France and UK now leaders of hard power in Europe, says Czech PM

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France and the United Kingdom are now solid power leaders in Europe, according to the Czech Prime Minister, despite Britain’s exit from the European Union.
Peter Viela told the Financial Times that the shift in the European leadership was in response to the continued threat from Russia, and pressure from US President Donald Trump to increase military spending. European capitals felt unstable from the Trump administration’s hostility towards the traditional allies and its initiatives to Moscow, which Washington no longer described as the aggressor in the Ukraine war.
“This is the time when the strongest countries should play the larger role, those who have concrete power, France and Great Britain, European nuclear powers,” said Viela.
France and the United Kingdom are leading discussions on “coalition” from those who wish “to provide some security after the conflict to Ukraine if Trump succeeds in mediating the ceasefire with Russia.
The Czech Prime Minister praised the strong support of British leader Sir Kerr Starmer to Ukraine, and said he saw a deeper participation in the United Kingdom in European security As an opportunity to work near together, rather than a way to join the European Union.
Viela said he has long warned his European peers “against the punishment of Great Britain” for its decision to leave the bloc. “I see here no opportunity [EU] Reintegration-I don’t think this is the goal of the British people-but I hope for stronger and more open cooperation, because it is very important for our continent. “
Paris and London were alternating in hosting meetings with leaders of other European capitals to discuss the publication of a Common “reassurance power”With the next gathering scheduled in the French capital on Thursday. The UK’s Chief of Defense Staff will host their French counterparts at the Northwood base this week for three days of military planning with other coalition countries.
Czech President Peter Paville recently suggested that the country would deploy forces along with its allies if a joint agreement is reached. Viala, whose government’s approval is required for such publication, said that the discussion is “premature” as long as no ceasefire was agreed.
“However, we must be open to any option that would stop any Russian aggression in the future,” said Viela.
Viala said that the Russian threat forced him to drop his long opposition to the major countries to take over the leadership of a greater leadership-a role that Germany and France have taken historically to advance the economic integration of the European Union.
“I was always at the time of ladder against the strong role of France and Germany … but at this difficult time, it is important that the most powerful countries be active and accept their own leadership.”
Germany is now planning to invest up to one million euros in its military structure and infrastructure, a policy that has also been transformed by the Trump administration. The German counselor warned Fredchich Mirz that Europe could It no longer depends on the United States To defend it without registration or condition. Mirz participated in talks with Paris to explore whether the French nuclear arsenal could provide any protection in the case of American withdrawal.
Viela said that Berlin will be “of great importance” once Mirz took office after the coalition talks that were currently underway.
The Czech government coordinated international efforts to buy ammunition to Ukraine, as it sent 520,000 shells of 155 mm artillery last year.
Viela said there is a “great opportunity” that Prague was able to send a similar amount to Kiev this year. But he warned that the initiative needs more funding and could be at risk if its ruling alliance is activated in the parliamentary elections that will be held by October.
Former Prime Minister Andrig Babi, the leader of the Na Shabani party, is leading in opinion polls, and indicated that he will stop more military aid to Ukraine.
Viala said: “Babi against this ammunition initiative, against spending on defense, talks about peace without any conditions.” “It helps Vladimir Putin, it’s very clear.”
Babiš denies the support of the President of Russia and says he completely supports Trump in his peace -making negotiations.
Last year, Babiš participated in the founding of the third largest group in the European Parliament, along with the Hungarian Prime Minister, which supported Russia, and the Austrian right leader Herbert Kickl.
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2025-03-25 05:00:00