The President of the Czech Republic states that Europe must take greater responsibility for defense: "Peace can no longer be considered an implicit state of affairs."

Petr Pavel, the president of the Czech Republic and former NATO general, stated that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense, not due to pressures from Washington, but for strategic reasons.

At a forum held in Prague, Petr Pavel emphasized that although NATO remains essential for collective security, the premises of the old security architecture are no longer valid. He acknowledged Europe's progress in defense spending but warned that security cannot be ensured solely through larger budgets.

The president of the Czech Republic called for investments in air defense, logistics, and military mobility, stressing that Europe must be capable of managing on its own. He also stated that support for Ukraine is an investment in Europe's security, warning that an unfavorable peace for Ukraine would have long-term consequences for all Europeans.