The European Union (EU) is not in a position to tell the Montenegrin authorities what they should and should not do, but can only encourage them to think in a broader context and with a larger goal, and to try to resolve all internal difficulties in a peaceful and, hopefully, quick manner, said Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, in an interview with Television Vijesti.
"I have been assured that all parties in what is called the parliamentary crisis have in mind that the ultimate goal is EU membership. I can only encourage all parties in this problem to remember that this is the goal and that any internal crisis can prolong the process or even divert attention from it," Pavel said.
Television Vijesti journalist: Mr. President, how do you assess the current relations between the Czech Republic and Montenegro and do you see any specific areas for exchange and cooperation, such as economy, tourism or culture?
Paul: Relations between the Czech Republic and Montenegro are not just a matter of the present. They go back to the past, to the 19th century, and even earlier. We had many contacts and connections. I was not aware of all of them and I was quite surprised when I visited the King Nikola Museum in Cetinje and saw how many Czech traces there are in Montenegro. Montenegro enjoys respect and a very positive attitude among our public. That is why Montenegro is not only a favorite destination for our tourists, but also a good destination for our economy and investments. Many of our companies are already well positioned in Montenegro and in the Balkans in general. Some new companies that came with me have found partners here. I believe that there is a huge untapped potential for cooperation in the economy, political context, people-to-people exchange, tourism, students and cultural exchange. I believe that we will do more in the future, not only through expanded cooperation between our economies, but also through the possibility of opening a direct airline between Montenegro and the Czech Republic, not just seasonally.
Journalist of Television Vijesti: Can you list any specific investment plans?
Paul: There are several major projects. One of them is connected to the biggest name in our automotive industry, Škoda. We can see Czech Škoda cars being used by the local police on the streets of Podgorica. Another company with a similar name, Škoda Transportation, is also present in Montenegro and is considering a potential participation in a contract for new railway trains. Another company is trying to offer its capacities for the construction of new railway lines, in particular connecting Serbia with Montenegro and Albania. A company called Vodni Zdroje is already present here and has invested more than ten million euros in hydroelectric power plants, and is also involved in other projects. I believe there are many more, including companies from the defense industry, where we discussed the possibility of our company delivering a set of assault rifles for your armed forces or equipment for protection against chemical, biological and radiological weapons.
Journalist of Television Vijesti: How do you assess Montenegro's progress on this path towards EU membership and what steps do you consider key to accelerating this process?
Paul: The Czech Republic is a strong advocate of EU enlargement, especially to the Western Balkans. We do this because we believe it is right. It is not only in the interest of the countries of the region, but it serves all of us, the whole of Europe. Because if the Western Balkans remain on the sidelines, if they remain in a gray area, they will be a source of various foreign influences.
These influences will only exacerbate problems, exploit old grievances or create new tensions in order to rule this region, without having any positive effects on the people of the region. Therefore, I firmly believe that the future of the Western Balkan countries, including Montenegro, lies in the European Union. I do not believe that Montenegro can further accelerate the process, because the plan is already very ambitious – to close all chapters by the end of 2026 and become a full member in 2028. I believe that this is ambitious, but also realistic, if Montenegro manages to find and maintain internal cohesion, which will require overcoming some internal differences and problems in relation to a higher common goal.
Journalist of Television Vijesti: On the first day of your visit to Montenegro, at a press conference with our President, Jakov Milatović, you stated that good intentions alone are not enough for EU membership, but results must be achieved, because the process is always based on merit. Given that Montenegro is currently facing a constitutional crisis, with a parliamentary crisis on the horizon, could this negatively affect our European integration?
Paul: I have been assured that all parties to what is called the parliamentary crisis have in mind that the ultimate goal is EU membership. I can only encourage all parties to this problem to remember that this is the goal and that any internal crisis can prolong the process or even divert attention from it. The EU is not in a position to tell the Montenegrin authorities what they should and should not do, but I can only encourage them to think in a broader context and a larger goal, and to try to resolve all internal difficulties in a peaceful and, hopefully, expeditious manner.
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Journalist of Television Vijesti: As a former NATO general, how do you see Montenegro's role in maintaining stability in the Western Balkans? Are you satisfied?
Paul: Montenegro has so far been a country that has managed to preserve internal unity regardless of ethnic and religious differences, and as such serves as an example to countries in the region. I believe that Montenegro will succeed in the EU accession process, not only by fulfilling all the criteria but also by implementing reforms. This will show that the path to the EU is open, realistic and achievable for other countries in the region, and can contribute, and I believe will contribute, to the stability of the region. Internal cohesion is one aspect, and the other is Montenegro's continuous effort to have good relations with all its neighbors, because good neighborly relations significantly contribute to regional stability.
Journalist of Television Vijesti: You have already partially answered in another answer, but I have to ask you – is there any concern about the increasing influence of third parties in the region, such as Russia or China? How can EU and NATO countries jointly respond to these challenges?
Paul: These external influences are not limited to this region. They are present in almost all NATO or EU countries. We can observe new narratives, for example, in Russian security theory, where they have abandoned the traditional division of historical phases – peace, crisis and war – and speak of a continuous conflict, where only the intensity and tools differ. We have long observed that both Russia and China use methods of hybrid warfare that are below the threshold that would trigger a NATO Article 5 response. This means that they remain below the level of open aggression against NATO countries, but use all other methods – cyber attacks, information campaigns, psychological operations and even sabotage. We all face these influences, but countries that are not members of NATO or the EU are more vulnerable, because countries like China or Russia have more freedom of action in these countries and use it very effectively, fueling ethnic and religious divisions. They also spread the idea that the EU and NATO do not want new members, creating an atmosphere of distrust towards the institutions. All this leads to internal divisions in societies and institutions like the EU and NATO. That is why I believe that NATO and EU members must help those who are not yet protected by this network. Specifically, we can implement measures to protect social networks, because most of these influences are carried out through them. The better we protect the region, the better protected we will all be together.
Journalist of Television Vijesti: Given your extensive experience in military matters, how do you assess the security situation in Europe, especially in the context of the war in Ukraine? And perhaps you have a comment on the messages from the White House?
Paul: In my opinion, and this is not just my opinion, Russia has crossed the line with open aggression against Ukraine and violated all the rules on which the world was built after World War II. Attacking a sovereign country, challenging its sovereignty and territorial integrity violates international law, the UN Charter, and the bilateral agreement that Russia signed with Ukraine. If we want to live in a world where rules matter, where rules are respected, then we must support Ukraine.
Journalist of Television Vijesti: Do you think Trump can stop the war in Ukraine?
Paul: Well, Donald Trump has said that he can stop the conflict within 24 hours. We can see that it will probably be much more difficult. But, at the same time, I would look at the opportunity that comes with the new American administration. Regardless of what the proposal is, and we haven't seen it yet, I believe that it creates a situation where both Russia and Ukraine could come out with a new set of conditions that could finally be considered. Because up until now the positions have been so different that they were incompatible. Trump wants to reach an agreement. Our task in Europe would be to be part of those negotiations to ensure that that agreement is as fair as possible for Ukraine.
Journalist of Television Vijesti: How has your experience in the military and as a NATO general shaped your approach to leading the country in civilian politics?
Paul: This experience probably taught me to assess all crises or difficult situations with a certain distance and calmness. I also believe that anyone who suggests that people with military experience are eager for war does not know what they are talking about. People in the military, especially those who have been in wars, know very well the horrors that war brings, not only to the military, but above all to the civilian population. People with military experience also know very well the price of peace. We know that peace cannot be achieved by simply wishing for it or talking about it. We know that maintaining peace, and especially restoring peace, often requires painful steps, and we would do anything to prevent war. But we also know that restoring peace sometimes requires an approach from a position of power. Unfortunately, Russia is a country that, with every step and every statement, shows that it is acting from a position of power. They threaten the West with the use of nuclear weapons, attacks on our capitals, threats to the Baltic countries and Poland. They threaten constantly. If we show weakness or inability to make decisions, Russia will take advantage of it. If we show strength, not by threatening Russia, but by protecting our interests within legitimate frameworks, I think that is absolutely the right approach. At this point, we need to collectively, Europe and the United States, show Russia that if they are able to return to international norms, there is no interest on our part to threaten them. Nobody wants to attack Russia. Nobody wants to take away any of their rights. We want to live in peace, to enable them to live in peace, and we would like them to do the same.
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