Prime Minister Fiala holds talks with French President Macron on cooperation in energy, defence and support for Ukraine

On Tuesday 5 March, Prime Minister Petr Fiala met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Straka Academy. The leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in nuclear energy, defence cooperation and support for the Czech initiative to supply ammunition to Ukraine from third countries. They also signed the Action Plan for the Strategic Partnership Between the Czech Republic and France for 2024-2028.

“Today’s meeting has confirmed that we agree on a number of key issues, be that the security of Europe, support for Ukraine, the further development of the EU and matters that are essential for our citizens, the future and the good prospects of the European continent. Czech-French relations are strong, and stronger than ever,” the Czech Prime Minister said after the meeting. The statesmen signed the fifth action plan for the strategic partnership between our countries, which outlines priority areas of cooperation for the next four years - security and defence, migration, trade, agriculture, social affairs, science and research, and many other areas.

Nuclear energy development is also a key area of cooperation. “Both the Czech Republic and France see nuclear energy as a key tool to ensure energy security and to have enough electricity available. It is the basis of our prosperity and competitiveness, as my vision called Restart of the Czech Republic envisages. In this respect, this year will be a turning point for the Czech Republic, as we will select a contractor for the completion of the Dukovany nuclear power plant. I am glad that the French company EDF has actively participated in the tender, is improving its offer and is showing efforts to involve Czech companies in the project,” the Prime Minister added. The leaders agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation between the French and Czech nuclear industries, where a number of projects, for example to accelerate the development of small modular reactors, are already underway.

An important topic of the meeting was also the Czech initiative to help Ukraine. “I am very pleased with France’s intention to support our initiative to supply ammunition to Ukraine from third countries. We are negotiating its specific form,” the Czech Prime Minister stressed.

The Czech Republic and France also cooperate on a number of defence projects. On the level of bilateral cooperation, a project for the acquisition of Caesar howitzers from the French company Nexter is currently underway. This is one of the Czech Army’s most important armament projects in the last decade. “We are interested in involving our defence industry in the French supply chains. I am glad that France is taking ammunition from Sellier&Bellot in Vlašim. Such projects contribute to strengthening the overall defence capability of Europe,” added Prime Minister Fiala.