The 2026 the Czech and Slovak Freedom Lecture, a longstanding forum for examining the challenges facing freedom and democratic security in Europe will welcome Gen Karel Řehka to discuss the changing security environment in Europe and its implications for the Czech Republic, NATO, and the transatlantic alliance.

The event will take place on October 23, 2026, at the Hudson Institute, which will once again serve as co-host and co-sponsor.

Europe has entered a new era of strategic competition. The return of large-scale conventional war in Europe due to Russia’s war against Ukraine, Moscow’s expanding campaign of aggression against NATO members through unconventional operations, and the rapid advances and changes in military doctrine and technology have fundamentally challenged the assumptions that shaped the post-Cold War security order. For the Czech Republic and its allies, preserving peace increasingly depends on the credibility of deterrence and the ability of democratic societies to defend themselves.

The American Friends of the Czech Republic warmly welcomes Ambassador Jakub Kulhánek to Washington, D.C., as the new Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States.

AFOCR is pleased to announce the signing of a new collaboration agreement with Jagello 2000, a leading Czech organization focused on security, transatlantic relations, and public diplomacy.

The agreement establishes a framework for joint initiatives aimed at strengthening Czech–U.S. relations through public diplomacy, educational programming, and strategic dialogue.

The agreement was formally signed by AFoCR President Roger Kodat and Jagello 2000 CEO and Co-Founder Zbyněk Pavlačík in Austin, Texas, at the opening of the RISE conference.

A vibrant celebration of Czech culture and music recently took place in Chicago, where the American Friends of the Czech Republic co-sponsored a special reception honoring Maestro Jakub Hrůša.

Photo credit: Agata Martinik Photography

AFOCR was proud to support Czech House at SXSW 2026 in Austin, Texas, held on March 12–13, 2026 —an increasingly important platform for showcasing Czech innovation, culture, and transatlantic collaboration in the United States.

Czech House serves as the Czech Republic’s official hub at SXSW, bringing together startups, investors, policymakers, and creatives for a dynamic program of panels, networking events, and cultural presentations. The 2026 edition highlighted the strength of the Czech innovation ecosystem and its growing engagement with U.S. partners across technology, business, and the creative industries.

AFoCR was invited to take part in the “Our Security Cannot Be Taken for Granted” conference held on March 5, 2026. This annual Jagello 2000 National Conference brought together leading voices from across the Czech defense, security, and policy communities to address the evolving challenges facing the Czech Republic and the broader transatlantic alliance. The invitation also reflected ongoing discussions that led to a formal collaboration agreement AFoCR and Jagello 2000.

Photo: US Ambassador to Czechia H.E. Nicholas Merrick Credit: Petr Bisek

AFOCR is pleased to announce a new cultural and historical initiative titled “Saving and Promoting the Czech-American Past,” developed in cooperation with Amb. Jaroslav Olša Jr., most recently former Consul General of Czechia in Los Angeles.

“Celebrating Presidents’ Day is a reminder of the deep historical ties between our countries. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, we remember President Wilson’s pivotal role in the establishment of Czechoslovak independence and how it continues to shape our partnership today”

Nicholas Merrick, Ambassador to the Czech Republic

Credit Photos US Embassy Prague, Kryštof Hereš

We are pleased to share a special video now available on the official YouTube channel of the American Friends of the Czech Republic (AFoCR). The channel highlights the stories, programs, and moments that define our mission to strengthen Czech-American relations across culture, education, diplomacy, and public life.