Interview with Federal Foreign Minister Steinmeier in the Czech newspaper Právo, published on 7 January 2009 

What specific steps absolutely have to be taken to end the violence in Gaza and resume the dialogue?

Given the continuing hostilities, we must take two steps. First, we must do all we can to improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. That means making sure that urgently-needed aid reaches the people there. Second, we have to work flat out to create the conditions for a ceasefire. That above all means making sure that Israel's security is guaranteed on a durable basis. Hamas must finally end its missile attacks! The border crossing points into Gaza must be properly monitored and arms smuggling prevented. Intensive efforts are being made on all these issues. Karel Schwarzenberg was there only a few days ago at the head of an EU delegation. The situation is unfortunately highly complex, but I expect that together we can make progress.

One question I must ask you – how do you think the Czech Republic will perform during its first-ever EU Presidency?

I'm sure the Czech début will be a resounding success! From my talks with Karel Schwarzenberg and Saša Vondra I know how well the Czechs have prepared for these six months. The Presidency and indeed all of us in Europe must tackle major issues – the economic and financial crisis, energy security, and enhancing our relations with our eastern neighbours. Other issues are the Treaty of Lisbon and the European elections, in addition to all the current crises to which Europe must find a solution, for example in the Middle East, where your foreign minister is playing an active role at the moment as EU President. One thing is clear, as I assured Mr Schwarzenberg last year in Berlin – Germany will do all it can to support the Czech Presidency!

How do you judge the fact that Czech President Václav Klaus makes no bones about his Euro-scepticism, that Deputy Prime Minister Alexandr Vondra's position is close to that of the US Administration, and that Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek's statements about the EU are at best lukewarm?

My impression is that the Topolánek government is well aware of its special responsibility over the next few months to preserve Europe's strength and ability to act. Especially during the last half of 2008 we saw what Europe can do when it speaks with one voice, as exemplified by its role in mediating the Georgia conflict or in dealing with the financial crisis. I'm optimistic that during Prague's Presidency Europe will remain on that course, and that together with Ireland we'll succeed in getting the Treaty of Lisbon back on track.

Speaking of the Treaty of Lisbon, isn't it a bit like a Franz Kafka novel here? Berlin is putting pressure on Prague to ratify the Treaty, although Germany itself is awaiting the Federal Constitutional Court's judgment?

I'm a big fan of Kafka. But I don't see anything "Kafkaesque" about this situation. We need this Treaty. It'll help us get Europe into shape for the 21st century. That's Germany's clear position, and for that reason we worked so hard for the Treaty during our Presidency. We make our position very clear in all our talks. Many people here in Prague totally agree with us on this! Regarding the ratification process in Germany, it has already been completed and the Federal President has already signed the documents. However, the deposit of the instrument of ratification still depends on the Federal Constitutional Court's judgment. I have every confidence that our supreme court will throw out all complaints against the Treaty.

Let us turn to our European backyard – a Federal Intelligence Service (BND) analysis describes Kosovo as a "paradise for organized crime". In an article in the Süddeutsche Zeitung a senior BND official accused the German government of being "led down the garden path by the Kosovans". With this in mind, how do you assess your government's support for Kosovo? Germany is one of Kosovo's largest sponsors alongside the US.

Let's stick to the facts! It's true that Germany is highly committed to Kosovo, not only financially, by the way, but also with manpower, experts or – to take a specific example from my sphere of responsibility – in building up its diplomatic service. Of course Kosovo still has some way to go before it becomes a state governed by the rule of law, and that's why our European mission to support the Kosovo police and justice system is so important. Law and order in Kosovo also mean greater security and stability in the Western Balkans and indeed all over Europe. For that reason we will continue our commitment, together with our European partners and in close consultation with Kosovo's leadership.

The EU is drawing up an energy strategy aimed at reducing its energy dependency on Russia. What is your opinion of Russia halting gas supplies to Ukraine, alleging that it has yet to pay its outstanding bills? Kiev has rejected this allegation, claiming that the figures are over-inflated.

I think it's right that we further diversify our energy supplies and look for new sources, as well as increasing the use of renewable energies. The broader our energy base is, the better! That's all I want to say about energy strategy. As regards the dispute between Russia's Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogas, I'm naturally concerned about the fact that since yesterday many EU countries have experienced shortages. That is why it is all the more important to finally reach a viable agreement. At the same time we expect both sides to fully honour their supply and transit obligations, as they have repeatedly promised.

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Compared to the hyperactive French President Nicolas Sarkozy, your government seemed a little jaded during last autumn's crisis. What do you think was the reason behind this?

Mr Sarkozy and his team made a great job of the Presidency. That's a fact! We also did what we could to bring Europe forward at the beginning of 2007, and we did quite a good job, too! I don't see us being "jaded" in any way then or now. On the contrary, we have put in place some very good measures to combat the crisis and we are currently discussing what else we can do. I myself put forward detailed proposals for European action, and a lot of what I proposed under the banner of the European Pact for the Future of Employment has been European policy since the last European Council. This is a policy that saves jobs, promotes innovation and strengthens investment in the future. It is of course true that successes always benefit the current Presidency more than anyone else. This is fine by me, and I hope this holds true for the Czech Presidency, too!

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Minister, thank you for your time.