Why was Czechia left out of Macron’s Paris meeting on Ukraine?

A high-level meeting in Paris on Ukraine’s future has raised questions about Czechia’s role in European diplomacy. Convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, the gathering includes leaders from major EU countries—but not Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

Fiala dismissed the meeting’s significance, arguing that Europe needs action, not more informal discussions. But his exclusion from the talks has sparked debate, with opposition figures seizing on the absence as proof of the Czech government’s lack of influence.

The Paris meeting on Monday brought together the heads of government from Britain, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

The meeting follows indications from the U.S. administration that it may negotiate a ceasefire with Russia without direct European involvement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte are also attending.

Czechia’s absence from the list raises questions about how decisions on European security are being made and which countries are considered key players. Poland’s invitation is particularly notable, as it shares many of Czechia’s positions on Ukraine.

Fiala argued that another round of informal talks would do little to strengthen Europe’s position and instead called for concrete steps to improve competitiveness and security.

“Further informal discussions, especially so soon after the European Council meeting and just days before the German elections, will not lead anywhere. Another dinner will not make Europe more respected. Action is needed: revising the Green Deal to boost competitiveness, cutting red tape significantly, enforcing the deportation of migrants who have broken our laws, and investing in our defense and security. We must stop wasting time and take action,” the Czech PM said Monday via government spokeswoman Lucie Jesatková.

Deputy Prime Minister Vít Rakušan also dismissed concerns over Czechia’s absence, pointing to the inclusion of Poland as a sign that Czech interests were represented.

“Poland has been invited, and from what I know, the Polish delegation has been consulted. Our views on supporting Ukraine—that the victim must be supported and the aggressor must not be allowed to achieve its goals—are aligned with Poland’s,” he said.

Rakušan added that Europe has long been criticized for having too many participants in negotiations, which can hinder decisive action. “I hope this meeting will produce some conclusions, and I dare say Poland’s stance is very similar to ours,” he said.

Former Prime Minister and opposition ANO leader Andrej Babiš took a different view, arguing that Czechia’s exclusion from the meeting was a sign of weakness.

“The government, and especially Prime Minister Fiala, have failed to understand that servility will never secure respect in the world. They have relied on a policy of sucking up and kowtowing, running after everyone in a bow,” he wrote on the social media platform X.

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský pushed back against Babiš’s claims, arguing that Czechia remains an active diplomatic player. He highlighted recent discussions with his Polish counterpart Radosław Sikorski and ongoing talks with Denmark and the Netherlands.

“What’s interesting is that when Babiš claims that Trump will bring peace, he doesn’t seem to mind that Trump isn’t even including Europe at the table. But the moment we are not in one meeting, he suddenly becomes outraged. So, what does he want? Do we want to be active players or just passively wait to see what happens? I choose an active approach,” Lipavský told the Czech Press Agency (ČTK).

Regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, Lipavský said the terms of any potential ceasefire will be decisive.

National Security Adviser Tomáš Pojar suggested that Czechia’s absence from the Paris meeting does not mean it is sidelined in European security matters. He argued that Czechia should continue its existing approach to helping Ukraine rather than seeking new strategies.

“After the weekend Munich Security Conference, it is even clearer that if Europe wants to be taken seriously by its friends, rivals, and enemies and preserve its freedom and prosperity, it must invest much more in defense,” Pojar told ČTK.

The Paris meeting follows remarks from Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, at the Munich Security Conference. Kellogg stated that European countries would not be directly involved in planned negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, though they would be consulted.