orthodox Christians in the Czech Republic numbered 40,000. Their number increased significantly after the start of the Russian war in Ukraine due to the many refugees.
Illustrative photo: Orthodox icon of The Holy New Martyrs of Bohemia
Politics
Von der Leyen Charts Strategic Path for Europe’s Future at Budapest EPC Meeting
European Commission President emphasizes transatlantic ties, economic resilience, and defense preparedness as EU leaders focus on competitive, sustainable, and secure Europe
At the European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Budapest, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined a strategic vision for Europe’s future, emphasizing transatlantic relations, economic resilience, and defense preparedness.
Von der Leyen began by congratulating Donald J. Trump on his recent electoral victory, expressing eagerness to strengthen the transatlantic bond. This gesture underscores the EU‘s commitment to robust relations with the United States, a key ally in addressing global challenges.
The President highlighted Europe‘s unity in overcoming recent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the energy challenges stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine. She stressed the importance of continued collaboration to navigate future challenges.
Central to her address were three strategic priorities:
- Joint Plan for Competitiveness, Digitalization, and Decarbonization: Von der Leyen referenced the Draghi Report, authored by former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, which calls for substantial EU investments to enhance competitiveness and address climate goals. The report recommends annual investments of €750 billion to €800 billion to keep pace with global competitors like the U.S. and China. Euronews
- Reducing Overdependencies and Leveling the Economic Playing Field: The President emphasized the need to mitigate Europe‘s reliance on external entities, fostering a more balanced economic environment. This aligns with Draghi’s recommendations for a comprehensive industrial strategy to prevent the EU from lagging behind global competitors. Financial Times
- Enhancing Defense Capabilities and Preparedness: Drawing on the Niinistö Report by former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, von der Leyen advocated for bolstering Europe’s defense mechanisms. The report suggests that the EU allocate 20% of its budget to security and crisis preparedness, addressing geopolitical tensions and climate change risks. Financial Times
Von der Leyen’s address reflects a proactive approach to Europe’s future, building on expert insights to navigate complex global dynamics. Her call to action underscores the EU’s commitment to unity and strategic planning in the face of evolving challenges.
Politics
Cross-border crime: criminal cases can now be transferred to another EU country
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Politics
EESC proposes concrete recommendations for building a resilient and sustainable food system for the future
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has laid out a bold vision for transforming the EU’s agriculture, fisheries, and food systems to better withstand crises while ensuring sustainability. The opinion “Fostering sustainable and resilient food systems in times of crisis,” requested by the Hungarian presidency, was adopted at the October plenary. By focusing on food security, fair income for producers, environmental resilience, and the next generation of food producers, these proposals offer a clear path for the EU to build a food system that not only survives continuous challenges and crisis but thrives in the long term.
The EESC envisions a food system that is competitive, crisis-proof, and aligned with EU environmental and social objectives. “Ensuring stable, sustainable incomes for producers is essential, as is fostering a knowledge-based food policy that encourages innovation” said Arnold Puech d’Alissac, President of the World Farmers Organisation and one of the three rapporteurs of the opinion. To support this vision, the EESC calls for a new policy model to strengthen the farming sector’s bargaining position in the food chain when it comes to price negotiations as well as an increase in the budget for adequate financing of EU agriculture and fisheries.
EESC insists that future trade agreements should incorporate the Green Deal and Farm to Fork standards to ensure fair competition and maintain high food quality, aligning global trade with the EU’s sustainability goals.
“Ensuring fair income for primary producers is critical,” noted Piroska Kállay, rapporteur from Hungary. ”We need to see farmers as part of the solution and not part of the problem”, she added. Stricter enforcement of unfair trading practices and the standardization of their enforcement at the EU level as well as the introduction of a ban on below-cost selling, are necessary steps to rebalance power in the food supply chain.
To sustain the food system for future generations, the EESC advocates for policies that promote generational renewal, particularly targeting young people and women. This includes education, training, and support for cooperatives and community-assisted agriculture, which build resilience by distributing economic risks and benefits more equitably among producers.
The EESC also recommends rewarding carbon sequestration efforts in agriculture, such as sustainable soil management, while implementing policies to prevent carbon leakage. ”These measures would help align food production with the EU’s climate targets and global environmental commitments,” said Joe Healy, rapporteur from Ireland.
In response to the growing threat of climate-related disasters, the EESC proposes an EU-wide system of public insurance, backed by public investment, to protect producers from natural disasters like floods or crop failures, ensuring continuity in food supply.
Sustainable management of soil and water is essential for long-term productivity. The EESC urges policies that regenerate and restore soil health, increase water efficiency and reduce water usage, —critical steps in maintaining resilience against climate pressures.
Additionally, the EESC calls for reducing red tape throughout the food chain to streamline processes and increase transparency. Regulating trade flows and establishing a digitized data center for price and cost tracking will help avoid market disruptions and enhance transparency in food supply chains.
Finally, the EESC reiterates its previous proposals for establishing a European Food Policy Council (EFPC) to strengthen dialogue on food-related issues. This platform would bring together diverse stakeholders to align food policy with broader social and environmental objectives, ensuring a cohesive approach to the EU’s food systems. The EESC notes with satisfaction the similar proposal in the report of the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture.
The EESC’s proposals provide a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening the EU’s food systems, making them more resilient, sustainable, and equitable in the face of growing global challenge. (ks)
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