Petr Pavel, M.A., GEN (Ret.)

I am very honoured to be able to take over the patronage of the Future Forces Forum international platform for trends and technologies in defence and security for 2024. It is security that concerns us all, and strengthening it is a key task today. Therefore, it is important to increase citizens' interest in defence issues and to strengthen awareness of the values on which our state is based and which are worth defending.

I am very pleased that the Future Forces Forum enables meetings of the international security community and effectively connects experts, international institution, representatives of state, armed and security forces within NATO and the EU. The Czech Republic's accession to NATO, the 25th anniversary of which we are commemorating this year, was a completely breakthrough event on the way to ensuring our security. The European Union represents the largest peace project in the history of the continent, and membership in both institutions is the basis of freedom and security of our country. The current situation is clear evidence that there is strength in unity, mutual support, preparedness and solidarity that will provide strategic guarantees for our national security and long-term economic prosperity.

We are witnessing how quickly the international security situation can change dramatically and affect the lives of the entire society. It is therefore very important that defence spending has been anchored, but 2% of GDP for defence spending should not be a ceiling, but a minimum threshold, because security is not really free. Supporting the domestic defence industry is key, what can be bought at home should be bought at home. Many Czech companies are among the top manufacturers of technologies and products for national security and defence and can produce what is not feasible elsewhere. The defence industry is one of the cornerstones of the national security structure and therefore a key part of our defence capability.

For me, the Future Forces Forum represents a unique space for transfer and exchange of professional experience, learning about new trends, innovations and educating the general public in security issues. In particular, it is important for the young generation to pay attention not only to current security, but above all to future security, because the security of the world will continue to gain in importance.

I am sure that Future Forces Forum will move the issue of defence and security forward and contribute to the development of high-level mutual cooperation.