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Pavel: NATO remains not only militarily strong but is also becoming stronger politically

by AI | 27.Aug 2024 | Europe in brief AI

Europe, according to the head of state, must become more geopolitical and more capable of action, and must be able to assertively defend and pragmatically promote its interests. The pillar of Czech security will continue to be active membership in the European Union and NATO.

Czech President Petr Pavel. Photo: EP/Allain Rolland

Prague – The North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) remains not only militarily strong but is also becoming stronger politically and is taking a more global approach. President Petr Pavel told Czech ambassadors serving abroad today at Prague Castle. According to the head of state, Europe must become more geopolitical and capable of action, it must be able to assertively defend and pragmatically advance its interests. The cornerstone of Czech security will continue to be active membership in the European Union and NATO, Pavel believes.

“Russian aggression has given NATO’s mission new urgency,” said the president. The July alliance summit in Washington, according to Pavel, clearly confirmed that NATO remains not only militarily strong but is also becoming stronger politically and taking a more global approach. The fundamental principle of NATO’s existence is, according to Pavel, deterrence. For it to be credible, it must also be effective, believes the president. “It will be credible only if we have effective, deployable, and ready armed forces. So, if we achieve the specific construction goals to which our republic and our allies are committed within NATO’s defense planning,” added the president.

The shock of Russian aggression against Ukraine, according to Pavel, has given new momentum to the process of EU enlargement. “I consider it essential that we do not lose sight of this key interest,” he said. Pavel will have bilateral meetings with all four presidents of the Balkan countries arriving for the Globsec conference at the end of the week. The enlargement of the union to include the countries of the Western Balkans has the support of the Czech Republic.

In conclusion, Pavel said that the next 12 months will see several key events for the Czech Republic and the world. In November, the 35th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution will take place. “The year 2025 will also be the year of the new, perhaps former, president of the United States. The outcome of the American elections will largely determine the direction in which possible solutions to current conflicts will move,” he noted.

He also recalled that it will be the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. “It is our duty to keep these memories alive but also understandable to younger generations to avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future,” he added. (August 27)