Klaus says he voted against joining EU

Former president Václav Klaus told the Czech News Agency on Wednesday that he had voted against the Czech Republic's EU accession in a referendum on joining held in 2003. The Czech Republic joined the EU on May 1, 2004. Mr Klaus is a well-known eurosceptic who hardened his view over the years, nevertheless there had been speculation about his vote. Klaus said after the first integration period during which the EU "tried to liberalise itself, it had strayed from its path and now it was heading towards unification and centralisation". Mr Klaus has suggested the upcoming 10th anniversary needed to be marked but not celebrated.

Author: Jan Velinger