Czech PM expresses support for Juncker nomination to EU top post

Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka has confirmed Czech support for former Luxembourg prime minister Jean-Claude Juncker to become president of the European Commission. In a phone interview with Mr. Juncker on Thursday, the Czech prime minister said Prague would support his nomination if the issue comes to a vote at an EU summit later this week. Mr. Sobotka said he hoped the EU would avoid drawn-out disputes over posts and focus on a reform agenda that would deliver growth and jobs and increase the competitiveness of the EU. The Czech coalition government has so far failed to agree on a joint candidate for the next Czech EU commissioner.