President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb paid an official visit to the Czech Republic on 4–5 May 2026. During the visit, discussions focused on bilateral relations between the two countries, economic and security cooperation, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and its implications for energy security, the security of NATO’s eastern member states, as well as transatlantic relations.
“Four core principles: peace, prosperity, security and stability. These were the original foundations in 1952, when European cooperation began,” President Stubb said at the Europe as a Task 2026 conference, where he delivered a keynote speech about Europe’s security in a time of global disorder.
“We actually need more Europe, not less. We need more Europe in defence. We need more Europe in security. We need more Europe in foreign policy. We need more Europe in the single market, more Europe in combating climate change.”
President Stubb stated that the EU’s major project at the moment is defence. ”We must take more responsibility for our own defence. This does not mean either the EU or NATO, but both. NATO has the command structure, the operative structure, and the capability. But the EU is the one that can provide investment, the defence industry, and the instruments to push it forward.”
President Stubb participated in the conference at the Prague Castle on 5 May, together with President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel. After the conference the presidents discussed with students of international affairs and foreign policy.
The visit was accompanied by a business delegation
The programme of the official visit began on Monday 4 May with a welcome ceremony and official talks at Prague Castle with President Pavel. Alongside bilateral relations, European security and the economy were also discussed.
Later in the day, President Stubb met Jiří Drahoš, Vice-President of the Senate, and Tomio Okamura, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies. The first day of the visit concluded with an official dinner at Prague Castle hosted by President Pavel.
On Tuesday 5 May, President Stubb and President Pavel participated in a Finnish–Czech Business Forum. A business delegation of 26 Finnish companies accompanied the visit.
Following the business forum, President Stubb had a meeting with the Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. He thanked the Czech Republic for its support for Ukraine and its determination to maintain pressure on Russia. The President and the Prime Minister also discussed European security and increasing bilateral trade, particularly in the fields of defence and healthcare.
In addition, the President’s programme included a working lunch with experts in security policy.
Members of the President’s delegation included, among others, Minister of Social Security Sanni Grahn-Laasonen and Member of Parliament Mikko Savola. The business delegation comprised representatives of Abloy, Aiforia Technologies, BeeHealthy, Bittium, Conlog, CPE Production, DigiFinland, Ensto Group, Helkama-Auto, ICEYE, IQM Quantum Computers, KONE, Konecranes, KONTIO, KT-Shelter, Lumon Invest, Nokia Solutions and Networks, Nordic Healthcare Group, Patria, Peikko Group Corporation, Planmeca, Proventia, Satatuote, Stora Enso, Temet, Wärtsilä and YIT.
The previous bilateral visit at the head-of-state level to the Czech Republic was made by President Martti Ahtisaari during his state visit in 1996.
Photo: Matti Porre / Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
