Ladies and gentlemen, Excellencies, dear colleagues, members of the diplomatic corps,

The passing of a new year provides a welcome opportunity to review resolutions from last year and to set goals for the next.

As we suspected, 2016 was a challenging year. Along with our allies and partners, we have worked hard to devise and implement solutions to some of the most pressing issues on our plate, namely the refugee and migration crisis and conflicts in European neighbourhood. Meanwhile, other difficulties have surfaced. Fundamental questions which had been looming over us for some time took a clear shape. If we want to succeed, as Central Europeans, Europeans at large and as members of the international community, our answers must be clear and compelling.

2017 marks another chapter of a watershed era. First of all, the ability of non-populist European parties to harness citizen support will be put to the test in several countries. We will see elections in France, Germany, the Netherlands, perhaps Italy. As you know, my own country is also on the list.  

Globally, a lot will depend on foreign policy choices of the new administration in the United States. There is still a lot to conjecture, not least in terms of President Trump’s attitude towards other global players, including the EU. I am confident that by working together with our American friends, we shall be able to uphold a strong transatlantic link and a shared commitment to a rules-based international order.

First and foremost, we need to turn our attention to several fundamental issues.

We need to stem the populist tide across our societies, in the West and elsewhere. A lot has been said about the disillusionment of the ordinary man with the élites, of the mistrust towards experts, of the rise of the post-truth world. For too long we believed that the bigger, progressive picture was bound to prevail. We have now learnt that local, “lived” experience is what often prevails. Perception matters, in particular the impression of one’s superfluity, lack of visibility and missing prospects for the future.

If we want to weaken the protest vote, we need to cater to the concerns of those who feel left behind. Our vision must identify the legitimate core of their grievances and refuse to yield to simplistic solutions.

Among other things, the protest vote is born out of disappointment with our handling of the financial and economic crisis which exacerbated inequality throughout our societies. The main problem with the current version of globalization is that it has deprived so many people of dignity. This is what feeds the longing for a profoundly idealized past of the nation-state, this is the ground for the re-emergence of deep fractures which only serve to breed chaos. Only then can we hope to reignite citizens’ loyalty to our political and social system.

Together, as global partners, we must strive to build an order which is predictable and intelligible. It is imperative to focus on arrangements geared to deliver fair and equitable outcomes and minimize the number of those who feel that they are on the losing side.

Our other main task in 2017 will be to contribute to Europe’s search for its proper meaning and purpose. It is unfortunate that our discussion has been spurred by Brexit. I continue to believe that Britain leaving the EU is a mistake and a loss for both sides. We now need a smooth transition to a post-Brexit arrangement. The desirable outcome is one which minimizes the damage inflicted by British exit, and does nothing to stir up Eurosceptic moods elsewhere.

I will never tire of repeating that we need to cherish the unique achievements of the European integration project. There is no alternative to working together on an integrated and co-operative basis. In a number of areas, if we truly wish to take control, we must collaborate more closely, not less. Security and prosperity, the main concerns voiced by our citizens, can only be safeguarded if we choose to work as one whole. Today, we are so easily affected by developments abroad that we need to devise common solutions to help us weather shocks of all kinds.

If we are to hold together, we must make decisions in common, knowing that unilateral action can only damage our shared cause. It is imperative on us to create an atmosphere of trust and confidence, our most precious common asset. We must look for what binds us together and endorse policies which foster European unity. At this stage, pragmatism is a safer pathway than a blind rush ahead. We should therefore focus on policy areas where joint solutions are bound to work and can win over citizens.

The tasks that I have mentioned – stemming the tide of populist movements and preserving the unity of the EU – need translating into concrete policies. International tax avoidance and evasion In order to forestall fragmentation and to constitute a balanced political community, , a phenomenon particularly prominent in our part of Europe.

2017 will be a trying year. But it will also be a season of opportunities. . One area to develop this crucial competence is defence. Together, we must work to extend our ability to rapidly plan operations and deploy forces, including EU Battlegroups.

We also need to join hands in helping our neighbourhood stabilize. We need to uphold a credible enlargement policy for the Western Balkans. We must sustain our efforts in Ukraine, the Middle East and North Africa. Strategically, it is crucial to help our ally, Turkey, steer her way through a difficult period. We hope to remain reliable partners, united in respect to a shared set of values.

The Czech Republic is determined to play its part across Europe in bridging differences and preventing disagreements from escalating, particularly in our own part of the continent. History teaches us that in our region diligent and patient work to improve the state of public affairs was the most reliable path to progress.

Such is also the legacy of two events whose anniversaries are approaching: the foundation of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918 and Prague Spring of 1968. Both anniversaries appeal to our capacity to reflect on the values on which our political community is founded and whose European importance we want to reassert. We are going to organize public debates on the heritage of Prague Spring at home and abroad. Preparations are underway but still open to further co-operation with foreign partners.

Czech diplomacy is committed to cultivating its global outreach and engagement. We are going to maintain our focus on China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. I am planning to visit Canada; we will reinvigorate our interest in Africa.

2017 will also be the year of the Czech Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, where we are going to pursue our commitment to global efforts to promote human dignity. Three areas will be of paramount importance: protection of human rights for vulnerable groups, strengthening human rights protection mechanisms and promotion of human rights education.

In short, we will do our best to fulfil our responsibilities to our citizens and to our partners. Hopefully, we will be able to contribute our fair share to a secure, fair, and durable world order.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me take this opportunity to wish you well in your endeavours to promote friendly relations between our respective countries.

May 2017 be a year of our joint success and achievement.