On March 12, 2019, the day of the 20th anniversary of the accession of the Czech Republic to NATO, the 6th conference “Our Security Cannot Be Taken For Granted” was held in the Spanish Hall of the Prague Castle. It was part of a state ceremony for this important anniversary during which the four highest state officials of the Czech Republic delivered speeches. Among the most prominent foreign guests the event featured Presidents of Poland and Hungary, which also joined NATO in 1999, and Slovakia, which joined NATO in 2004. The conference was opened by Madeleine Albright, former U.S. Secretary of State.
This edition was exceptional not only by the state ceremony, but also addressed security in a wider meaning and connected more institions than ever before. For the first time, Eva Zamrazilová, Chairwoman of the Czech Fiscal Council, or Radek Špicar, Vice-President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, have attended a defence conference of this format. Economists and industry representatives were also invited to the auditorium, as well as officials of the integrated rescue system or teachers. The goal was to expand the traditional group of participants of debates about national security.
One of the main objectives of the event is to facilitate debate on defence and security among top political figures, experts and members of the armed forces and security forces. Over the years, this unique format of interaction and factual discussion between political representation and professional public has earned success and positive responses.
The 6th edition of the conference has thanks to the 20th anniversary of the accession of the Czech Republic to NATO achieved a wide response of the Czech and foreign media. Over a hundred journalists have accredited, which is the most successful media coverage in its history.
Auspices:
The 6th edition of the conference was held under the auspices of
the President of the Czech Republic Miloš Zeman,
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interion Jan Hamáček,
Minister of Defence Lubomír Metnar
and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tomáš Petříček.
