Babiš in Brussels: Czech Foreign Policy Shift & Ukraine Aid Standoff

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is signaling a potential shift in the country’s foreign policy as he prepares to attend a key European Union summit this week. The summit, focused in part on continued financial support for Ukraine, comes shortly after Babiš’s new coalition government signaled its opposition to both a proposed EU migration pact and new emissions standards.

Babiš is set to travel to Brussels on Wednesday morning for the EU summit, which will address ongoing financial aid to Ukraine as it continues to defend against the Russian invasion. Over the weekend, the Prime Minister announced that the Czech Republic would not provide guarantees for a so-called “reparations loan” to Ukraine.

“Andrej Babiš will be under pressure,” said Kateřina Šafaříková, head of commentary at Seznam Zprávy, regarding the upcoming summit. The journalist, who specializes in the European Union and Czech foreign policy, doesn’t anticipate Babiš single-handedly blocking the financial support package for Ukraine for 2026 and 2027, but notes that reservations from other countries could play a role.

The European Commission has proposed two options for supporting Ukraine: a loan from the European Union, and a reparations loan secured by frozen Russian assets. The latter would require guarantees from EU member states, a request coming from Belgium, where the majority of the frozen Russian funds are held. “We don’t have money for other states, and the European Union must solve that in another way, but we will not guarantee anything, nor will we put money there,” Babiš stated in a video message on Saturday.

According to Šafaříková, the reparations loan is the only way to help Ukraine without tapping into the budgets of individual EU member states. “So, if Andrej Babiš wants to save the Czech state treasury, the first thing he should do at the summit is support that European solution for a loan to Ukraine,” the commentator said in Wednesday’s edition of the 5:59 podcast.

Beyond the issue of financial support for Ukraine, the Czech Republic’s position on other matters is also undergoing change. The new coalition government, comprised of ANO, SPD, and Motoristé, rejected the EU migration pact and the ETS 2 emissions allowance system at its first meeting on Tuesday, despite both packages already being agreed upon and approved within the European Union.

Czech foreign policy is charting a new course – or at least undergoing a correction. The shift isn’t limited to policy changes, but also extends to style and approach, including the abolishment of the ministerial post for European affairs. The role of the new Foreign Minister, Petr Macinka, remains to be seen. Babiš has repeatedly stated that the country’s foreign policy is the responsibility of the Prime Minister.

“Andrej Babiš is right to say that he will be the key figure, even when it comes to foreign, or more precisely European, policy,” Šafaříková noted, adding that this is also a consequence of the current structure of the European Union, which grants significant power to leaders of member states. According to the journalist, this leaves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a secondary role, primarily focused on relations with other international organizations and bilateral contacts with specific countries. Traditionally, the President also takes the lead in NATO negotiations.

However, the implications of Babiš’s leadership extend beyond Ukraine. A review of the government’s program reveals a notable absence: any mention of solidarity with partners, European democracies, or international organizations. The government’s stance suggests a reluctance to assist Ukraine, increase defense spending, or cooperate with other EU nations on issues like climate change. “This government declares us as national egoists who have no interest in cooperating with the outside world,” Šafaříková stated.

In the 5:59 podcast, you’ll also hear about the potential consequences of rejecting the migration pact or emissions allowances, and the individuals Babiš has chosen as key advisors and contacts in the area of foreign policy. Listen in the player at the beginning of this article.