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Energy issues in particular were the topic of the meeting of Minister of Industry and Trade Marty Novák with Austrian Ambassador to Prague Alexandr Grubmayr.
"The Austrian side was interested in the Czech Republics position on the BACI and Nord Stream 2 pipeline projects. From our point of view, it is essential that if the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline were not launched for any reason, the existing transport contracts would gradually expire across the Czech Republic certainly have not been restored to the current extent, " said Minister Nováková .
"This would lead to a more significant shift of transmission system costs into domestic gas transportation and, ultimately, would cost gas for Czech customers. The failure of Nord Stream 2 and the subsequent gas pipelines EUGAL and Capacity4Gas would therefore only bring negatives or, in the best case, considerable risks for domestic gas and the Czech Republic , "the minister added.
The Austrian side was also interested in building a new nuclear power plant. "We are currently working on analyzes of a suitable financial model, with the government wanting to decide on it by the end of the year," said Minister Nováková.
"I warned the Ambassador that after the government decides on the investment model, financing and the way of choosing a supplier , we will be able to say more. Our main goal is to meet the State Energy Concept, which assumes that the new nuclear block should be put into operation between 2033 and 2037, "she added.
The Austrian ambassador was also interested in Czech plans for radioactive waste management and spent nuclear fuel. " I know its a sensitive topic. The Czech Republic needs a deep repository of nuclear waste. For the assessment of individual sites, the absolute safety of the future repository is a clear priority, "the minister said, adding that by the end of this year the number of sites selected from nine to four will be reduced.
Minister Nováková also commended the successful development of Czech-Austrian business relations. Austria is the seventh largest trading partner with a share of 3.7% of the total turnover of our foreign trade.
In 2017, trade between the Czech Republic and Austria amounted to EUR 11.6 billion. Between January and July 2018, the total turnover was EUR 6.9 billion, up by 8.6% yoy. Austria is also one of the largest foreign investors in the Czech Republic. With almost 11% of the total value of foreign direct investment in the Czech Republic, it is the fourth largest investor.
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