Weber: Czechs will decide whether they will be at the helm of the EU or isolated with the ANO movement

The participants agreed that it is more important than ever for Europe to present a united front. They also discussed ongoing cooperation, solidarity within the EU, digitalization, the integration of refugees into the labor market, and climate policy, including EU ETS2.

"Czech voters are facing a big decision—they must decide whether they want to constructively shape Europe or whether they want to isolate themselves. ANO, as part of the Patriots for Europe faction, whose direction is determined by Orbán and Le Pen, is isolated at the European level. In contrast, the parties in the Czech government, which are part of the EPP, the largest faction in the European Parliament, are actively addressing these issues," said Manfred Weber, President of the European People's Party.

Markéta Pekarová Adamová, chairwoman of TOP 09, described the current Czech political scene: "In the Czech Republic, people often complain about Brussels, as if we were passive recipients of foreign decisions. Anti-system political forces like to exploit this, especially in election campaigns. But it is exactly the opposite – we are Europe. We influence common policy and promote the interests of Czech citizens and companies. TOP 09 is part of the strongest political group and our MEPs are among the most influential. Thanks to this, we were able to welcome EPP President Manfred Weber to Czechia today. The loudmouths on the fringes, from the Patriots for Europe faction, often talk tough, but not only do they never actually push anything through, they also often serve foreign interests, which makes them dangerous. Let's keep that in mind in the upcoming elections."

Environment Minister Petr Hladík is pushing at the European level for climate policy to be balanced, protecting our companies and industry while not losing sight of the ambition to protect the environment. Here, too, we have a very strong negotiating position. "The Czech government is capable of changing things and acting effectively at the European level. That is why I am very pleased that Manfred Weber acknowledged this at today's joint meeting. He highlighted that we have succeeded in convincing other Member States to have the European Commission address the Czech Republic's comments on EU ETS2. The aim is to make the emissions trading system more predictable and fairer to people," he said.

He also mentioned that the future of the Czech Republic was another topic of discussion at the meeting. "Manfred Weber expressed concern about the future direction of the Czech Republic if populists and extremists were to seize power. Now it is about the future of our citizens, our industry, and who will promote Czech interests at the European level. SPOLU is the choice of prosperity and security," added Petr Hladík.

Deputy Chairman of the KDU-ČSL and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Eduard Hulicius recalled the long-standing European cooperation of Christian Democrats. "Christian democracy and conservatives were at the forefront of European integration and remain at the center of decision-making and responsibility for our common destiny. Whether we want greater security, financial security for our economy, or the completion of the single market that our entrepreneurs and industry need. The SPOLU coalition is a guarantee that Czechia will not be isolated and threatened in terms of security," he said.

Manfred Weber, Chairman of the European People's Party, echoed these words, emphasizing the European dimension of Czech politics: "The Czech elections are not just Czech, but European. The successes of this government are also visible at the EU level. Negotiations are going very well, and this government has the power to push things through. I must emphasize that, for example, Czechia is an inspiration for Germany in the digitization of the state agenda, as well as in the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the labor market. I am glad for this strong partnership. Together, we will stand up to the populists who threaten the unity and stability of Europe."

In the debate on climate policy, it was said that it is necessary to find a balance between protecting industry, competitiveness, and a high level of environmental protection. "The European People's Party in the EU, of which TOP 09 is a member, is a decisive force in the European Parliament. Its current main mission is to seek quick and effective responses to the challenges and risks that are increasingly prevalent in today's world. We are seeking good solutions for EU citizens and our companies to counter the chaos and stagnation that would result from populist policies," said TOP 09 MEP Luděk Niedermayer.