EXPLAINED: Why the stakes are high for Czechia at the Munich Security Conference

As global tensions rise over Ukraine and NATO’s role in Europe, Czech President Petr Pavel will head to the Munich Security Conference this Friday and Saturday, joining some of the world’s most influential leaders to address key security challenges.

The conference, which will also be attended by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, is expected to focus on the ongoing war in Ukraine, NATO’s strategic position, and Europe’s role in global security.

A former NATO general, Pavel has long advocated for a stronger European defense strategy. As a key participant at the Munich Security Conference, he is expected to push for increased European involvement in peace negotiations and emphasize Europe’s critical role in shaping the future of the conflict.

Speaking at the Global AI Summit in Paris this week, the president said that he had arranged a meeting with U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg.

“I look forward to hearing about his meeting in Kyiv, his input on the negotiations with Russia, and how Europe can contribute to the process. While the negotiations will primarily involve the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine, Europe must not be left out,” Pavel said ahead of the event.

This year’s Munich Security Conference comes at a time of unprecedented geopolitical tension.

Discussion at the pivotal event will focus on how the international community can bring an end to the war in Ukraine now entering a crucial phase—with the country's counteroffensive showing limited success amid shifting political landscapes in Washington, decisions made at the conference could shape the future of Western support for Kyiv.

With Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský accompanying Pavel as part of the Czech delegation, the president is expected to advocate for stronger commitments from NATO and a more proactive stance on European defense. As tensions continue to flare beyond Ukraine’s borders—including Israel's war with Hamas, conflicts in Syria, Congo, Sudan and crises in Haiti and Venezuela—the conference will also address wider regional instability.

The Munich Security Conference will gather top officials from across the globe, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas, European Council President Antonio Costa, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also be present, signaling China’s increasing interest in global security issues.

Notably, no officials from Vladimir Putin's regime will attend this year’s conference. U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg will represent U.S. interests on Ukraine and Russia. This absence of Russian representatives could signify the growing divide between the West and Russia as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate.

On the sidelines of the conference, Foreign Minister Lipavský—who held talks with Kellogg in the U.S. last week—will also conducts key bilateral talks with several international partners, further underscoring Czechia’s role in shaping European defense and security strategies.

The Czech Foreign Ministry described the event as one of the largest and most important security conferences of our time. "The conference is regularly attended by the top representatives of many countries and international organizations from all over the world," the ministry said.

Pavel’s attendance at the Munich Security Conference highlights the growing pressure on European nations, including Czechia, to strengthen their defense capabilities amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová has recently called for an increase in defense spending to 3 percent of GDP, aligning with NATO’s new goals.