Dear Participants of Future Forces Forum 2026,

I am pleased to have granted my patronage to another edition of the international FUTURE FORCES FORUM 2026, which has traditionally ranked among Europe's most important platforms for expert discussion on the future of defence, security, and crisis management. What I consider particularly valuable is its ability to bring together the various stakeholders engaged in security, ranging from representatives of public administration, security and rescue services, and armed forces, to industry leaders, academics, and research institutions. Such an opportunity creates the conditions for new partnerships and the development of practical solutions that contribute to a safer future.

The world we live in today is changing faster than ever before, and so is our security environment. We face the growing significance of cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, hybrid threats, terrorism, organized crime, as well as the impacts of emergencies and natural disasters. These challenges require us to maintain constant preparedness, strengthen our capacity for cooperation, and seek innovative approaches to safeguarding the security of the state.

We are witnessing profound technological changes. While these developments bring many new opportunities into our lives, they also create new challenges in protecting citizens, public institutions, and critical infrastructure. The Ministry of the Interior places great emphasis on enhancing the modern capabilities of the Police of the Czech Republic and the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic. Therefore, I consider cooperation with domestic industry, innovative companies, research organizations, and universities to be essential, as they provide the ideas and technologies needed to address both current and future threats.

At the same time, it is equally important to share experience with our allies and strengthen cooperation within the European Union and NATO in order to identify effective solutions together. These are essential prerequisites for building a resilient and secure society.