The Czech Republic's counterintelligence agency says the number of Russian spies remains high and the Kremlin is building a spy network in Europe similar to the Soviet network before World War II.

"It is assessed that Russia is creating a structure in Europe drawing on the concept of the Comintern founded by the Soviet Union," the Czech Security Information Service said in an annual report released on September 4.

The Comintern, or Communist International -- the association of local communist parties -- was established by Soviet Russia in 1919 to protect the new regime in Moscow from outside attacks.

The report said the Kremlin is also trying to take control over Russian community organizations in the Czech Republic.

The agency said Russian spies remain particularly interested in the Czech energy sector, particularly any possible enlargement of nuclear power plants.

"Russia does not consider a fight over the Czech nuclear energy sector a lost battle," the report said.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters