The Czech Prime Minister, Petr Fiala, announced on 28 August that practical collaboration would take precedence during the Czech Republic’s current presidency of the Visegrad Group, even as political cooperation within the bloc faces hurdles. The Visegrad Group brings together Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, and its presidency this year is framed around delivering tangible results that can be advanced through steady, real-world action rather than blanket agreement on every issue.
Priority of the Czech V4 Presidency
Speaking at the annual conference of Czech ambassadors, Fiala outlined a clear goal: maintain constructive relations within the V4 while steering the group toward achievable, action-oriented outcomes. He noted that while members hold similar broad aims, their positions on matters such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine vary, at times diverging in ways that make unanimity challenging. The emphasis would be on pragmatism—pursuing common projects that benefit the region without forcing consensus on every topic. This approach aims to keep cooperation productive even when full alignment is not possible.
Fiala also pointed to the potential influence of parliamentary elections in Slovakia and Poland on V4 dynamics. He argued that the bloc functions best when it remains active and responsive, with routine dialogue and coordinated initiatives that can adapt to shifting national contexts. In this view, the V4 serves Czech interests by staying relevant and by fostering collaboration that can accommodate evolving political landscapes.
Russia’s imperial ambitions are the greatest threat to the Czech Republic
In addressing the ambassadors, the prime minister framed Russia’s imperial ambitions as the most serious security challenge facing the Czech Republic today. He urged careful assessment of China as well, warning that Beijing may pursue its own strategic objectives as regional and global tensions unfold. These cautions reflect a broader assessment that Western security and stability require vigilant, nuanced diplomacy alongside clear deterrence measures.
Fiala emphasized that the Czech Republic should continue backing Ukraine through a combination of civilian aid and military assistance while pursuing deeper integration within the European Union and NATO. He highlighted the importance of standing united with Western partners to resist attempts to redraw regional influence and to uphold a cohesive stance in response to pressure from Moscow and its allies. The underlying message was a call for sustained resilience and coordinated action across European and transatlantic lines to safeguard regional security and democratic norms.