Czech President Pavel Leads Delegation to Three Seas Initiative Summit in Lithuania

Czech President Petr Pavel is leading a delegation to the Three Seas Initiative summit in Vilnius, Lithuania this week to discuss infrastructure projects, regional partnerships, support for Ukraine and Moldova, and future collaboration. The summit brings together countries bordering the Baltic, Adriatic, and Black seas to strengthen cooperation and connectivity in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the areas of energy, transport, and digital infrastructure.

Despite the Czech Republic being a landlocked country, President Pavel sees the Three Seas Initiative as an important platform for contributing to regional development and security. The delegation aims to explore ways to support Ukraine and Moldova amid the ongoing Russian invasion and to strengthen ties with other member states.

The Czech Republic has become an increasingly supportive ally of Ukraine in recent months. It initiated a drive to identify and purchase 500,000 155mm and 300,000 122mm artillery shells outside of Europe to be sent to Ukraine, with several other countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Poland, France, and Denmark contributing funds to the initiative. Prague has also been negotiating a draft bilateral security agreement with Kyiv, similar to agreements signed with other Western allies, as Ukraine seeks to bolster its ties with NATO members in the face of Russia's aggression.

Why this matters: The Three Seas Initiative summit highlights the growing importance of regional cooperation and solidarity in Central and Eastern Europe, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Czech Republic's active participation and support for Ukraine underscores its commitment to European security and its role as a key partner in the region.

Speaking at the summit, President Pavel emphasized the need for continued support for Ukraine and Moldova, stating, "We must stand together in the face of aggression and work towards a more secure and prosperous future for our region." The Czech delegation's participation in the Three Seas Initiative summit reflects the country's determination to play an active role in shaping the future of Central and Eastern Europe, despite its geographical constraints as a landlocked nation.

Key Takeaways

• Czech President leads delegation to Three Seas Initiative summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.
• Summit focuses on infrastructure, regional partnerships, support for Ukraine and Moldova.
• Czech Republic, a landlocked country, sees the initiative as important for regional development.
• Czech Republic supports Ukraine, including by identifying and purchasing artillery shells.
• Summit highlights growing importance of regional cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe.