Czechia’s president calls for stronger European role as NATO summit opens

President Petr Pavel is representing Czechia at the NATO summit in The Hague, where talks began on Wednesday. Ahead of the meeting, Pavel urged greater European responsibility in defense, warning that years of underinvestment have left the continent fulfilling only half its military capability goals. He said the proposed five percent defense spending target reflects urgent, long-neglected needs.  Prime Minister Petr Fiala also on Wednesday confirmed Czechia is ready to support the increase, which he expects to be approved at the summit. The Czech government has mandated its delegation to back the proposal.