07.07.2026 15:42
Czech President Petr Pavel, who arrived in Ankara for the NATO Summit, stated in a program that European allies need to refocus on their own defense and emphasized that officials should set aside emotions when communicating.
Czech President Petr Pavel said, "(European allies) We need to refocus on our own defense. We must not only strengthen our military capabilities, but also our decision-making processes and decision-making flexibility."
Pavel spoke at the "Allies in Ankara" program held at Ankara Palas, hosted by the Foundation for Political, Economic, and Social Research (SETA) in partnership with the Munich Security Conference (MSC).
Stating that there should be "an approach that allows for calmer relations among allies," Pavel emphasized the need for a correct understanding of the current global landscape.
"AUTHORITIES MUST SET ASIDE THEIR EMOTIONS"
Pavel noted that authorities should communicate by setting aside their emotions.
Drawing attention to the geographical position of the Czech Republic, which lies at the center of both the EU and NATO, Pavel said that for this reason, many people in his country do not feel security threats.
Pavel stated that it might therefore be more difficult to explain these threats to people in his country and conveyed the message that his country stands in solidarity with its allies.
Explaining that the Czech Republic has many companies in the defense industry, Pavel emphasized that there is significant potential for more comprehensive cooperation with other European countries.
TOUCHED ON NATO'S FOUNDING PHILOSOPHY
Pavel touched on NATO's founding philosophy, stating that there has been a recent tendency within the Alliance for a single ally to assume a large portion of the responsibility for defense expenditures.
"WE MUST FOCUS ON OUR OWN DEFENSE"
The Czech President said, "(European allies) We need to refocus on our own defense. We must not only strengthen our military capabilities, but also our decision-making processes and decision-making flexibility."