The reconstruction program builds on existing humanitarian and reconstruction activities, which the Czech Republic has implemented primarily through smaller government programs in the Middle East (especially Syria, Iraq and Lebanon) in 2016-2021.

Simultaneously, the programme is conceived as parallel to the Programme of Activities for Supporting Source and Transit Countries of Migration in Africa for the period 2020-2022. The Czech Republic will thus have at its disposal two comprehensive programmes aimed at suppressing the migration potential in the regions of the Middle East and Africa.

The Reconstruction programme seeks to move from humanitarian activities to stabilization projects and subsequent post-conflict reconstruction of target countries. Also, it provides assistance in the places of origin and areas of migration flows. The Czech Republic together with the European Union expects positive effects arising from the programme, especially in security and external aspects of the fight against terrorism and illegal migration.

Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhánek adds that the comprehensive focus of the program is important: “Reducing the root causes of conflicts, preventing illegal migration and stabilizing the region, which is one of the main migration hotspots, is a priority not only for the Czech Republic but also for the EU as a whole. At the same time, I am very happy that we are able to use Czech knowledge, involve smart Czech solutions and domestic companies in our programs."

The reconstruction program will continue to enable the involvement of Czech implementers from the public, private and non-profit sectors, using the Czech know-how and technology in the stabilization and reconstruction of the Middle Eastern countries.

The programme also corresponds with the forthcoming priorities of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU within the European neighbourhood policy, including the Southern Partnership.

It is also in line with the declared objectives of the external dimension of the fight against terrorism, including the Czech Republic´s engagement in the Global Coalition against Daesh/ISIS.