Czechs cautious on support for new fiscal agreement

The Czech Republic has tentatively agreed to consider support for an intergovernmental fiscal agreement which would introduce a tougher debt and deficit regime for those EU members who commit to it. Eurozone leaders agreed to seal a separate treaty on fiscal union after several countries including Britain and the Czech Republic effectively blocked a revision of the Lisbon treaty. The new fiscal agreement should be endorsed by all 17 euro zone countries and any others who wish to make the commitment. The Czech prime minister said Prague welcomed any moves to stabilize the euro-zone, but would have to consult its parliament on making a far-reaching fiscal commitment. Sweden has also said it would have to put the matter to its parliament. Britain refused to support the deal after failing to secure concessions for itself, and Hungary has also refused to join.