Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

it gives me a great pleasure to welcome you all once again in Prague at this year’s GLOBSEC Forum. For over two decades, this platform has earned its place as Central Europe’s leading venue for addressing global security challenges. I am proud that our capital is hosting it for the second time and also distinguished guests, leaders, and experts who are all gathered here.

I am also pleased that, for the second year in a row, Globsec includes the Prague Geotech Summit - a platform that connects political and high-tech leaders to discuss how to protect our democracies and future prosperity.

Last year, I spoke here about the need to strengthen Europe’s political will, industrial capacity, and technological sovereignty. About the importance of standing with Ukraine, and also of standing on our own feet as Europeans. Those messages remain as relevant today as they were then – perhaps even more so.

Today, I will focus on three interconnected issues: New Transatlantic environment, European security and future of Ukraine… 

The new US administration has unsettled transatlantic relations and forced Europe to face strategic questions it cannot postpone. Ukraine continues to fight bravely for its freedom, independence, and security of all of Europe. Their determination and innovative approach serve as a source of inspiration to all of us. There are so far no signs of Russia’s intentions to end their aggression. And yet, we have witnessed a troubling reluctance to clearly distinguish between the aggressor and the victim.

It is time we draw the necessary conclusions from the fact that the United States' role in European security has changed – and reinforce Europe's ability to respond accordingly. We must accelerate our efforts to build credible European defence capabilities, strengthen our defence industries, and take political ownership of our collective security.

Please, do not take me wrong; this does not mean to decouple from our American ally! On the contrary, engaging and maintaining intensive dialogue with our partners across the Atlantic is more essential than ever.  Not only with President Trump’s inner circle, but with the broadest possible range of actors across all levels. This is a call for taking greater responsibility as Europeans. A call to make sure that we are capable of defending our own interests – even without active American support, if necessary.

The aim is not to create an alternative to NATO, but to strengthen NATO’s European pillar. To succeed, the European pillar cannot remain an abstract ambition. It needs to be institutionalised, embedded in NATO’s standard planning, in budgeting, and force development processes.

This is the only way to ensure continuity, avoid disruptive cliffs, and make long-term adaptation predictable and sustainable.

I believe we should also consider strengthening NATO’s operational autonomy in Europe by mirroring key US-held positions within NATO command structures – so that Europe-specific operations remain possible even without an active participation of the US.

Europe’s growing role in collective defence is to be seen as a contribution to NATO’s strength and resilience. The upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague should send a clear signal of unity and resolve. Not only to our adversaries, but also to our own citizens. It is an opportunity to agree on ambitious yet realistic commitments. We need to be swift and coordinated in responding to evolving security needs.

It is vital that we invest more in our own defence. But it is equally important that we do not let Ukraine fall. We need to do what we can to help Ukraine becoming more capable of defending itself, negotiating from a position of strength and self-confidence, and making the cost of any future aggression too high for Russia.

Yet another task – no less important – lies ahead, and it is Ukraine’s recovery. The reconstruction of Ukraine is not only a moral imperative, but a strategic one. A strong, democratic, and economically viable Ukraine is essential for long-term stability in Europe.

The task requires continuous engagement, ability to mobilise financial resources, and clear sense of purpose on our part. Planning and preparation should continue with urgency, ambition, and good coordination. Delaying this effort would only increase the cost – in every sense of the word.

At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Italy in July, I will talk more about the need to introduce a modern-day Marshall Plan for Ukraine. First and foremost, investors need to see Ukraine as a place of opportunity – not just of risk. A key path to prosperity lies in deeper integration into European trade. This means making Ukraine more attractive to partners, stabilising conditions on the ground, and supporting the capacity of Ukrainian institutions to absorb investments and aid.

Such an approach would also facilitate return of refugees to Ukraine, because it would give them clear perspective in rebuilding their lives in their homeland. In this context, integration into the EU remains the strongest guarantee of lasting security and prosperity for Ukraine. 

Ladies and gentlemen, dear guests,

I am confident that this year’s GLOBSEC Forum will once again offer valuable insights, bold ideas, and frank exchanges – the kind of dialogue we need in these times. I wish you inspiring discussions and renewed resolve.

Thank you for your attention.

President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, GLOBSEC Forum, 12th June 2025