A Grand Ambassador
The Czech Republic's finance minister, Vlastimil Tlusty, will be making his way to Brussels this month - but not alone. Accompanying him will be an unusual ambassador; some say this figure is better than any politician alive. Who is this honored guest? Why, a barrel of Pilsener Urquell, the prize beer of the Czech Republic.
The aim of this visitor is to protest the proposed rise in EU alcohol taxes. Not surprisingly, Czechs are protesting this proposed bill from the European Commission - the Czech Republic is the world's biggest beer-drinking nation per capita, an impressive statistic for sure. The bill would raise the minimum EU duty on beer and spirits by 31 percent, which would add one euro cent to the price of a half litre of beer. Though beer is quite cheap in the Czech Republic relative to the UK or Germany, the Czechs fear any hikes in prices that could drive tourists to plan their stag weekends in cheaper, non-EU countries (not to mention infuriating the beer-loving locals).
Luckily, the rise requires the unanimous approval of the EU's 25 member states, and the Czech Republic is prepared to veto the proposed tax rise. Viva la cheap pivo!