‘Peace in Europe no longer default situation’, warns Czech president Petr Pavel – Europe live

In a stark warning, Pavel – a retired Nato general – warns that “peace in Europe can no longer be treated as the default state of affairs.”

“It must once again be actively protected, defended and maintained. The lesson of this moment is not that Europe is alone it is that Europe needs to be strong enough to stand on its own when needed.”

He warns that Europe needs to pull all the levers to get itself into the best position, as “history will simply not wait for Europe to become ready.”

“We must act swiftly,” he says.