Vladimír Vlk, an energy expert and former advisor to several ministers and MEP Ondřej Knotek, said he was particularly impressed by the strong focus on sustainable development in China's new five-year plan. In his view, this is an area where there is significant scope for cooperation between the Czech Republic and China, particularly in water treatment technologies. „We are one of the best in Europe, and I would even argue in the world, in water treatment technology.“ řekl.

Vlk stressed that Czech know-how in chemistry and water management is of a high level and can be the basis for further development of mutual relations. According to him, the Chinese approach is more realistic than the European Green Deal. „China has percentages in there that are realistic,“ he said. On the contrary, he accused the EU of setting unrealistic goals and focusing too unilaterally.

He was also critical of the European emphasis on green hydrogen. According to Vlk, the production of hydrogen by electrolysis is unrealistic under the current conditions for industrial development in the Czech Republic. „There is certainly no room for big energy yet,“ he said, adding that he believes that in China these technologies are more developed and that is where he sees possible future cooperation.

He also pointed out that Europe is neglecting water and air protection. „There is no consideration of how we are going to protect the air and how we are going to protect the water.“ he said. As an example, he also mentioned his experience from the conference on Kazakhstan, where, according to him, water problems show how important this topic will be in the future.

He concluded by recalling that sustainable development must be based on three pillars - economic, social and environmental. „These are three pillars that must respect each other,“ He said. This is where he sees the main difference between the Chinese and European approach.

CMG