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The Czech Prime Minister has highlighted France and the UK as Europe’s premier power players, despite the UK leaving the EU. Petr Fiala told the Financial Times that this shift is due to the persistent Russian threat and pressure from the US, particularly under President Donald Trump, to increase military expenditure. Trump’s administration, with its frosty stance towards old allies and friendly gestures towards Moscow, has left many European capitals jittery. Washington no longer labels Moscow as the aggressor in the Ukraine conflict, adding to the tension.
“This era calls for strong nations to step up, those with actual influence, namely France and Great Britain, the nuclear-armed European powers,” Fiala commented. France and the UK are spearheading discussions about forming a “coalition of the willing” to contribute to Ukraine’s security if Trump manages to negotiate a truce with Russia.
The Czech leader commended UK leader Sir Keir Starmer for his staunch backing of Ukraine, seeing Britain’s heightened role in European security as a chance for cooperation rather than an attempt to re-join the EU.
“I’ve always cautioned against punishing the UK for its EU departure,” Fiala stated. “This is not about EU reintegration for the British, but about bolstering collaboration because it’s critical for Europe.”
Meetings hosted alternately by Paris and London continue with other European capitals to discuss a joint “reassurance force,” with the next meet-up set for Paris on Thursday. The UK’s defense staff chief will also welcome French counterparts to the Northwood base for three days of military strategizing with other coalition forces.
The Czech President recently suggested the nation might deploy troops with allies if a consensus is reached. However, Fiala mentioned that such discussions are “premature” without an agreed ceasefire.
“We must be adaptable to any option that deters future Russian aggression,” Fiala added. The growing Russian threat has made Fiala abandon his previous resistance to significant states taking charge—a role historically filled by Germany and France in guiding EU economic unity.
“I never supported powerful roles for France and Germany in peaceful times…but during crises, it’s essential for powerful countries to be proactive and assume leadership roles.”
Germany is gearing up to invest up to €1 trillion in military and infrastructure—a 180-degree turn pressured by the Trump-era dynamics. German chancellor-hopeful Friedrich Merz has cautioned that Europe can no longer count on the US’s unconditional defense. Merz is in dialogue with Paris to consider whether the French nuclear stockpile could offer protection if the US withdraws.
Fiala noted that under Merz, Berlin would be “extremely important” post-coalition negotiations. The Czech government has taken charge of an international mission to supply Ukraine with ammunition, dispatching 520,000 shells of 155mm artillery last year.
Fiala sees a “high potential” for Prague to deliver a similar amount to Kyiv this year, but he warns that the initiative is jeopardized with an upcoming parliamentary election. Former Czech Premier Andrej Babiš, leading in opinion polls, has hinted at halting further military support to Ukraine.
“Babiš is against this ammunition mission, against defense spending, and he touts unconditional peace,” Fiala criticized. “He aids Vladimir Putin, it’s plain to see.”
Babiš denies supporting Russia’s leader but backs Trump’s peace negotiation efforts. Last year, Babiš co-founded the European parliament’s third-largest group with pro-Russian Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Austrian far-right leader Herbert Kickl.
