Czechia and NATO: Building a more Capable, Connected and Credible European Pillar
Czechia and NATO: Building a more Capable, Connected and Credible European Pillar

Author(s): Benjamin Tallis
Subject(s): Security and defense, Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: EUROPEUM - Institut pro evropskou politiku
Keywords: European security; NATO;
Summary/Abstract: Twenty-five years after NATO’s first ‘Eastern enlargement’, the role of Central and Eastern European (CEE) allies has never been more important to European security. CEE allies will be key to building NATO’s much discussed – and much needed – ‘European Pillar’. This pillar will only work to keep the ‘Americans in’ and the ‘Russians out’ if it is inside NATO (rather than autonomous or in the EU) and is capabilities-based (rather than formal or institutional). CEE allies must now build on the strides they have made in the last two years, demanding recognition for the contributions they have and are making, to take the lead in building the European pillar – and being relied on to do so. Zooming in on Czechia, as a particular but also indicative case, this paper outlines how this CEE ally can continue to contribute to building the capabilities that Europe needs and how, by doing so with allies firmly in mind, it can become a strategic security provider and exercise greater influence.

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