Bled (Slovenia) – Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized at the Bled Strategic Forum that the European Union must enhance its military capabilities, finalize its internal market, and unify its voice to maintain relevance in a shifting global landscape. He criticized the current reliance on U.S. security support as unsustainable, stating that democracies are struggling against autocracies.
“To safeguard the European way of life, we need to develop our own military capabilities that bolster our political stance, and pursue greater integration to ensure we present a united front,” Pavel remarked as a main speaker at the forum. He warned that if Europe continues to behave like “a bunch of little boys,” it risks failing in the competition against larger powers. Pavel stressed the urgency for reform, pointing out that Europe’s focus on social and economic growth under the U.S. security umbrella is untenable.
Pavel suggested that rather than establishing a separate European army, efforts should be directed at strengthening NATO’s European component. The aim is to enhance military capabilities and support the European defense sector, enabling Europe to step in should U.S. attention shift. “This development will also facilitate U.S. actions where necessary, such as in the Pacific,” he noted, asserting that bolstering Europe’s military does not conflict with American interests but rather supports them. “It benefits both parties,” he added.
Pavel characterized the current global climate as a struggle between democracies and autocracies, with the latter currently prevailing. He remarked that democracies have yet to persuade the global community of the compelling nature of a system grounded in freedoms, respect for international norms, and human rights. (September 2)
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