Our Security Cannot Be Taken for Granted
Despite ranking among the safest countries in the world and welcoming nearly 11 million tourists in 2025, Czechia continues to face growing security pressures—from the war in Ukraine just beyond its borders to increasing cyber threats targeting national institutions. The conference underscored the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and sustained strategic investment.
AFoCR was represented at the conference by Director Emeritus Peter Bišek, who joined senior military leaders, policymakers, and industry experts in discussions on key topics including national security priorities, modernization of defense technologies, and emerging trends in both internal and external security. A highlight of the program was a political panel featuring representatives from across the Czech political spectrum, demonstrating a shared commitment to addressing security challenges.
The conference featured keynote addresses by President of the Czech Republic H.E. Petr Pavel and U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic H.E. Nicholas Merrick. Both emphasized the critical importance of NATO unity and the need for member states to meet their defense commitments. Ambassador Merrick’s message was particularly direct, noting that failure to meet these obligations impacts the strength of the entire Alliance.
As a long-standing supporter of transatlantic dialogue and security cooperation, AFoCR is honored to partner with Jagello 2000 in advancing these important conversations and strengthening ties between the Czech Republic and the United States.
Photo: From left – Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Army Karel Řehka, AFoCR Director Emeritus Peter Bišek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to NATO David Konecký, and Jagello 2000 CEO and Co-Founder Zbyněk Pavlačík. © Jagello 2000