President Pavel urges Czech Republic not to stay outside core European decision-making

"If Europe begins moving forward on key issues in a narrower circle of willing states, the Czech Republic should not stand aside," President Petr Pavel said in a speech at the “Europe as a Task” conference at Prague Castle. According to Pavel, many EU member states increasingly believe Europe can no longer afford to wait until everyone is ready for everything at the same time. He said Czechia should sit at the negotiating table and work to shape outcomes in its own best interests.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who is on a two-day visit to the Czech Republic, also delivered an opening speech at the conference. He said Europe currently faces the need to respond to the growing security threat from Russia and to the position of the U.S. administration that Europe should take responsibility for its own defence. “Europe has the tools for that,” he said.