Finnish President visits Czech Republic to discuss European security, encourages youth participation in public affairs
Finnish President Alexander Stubb recently visited the Czech Republic, meeting with President Petr Pavel to discuss support for Ukraine and European security issues. Both recognized Russia as a major threat and emphasized strengthening EU competitiveness and autonomous defense, while encouraging young people to actively participate in public affairs during turbulent international and digital times.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 17:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 6, 2026 at 17:33 (33 min after Published)
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Liu Yu-ting, Prague, May 6) Finnish President Alexander Stubb recently visited the Czech Republic, meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel to discuss support for Ukraine and European security issues, believing that Russia remains a major threat to Europe. Both sides emphasized enhancing EU competitiveness and autonomous defense capabilities, and encouraged the younger generation to actively participate in public affairs in the turbulent international situation and digital age.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb visited the Czech Republic on May 4th and 5th, meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel to discuss how to continue supporting Ukraine and promoting peaceful solutions. Both sides agreed that regardless of when or how the war in Ukraine ends, Russia remains the most severe security challenge for Europe.
Pavel described Stubb as "one of the loudest and clearest voices in Europe" on several key issues today, including Europe's future relationship with the United States and its stance on Russia and China. He said: "Finland is not only an important ally for us in NATO but also a country with which we share many common views on current developments."
Regarding the EU, Pavel pointed out that member states must strive to enhance their competitiveness and security capabilities. "We agree that European security must be built on its own capabilities and resources, and requires a stronger will for autonomous defense, even acting without US involvement if necessary."
On May 5th, the two presidents jointly delivered speeches at the "Europe as a Mission" conference, discussing topics such as European security, defense industry, and strategic industrial policy.
Pavel emphasized that Europe must take on more responsibility for its own security. "If Europe is to be politically stronger, it must have the ability to make rapid decisions and act, and speak with a united voice externally." He believes that the Czech Republic should actively strive to participate in decision-making, "sit at the negotiating table," and work to influence outcomes.
After the speeches, the two presidents met with students from the College of Europe and interns from the Blue Book and Schuman programs. These programs are important systems for cultivating talent in European affairs and public policy.
Finnish President Stubb stated that he was once a member of the College of Europe. Most people present are in higher education, a learning period full of possibilities.
Stubb said he grew up in the era of the end of the Cold War and the "end of history," but today's younger generation is entering an era where the global order is gradually loosening, even overshadowed by the "dark side of the internet."
He pointed out that in today's highly developed technological environment, human interaction has become less civilized and rational than before. Stubb believes that the younger generation, growing up in a digital environment, has a unique advantage in maintaining good interactions in the technological age, which is what the older generation needs to learn from young people. "I believe you will do very well."
Regarding "mobility," Stubb pointed out that it is not just about expressing opinions or evaluations on issues, but more importantly, implementing ideas into future careers. Whether in public policy, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, private enterprises, or academia, everyone has the ability to speak out and influence public affairs. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150506
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(Central News Agency reporter Liu Yu-ting, Prague, May 6) Finnish President Alexander Stubb recently visited the Czech Republic, meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel to discuss support for Ukraine and European security issues, believing that Russia remains a major threat to Europe. Both sides emphasized enhancing EU competitiveness and autonomous defense capabilities, and encouraged the younger generation to actively participate in public affairs in the turbulent international situation and digital age.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb visited the Czech Republic on May 4th and 5th, meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel to discuss how to continue supporting Ukraine and promoting peaceful solutions. Both sides agreed that regardless of when or how the war in Ukraine ends, Russia remains the most severe security challenge for Europe.
Pavel described Stubb as "one of the loudest and clearest voices in Europe" on several key issues today, including Europe's future relationship with the United States and its stance on Russia and China. He said: "Finland is not only an important ally for us in NATO but also a country with which we share many common views on current developments."
Regarding the EU, Pavel pointed out that member states must strive to enhance their competitiveness and security capabilities. "We agree that European security must be built on its own capabilities and resources, and requires a stronger will for autonomous defense, even acting without US involvement if necessary."
On May 5th, the two presidents jointly delivered speeches at the "Europe as a Mission" conference, discussing topics such as European security, defense industry, and strategic industrial policy.
Pavel emphasized that Europe must take on more responsibility for its own security. "If Europe is to be politically stronger, it must have the ability to make rapid decisions and act, and speak with a united voice externally." He believes that the Czech Republic should actively strive to participate in decision-making, "sit at the negotiating table," and work to influence outcomes.
After the speeches, the two presidents met with students from the College of Europe and interns from the Blue Book and Schuman programs. These programs are important systems for cultivating talent in European affairs and public policy.
Finnish President Stubb stated that he was once a member of the College of Europe. Most people present are in higher education, a learning period full of possibilities.
Stubb said he grew up in the era of the end of the Cold War and the "end of history," but today's younger generation is entering an era where the global order is gradually loosening, even overshadowed by the "dark side of the internet."
He pointed out that in today's highly developed technological environment, human interaction has become less civilized and rational than before. Stubb believes that the younger generation, growing up in a digital environment, has a unique advantage in maintaining good interactions in the technological age, which is what the older generation needs to learn from young people. "I believe you will do very well."
Regarding "mobility," Stubb pointed out that it is not just about expressing opinions or evaluations on issues, but more importantly, implementing ideas into future careers. Whether in public policy, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, private enterprises, or academia, everyone has the ability to speak out and influence public affairs. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150506
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency's "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.