The President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, emphasized the need to continue supporting Ukraine, as well as to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank.
“Our commitment to supporting Ukraine should not weaken. The war in Ukraine reminds us that the security of Europe cannot be taken for granted by the existence of NATO. She notes the urgent need to adapt to this new and complex reality. Strengthening NATO’s eastern flank should be our priority,” he said at the opening of the IISS Prague Defense Summit in Prague on Friday evening.
According to the Czech leader, “compliance only invites new aggressions”, and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine “has become a turning point for Europe with global consequences”.
“This is not just another regional conflict. This is the conflict that shapes the current and future international order. This is a struggle not only for the future of Ukraine, but also for the principles underlying our alliance, including the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Pavel said.
He emphasized that the response to threats in the world must be quick, decisive and collective, and to protect “our values and our security, Europe must invest more and better in defense.”
“2% of GDP will simply not be enough. At the same time, spending should be focused on strengthening concrete and real defense capabilities. Despite good progress, our work is far from over,” he said.
The President emphasized the need for better military coordination, stronger technological cooperation and operational interoperability within the Alliance. According to him, governments should play an active role in optimizing procurement processes, in promoting closer cooperation between national defense industries.
