Security challenges facing Europe were at the top of the agenda
during the first visit by Minister for Europe to Central Europe,
concluding today (3 September).
During a dual-leg visit to the region including stints in both
the Czech Republic and Slovenia, the Minister attended the
GLOBSEC forum in Prague followed by the Bled Strategic Forum at
Lake Bled in Slovenia.
European security was front and centre of those conversations, as
threats including disinformation, cyber-attacks, organised
immigration crime and Putin's illegal war in Ukraine continue to
transpire across the continent.
The visit comes as the UK continues work to reset the country's
relationship with Europe, an ambition grounded in a new spirit of
co-operation intended to strengthen ties, tackle barriers to
trade and collaborate in the face of shared global challenges
from climate change to illegal migration.
That reset was emphasised by the Prime Minister during a visit to
Germany and France last week, and by the Foreign Secretary during
his travels to Germany, Poland and Sweden in recent weeks. It has
also been the focus of discussions by the European Union
Relations Minister in Brussels.
Minister Doughty spoke at the GLOBSEC Forum, the premier Central
and Eastern European security forum held in Prague this year,
alongside counterparts from the Czech Republic, Lithuania and
Moldova.
At a panel event on countering Russian hybrid threats, the
Minister emphasised work being done by the UK and partners to
degrade Russia's network of spies and take action against Putin's
destabilising activity. This includes the largest and most severe
package of sanctions ever imposed on Russia, and joint efforts in
countering Russian disinformation intended to negatively
influence elections across Europe.
The Minister then travelled to Slovenia for the Bled Strategic
Forum, where he made clear that the UK will continue to support
Slovenia in tackling the shared challenges of illegal migration
and criminal gangs. The UK and Slovenia's continued co-operation
in this field follows discussions at this year's European
Political Community Summit in July, where the Prime Minister met
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, releasing a [joint
statement](Joint Statement between UK
and Slovenia: 18 July 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) committing
to further cooperation on tackling organised immigration crime.
He also focused attention on promoting stability in the Western
Balkans, amid increasing tensions and attempted interference from
malign actors in the region.
Speaking at a panel event at the Bled Strategic Forum,
Minister Doughty said:
As a new government to the UK, we are absolutely clear we are
committed to multilateral systems, we're committed to the rule of
law, we're committed to NATO.
We're committed to Ukraine; we're committed to standing up to
Russia; to Iran […], and we're committed to working with our
allies whether that's in the EU, whether that's outside the EU in
Europe; whether that's across the transatlantic relationship or
whether that's around the World.
Not only on those security challenges, but also on climate
change, on growth and prosperity for people, on tackling poverty,
on equal rights, on gender equality.
During the visit, the Minister also met Czech and Slovenian
counterparts – Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Jan Marian, and
Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, as well as Slovenian Foreign
Minister Marko Stucin - to emphasise plans to pursue a positive,
forward-looking relationship with allies across the region as
part of the wider UK-Europe reset.
The visit also builds upon progress made at Blenheim Palace
during the European Political Community in July, where European
nations underscored the strength of international support for
Ukraine, and joint commitment to regional security.
