Europe as a Task 2026: A Stronger Europe as a Shared Responsibility
In his opening keynote, President Pavel stressed that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, strengthen its economy and technological base, and act with greater unity. He also highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation for smaller and medium-sized countries. As he said:
“Europe will not be strong on its own. It will be as strong as we make it together. Europe is a task we make every day. A strong Europe is what makes a strong Czechia.”
President Stubb followed with a call for “more Europe, not less Europe.” According to him, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, pressure from the East and changing transatlantic relations show that Europe must both deepen and widen integration. He voiced support for the future EU membership of Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans. As President Stubb said:
“We need to both deepen and widen the EU. Deepen integration and widen Europe. We actually need more Europe, not less Europe.”
The discussion between the two presidents focused largely on European security and the need to respond realistically to a changing world. Both agreed that Europe must invest more in its own defence while continuing to seek areas of cooperation with the United States.
The second day of the conference, held at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, addressed competitiveness, digital sovereignty, start-up growth and the future of the European defence industry. Speakers repeatedly pointed to excessive regulation, fragmentation of the Single Market and the ongoing loss of talent and investment outside Europe.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on EU Affairs Milena Hrdinková reminded participants that “Europe continues to be a task,” especially at a time of rapid geopolitical and economic change. Czech Technical University Rector Michal Pěchouček highlighted the importance of innovation, research and artificial intelligence for Europe’s future competitiveness. In his view, Europe has the potential to lead in areas such as AI for healthcare and scientific discovery.
Digital sovereignty also emerged as a key theme. Former European Commission Vice-President Věra Jourová warned about Europe’s dangerous dependence on American technologies and described strengthening Europe’s technological sovereignty as an “existential necessity.”
The conference concluded by returning to the legacy of Václav Havel, whose idea inspired the event’s title itself:
Europe is not something given, but something that must continuously be worked on.
SEE THE GALLERY:
More photos can be found here.
