Mirek Topolanek is the current Czech prime minister, and he takes over the six-month EU presidency on January 1st, 2009. For the first time leading the Union, the Czechs will have to conquer the hearts and minds of their partners. Many member states think that eurosceptic nationalists will hamper Pragues European action. With the Lisbon treaty blocked by an institutional stalemate, Mirek Topalanek will have to defend himself from domestic political ambushes, while giving the EU efficient leadership.