Czech President Petr Pavel, after an emergency meeting of the Czech government leadership regarding the shift in U.S. policy towards Russia and its allies, warned today that, although the Czech Republic desires a strong alliance with the U.S., it must also be prepared for the possibility that its once-reliable ally may abandon them.
“Given the change in U.S. positions on several critical issues, we must pay much more attention to our capabilities, both as the Czech Republic and the European Union. We still prefer to be in a close alliance with the U.S., but on the other hand, we must be prepared for the scenario where we might be left alone, with only the European Union or parts of Europe,” said Pavel to reporters following the meeting of the Czech leadership.
Pavel added that, in the event that the U.S. abandons the Czech Republic and Europe, the government is ready to work intensively with like-minded countries to ensure that Europe remains capable of defending itself.
EU Analysts: Europe Must Strengthen Its Defense as the U.S. Transforms from Ally to Rival
Pavel also pointed out the rapidly evolving and dynamic situation in foreign policy and security in Europe and the world. “We are all noticing many contradictory statements that just a few weeks ago would have seemed impossible, shocking even, and today they are a reality. We must react to such fundamental changes,” said the Czech president.
Regarding national security, Pavel emphasized that a peaceful and just resolution for Ukraine is in the Czech Republic’s national interest. “Therefore, we will continue to support Ukraine. It is a country that has been attacked, and the aggressor cannot be rewarded for aggression,” he stated.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who has scheduled a meeting on Thursday with the leaders of parliamentary parties, both the ruling coalition and opposition, to discuss the recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, called for political unity on national security matters. “I would like the agreement on security to be reached by all relevant political forces in this country. We can argue about taxes, reforms, and publicly debate pension reform, but we should not have a heated debate about the security of our country,” Fiala said today.
