PRAHA - Czech President Petr Pavel stressed the need for a fundamental change in the European approach to its own security at the Globsec security conference in Prague today. He said the role of the United States in protecting Europe has changed and European states must take greater responsibility for the continent's defence capabilities.

"America's role has changed. Europe can no longer rely on others to take care of its security," the President told representatives of international institutions, politicians and security policy experts. He called for strengthening the European defence industry, increased investment in defence and closer cooperation within European structures.

He paid particular attention to support for Ukraine, which continues to face widespread Russian aggression. "Just as important as investing in our own defence is preventing Ukraine from falling. Not only its sovereignty is at stake, but also the stability of the entire European area," Pavel stressed. He added that developments in Ukraine will be one of the main topics of the upcoming North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) summit in The Hague.

Pavel also appealed to European leaders to prepare for possible changes in US foreign policy after the next presidential election. In his view, the European approach to defence should be more autonomous and sustainable in the long term.

The Globsec conference is exceptionally held in Prague this year and serves as a key forum for discussing security threats and the strategic direction of Europe in a changing geopolitical environment.

gnews.cz - GH