Press Advisories

31. 8. 202018:19

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš discusses future of Europe post-Brexit and the pandemic in Bled, also addressing the impact of COVID-19 with partners

On Monday 31 August 2020, PM Andrej Babiš attended a discussion as part of the 15th Bled Strategic Forum. Representatives of the attending countries and institutions discussed the future of Europe following the UK's departure from the European Union, also spending time exchanging experiences that the fight against the coronavirus pandemic has brought.

The Czech government was represented at the 15^th Bled Strategic Forum by PM Andrej Babiš and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tomáš Petříček. Also attending the cybersecurity panel was the director of the National Cyber and Information Security Agency Karel Řehka.

This year's edition of the prestigious debate club of Central European political leaders focused on the future of Europe post-Brexit and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The motto of the conference was Europe post-COVID and post-Brexit," PM Andrej Babiš stated. "We talked about what Europe should do and I think we're clear about that. Clearly define Schengen, clearly define what's going to happen with the Western Balkans, clearly define the trade agreement with the United States, the internal market and of course address the issues we have with Turkey, with Russia and with transatlantic ties," added the prime minister.

The panel of foreign affairs ministers discussed the experiences of the various countries with regional cooperation during the coronavirus pandemic, how this cooperation could be improved, what the greatest pitfalls were of measures to prevent the coronavirus pandemic from spreading, and what the greatest challenges are in securing infrastructure in the fields of energy, mobility and digitisation.

After the discussion forum, PM Babiš also took up the current situation over crossing borders with Slovenian PM Janez Janša and his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orbán. "Prime Minister Orbán promised me that tomorrow Hungary would affirm that our citizens who purchased or reserved a stay in Hungary before 1 September would be allowed to come to the country if they have a negative coronavirus test no older than five days," Andrej Babiš said following the talks.

According to PM Babiš, Slovenian PM Janša will also be addressing the issue of restricting the entry of Czech tourists to Slovenia. "I argued to him that the Czech Republic has had an average of around 40.5 cases per 100 000 inhabitants in the last fourteen days and Austria has had 42.4. Yet Austria does not have any restrictions," the prime minister stated.

The Bled Strategic Forum allows political leaders, experts and the public to discuss current issues. Every year it focuses on the most important events and challenges faced over the past year by the countries of Central and Southeastern Europe. On this occasion, attending guests can exchange opinions and experiences at a top level and search for innovative solutions to both current and future challenges. The forum also provides a unique opportunity for talks and cooperation at a regional and global level.