Czechia to chair OECD Council for first time in its history

Czechia will chair the OECD Council at ministerial level for the first time in its history next year, giving the country a greater role in setting the economic organization's priorities and agenda.

The Foreign Ministry announced the 2027 chairmanship Thursday, more than 30 years after Czechia joined the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in December 1995.

The OECD has 38 member countries and focuses on economic development, trade, investment, taxation and public policy. Its annual ministerial-level council meeting, typically held in June, is its highest political forum.

As chair, Czechia will help determine the main theme and agenda of the ministerial meeting, while Czech representatives will lead its principal sessions.

Foreign Minister Petr Macinka described the selection as a success for Czech diplomacy and said Prague intends to emphasize economic freedom, competitiveness, technological development and reducing barriers to business.

"This is an opportunity to show that the Czech Republic is not merely a passive recipient of international recommendations, but a country with its own vision," Macinka said.

The Foreign, Finance, and Industry and Trade ministries will jointly prepare for the chairmanship, with detailed priorities to be established over the coming months in cooperation with the OECD Secretariat and other member countries.

The government approved Czechia's bid for the position last week. Costs directly associated with the chairmanship are currently estimated at CZK 6 million, excluding potential additional staffing expenses at Czechia's permanent OECD mission in Paris.

Founded in 1961, the OECD grew out of the organization established to administer the U.S. Marshall Plan for rebuilding postwar Europe.