Czechia confirms it will host its largest NATO event in over 20 years

An informal meeting of foreign ministers from NATO member states is set to take place next year at Prague Castle, specifically in the Černín, Hrzán, and Tuscany palaces, the Czech government confirmed today. This meeting, considered the most significant alliance event in Prague since the 2002 NATO summit, is expected to occur in May 2024, marking the 25th anniversary of the Czech Republic's NATO accession and the alliance's 75th anniversary.

The costs associated with hosting the meeting will be covered by national defense spending, which was reallocated from the Defense Ministry to other budget chapters during the preparation of next year's state budget.

The Czech Foreign Ministry highlighted the nation's commitment to NATO's political cohesion, emphasizing the meeting's symbolic importance in today's global security context. Given the deteriorating international security environment and Russia's aggression in Ukraine, the ministry noted that the public has recognized the critical role of NATO membership in ensuring security and stability.

"The decision to join the Euro-Atlantic structures and the subsequent anchoring of the Czech Republic in NATO represents one of the most historically important steps in the Czech Republic's independent history. Its significance is truly appreciated today," the ministry noted.

The Czech Republic has demonstrated itself as a trustworthy and active ally by adhering to membership commitments and making substantial contributions to the alliance's foreign missions and operations. This meeting will further strengthen ties and cooperation within NATO, reinforcing the nation's commitment to the collective defense organization.

In the past 12 months, Prague has been host to several important events, such as the European Political Committee in October 2022, which entailed dozens of EU and non-EU countries. It has also hosted twice European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and former British Prime Minister Liz Truss, as well as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

At a NATO summit in Vilnius in July, President Pavel announced that the Czech Republic will play a significant role in strengthening NATO's international battlegroup in Slovakia.

In 2022, a similar informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers was held in Oslo, while the previous year's gathering took place in Berlin. Hosting the event at Prague Castle underscores the Czech Republic's continued dedication to the alliance's principles and its pivotal role in enhancing security and stability within the Euro-Atlantic community.