The celebration of the 34th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution comes in a new geopolitical context for the Czech Republic, as the country shares the same concerns of Albania, our region, Europian Union and the West in general. 

“Following the brutal attempt of Russia to redraw borders by force, Czechia presents its new Security Strategy, a direct and holistic approach based on the fundamental acknowledgement that “Czechia is not secure” in the deteriorating international context,” says the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Tirana, Mr. Karel Urban in this interview with Albanian Daily News. 

The top Czech envoy to Albania shares his thoughts about the state of bilateral ties, his impressions on Albania and about the messages that stem from the commemoration of the Velvet Revolution under the current situation in the continent and the world.

-Your Excellency, thank you for this opportunity. It is nearly two years you are in Tirana. Did you have an opportunity to travel around? Are Czechs visiting?

-I could say from the start that Albania is a very beautiful country, a gem in Europe. The number of the Czechs visiting, not only the stunning and dramatic northern Alps, but also the south,has grown sustainably over the years. The feedback at home has been very positive, and many Czechs are buying apartments in Albania. It’s a safe country with wonderful prospects ahead. I must say, that throughout Albania I found warm hospitality and saw the kindness of the Albanian people. As you rightfully say, ‘Shtëpia e shqiptarit është mikut dhe e Zotit’ (The Albanian’s house belongs the guest and to God).

-Mr. Ambassador, coming to the newly created geopolitical context; How is Czechia affected in the light of the recent international developments?

-International situation is tense, and surely, the world is changing fast. In that light Czechia is taking measures and has adopted a new Security Strategy recently. It is very direct and to the point with final aim to increase Czech society’s resilience.

Following the Security Strategy of 2015, my government, with the cooperation of all central and local institutions, and with an important input from the civil society saw the need to have at hand such an important tool in the face of imminent internal and external threats.

According to the approved document, Czechia must be able to withstand hostile influences in the cyber, information, economic, and intelligence spheres, and be prepared to deal with emergencies and crises.

-Could you elaborate a little more on the Czechia´s 2023 Security Strategy?

-Following the brutal attempt of Russia to redraw borders by force, Czechia presents its new Security Strategy, a direct and holistic approach based on the fundamental acknowledgement that “Czechia is not secure” in the deteriorating international context. Serving as a general wake up call to current reality the strategy goes as far as admitting that Czechia needs to prepare thoroughly to become a part of a multidimensional and even armed conflict. The document specifically denotes Russia „as the biggest immediate and long-standing direct threat to the security of Europe and to the international rule-based order“.

In 130 paragraphs, the strategy puts forward a complete manual on how the country can ensure its security based on whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, focusing beyond the obvious and indispensable role of the military.

In advocates comprehensive resilience across multiple domains as well as responsibility of all the ministries and public sector along with business and civil society. The general outlook will be gradually complemented by other strategic documents including economic (energy, raw material, food, trade policies), internal, cyber and other areas. 

The focus is not on creating autonomy but rather foster unity around the values-consistent and preventive foreign policy in the spirit of Vaclav Havel´s legacy. In this light Czech NATO and EU memberships are of critical importance to ensuring the county´s security. “A threat to an ally is a threat to Czechia.”

The strategy points out that Europe´s security is interlinked with the security and stability in its neighborhood. Namely, Western Balkans are important partners to the Czech Republic and EU as a whole. Czechia is actively involved in promoting euro-Atlantic values, reconciliation and spirit of cooperation in the region especially in areas that remain fragile and continues to relentlessly support the Western Balkans´ and Albania’s future in the EU. Czechia and Albania can rely on each other to stand together as allies against aggression and violence in the world.

-Mr. Ambassador, how would you define the bilateral relations between our countries? Which are some fields of cooperation?

-Last year we celebrated last year 100th anniversary of bilateral ties. Our relations are excellent. The level of exchanges remains high. In October we had a group of senators visiting officially, while last week Heads of various Czech municipalities visited Korça, Gjirokastra, Tepelena, Saranda. Czechia remains a staunch supporter of the EU Integration of Albania, we have expressed our readiness to help at all levels. At the same time, Czechia supports the integration of the whole Western Balkans region. We are happy to see how much Albania has advanced. Look at Albania’s contribution in the UNSC, in the Human Rights Council, NATO, etc. Recently Berlin Process took place here in Tirana, first time outside EU. Indisputably all my congratulations for your efforts. 

Cultural ties are deep. This week for example, we are celebrating a notable Albanian author who studied in the former Czecho-slovakia. Simon Gjoni and his “Lule Bore” were sung at the premises of our Embassy, while Smetana and Dvorak works are being played at the University of Arts. At Kadare House we commemorated Svejk and I could see how Albanians relate to the ‘special humour’ of the good soldier. Friends of Czechia are quite active in Tirana, I’m glad and feel at home amidst this community.

Of course, enhancing our economic cooperation is one of our mutual priorities. The sectors with high potential for economic and trade cooperation where Czechia has a lot to offer are mining industry, transport infrastructure, especially urban public transport, air traffic control, railways modernization, energy infrastructure and last but not least health care or agriculture.

-Mr. Ambassador, the Velvet Revolution in your country started on November 17th of 24 years ago. What does this date mean to you?

-Truly, Czechia celebrates 34 years since young people and students surprised the world and fought a heroic fight to win freedom, democracy and decency for all. The values of November 1989 must continue to be protected and not taken for granted.

Like here, Europe was a dream for us. Human rights were inexistent, and as Kundera put’s it elegantly, your life could be wasted even due to a ‘joke’. Life was unbearable, and yet, I’m happy the transition for the former- Czechoslovakia was smooth. It is the moment here to bring to our memory dissidents like Vaclav Havel, the first President of democratic Czechoslovakia.

Young people are key to any society are their active participation is key in fostering democratic change. Young people today have more opportunities in terms of access to information, are able to travel, study and work abroad freely. This knowledge and experience can then be turned into real value added in their home countries, both in their careers as well as in making contributions to civil society. This freedom to actively shape one´s future is something that previous generations fought for and which should not be taken for granted. This is why today, we are engaging with the social media to focus on the role of the young historically but also nowadays.

-A last question, Mr. Ambassador. Czechia and Albania are in the same football group. Do you see us in Germany together in 2024?

-Football joins people. You have a very good team. We shall be happy to enjoy the games with the Czech beer in Skënderbej Square. Hopefully, we will both make it to the finals. I wish Albania good luck! / ADN