Czech president Petr Pavel made his journey to Poland on 16 March. This is the second abroad visit, after Slovakia, of the recently sworn head of state. Prior to the gathering with president Andrzej Duda, Petr Pavel gave an interview for Wyborcza, among others, about Polish-Czech relations and the imagination of the improvement of the European Union. The conversation did not go as planned by Gazeta Wyborcza, the president of the Czech Republic rejected most of the journalist's comments, and after the interview he abandoned the newspaper's manipulation of his statements.

European Union

Further integration of the European Union and the destiny of smaller countries in the community, specified as the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary, were among the most crucial topics raised during the discussion. According to the Czech President, the countries of Central Europe should jointly organise to argue the policies of the largest players in the Union.

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Germany and France are the large national powers of Europe. It's average for them to effort to dominate. But our occupation is to make adequate counterweight. If we can agree on a position in Central and east Europe among seven, possibly 8 countries, together we will gather adequate strength to face the national interests of Germany or France. This does not undermine the European idea. This is simply a balance of strength, as Petr Pavel said.

The politician supports EU membership but criticises the direction in which the EU is presently heading.

To be honest, I do not think that closer integration is better for the European Union. We request more flexibility now than more integration. Many European nations are not mentally ready for further integration," the president said.

Despite his opposition to the greater competences of Brussels, Petr Pavel is in favour of adopting the euro.

I support the adoption of the euro in Czech Republic. The arguments against the common currency are more emotional than practical,” he added.

The head of our neighbour from behind Olza mistakenly believes in raising the position of the state after the introduction of the single currency. In addition to the negative effects straight affecting society, specified as price increases, the euro is simply a threat to state sovereignty. Participation in EU-wide financial institutions involves the failure of its own monetary policy, the impact on inflation, economical activity of residents, securities prices, the operation of its own central bank, and the exchange rate of money.

War in Ukraine

As a erstwhile military president, the president was asked to support the fighting Ukraine and the anticipation of ending the war.

I full support Ukraine for restoring its full sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders. I've served in advanced military positions for a long time, so I'm not naive. I am besides a realist erstwhile it comes to the chances of a full triumph for Ukraine. [...] whether we like it or not, the fatigue of war grows. This concerns Russia, it concerns Ukraine, as well as all the countries supporting it. The longer this war continues, the lower the support for Ukraine and the lower the will to proceed it. Therefore, I believe that this year will be decisive,” said president Petr Pavel.

Relations with Poland

He stated that a common block should be built with Poland and the remainder of the Visegrad Group.

In fresh months and years, our positions have become very, very similar. I see the possible in strengthening cooperation between the Visegrad Group and the Baltic countries and in coordinating more common policies with them," he pointed out.

The man asked what the intent of his visit to Warsaw was.

Let us usage common sense more often. Let's not get stiff in our procedures. Let us be more flexible and be more willing to look for common solutions in our common interests. There are many partial interests that we sometimes consider essential. But it would truly be better from time to time if we made any concessions for a greater purpose,” said the Czech President.

This message was utilized in a political game by the Electoral editor, who most likely expected criticism of Poland and circumstantial parties. The interview was titled: Czech president Petr Pavel for “Election”: I ask Poles for more reason. The Czech leader referred to this over-interpretation on TVN24.

In an interview with “Gazeta Wyborcza” you said that common sense is what is needed in Polish-Czech relations. Does this apply besides to issues specified as the Turov mine? Why was this conflict so heated? — asked Piotr Marciniak.

I think we're gonna gotta separate 2 separate things. I am afraid that the title “Gazeta Wyborcza” was a certain over-interpretation of what I said. I asked for common sense not from the point of view of teaching Poles how to usage this common sense. I asked for collective common sense. Together with Poland and another countries of this region, we are now in a very akin situation regarding the war in Ukraine, which united us. Again, it brought us to realize the basic principles, to realize what is crucial and what is irrelevant. But thanks to her, we besides understood that this region has something to offer, that we should work closer together to supply solutions, fresh ideas and initiatives not only to support Ukraine but besides to aid Ukraine through its European path. I think that was the essence of what I was saying. In this case, I did not think of Turów or any another problems that we solve together — Pavel replied in detail.

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