Czech Senate deputy speaker backs Carpathian Forum to boost Ukraine ties and regional cooperation

Czech Senate deputy speaker Jiří Drahoš described the newly created Carpathian Forum as both a clear gesture of support for Ukraine and an opportunity to expand cooperation among participating nations in energy security, investment and civil-society initiatives. During the summit he held talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi, Verkhovna Rada chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk, and Romanian President Nicușor Dan, who is scheduled to visit the Czech Republic later.

The C8 platform aims to tighten coordination at the European level in security, energy, logistics and cross-border economic cooperation, linking Ukraine with its neighbors Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary, as well as the broader EU. At the Carpathian Economic Forum, C8 delegates unveiled a joint investment portfolio comprising 95 projects worth roughly €40 billion. The forum is intended to foster deeper ties and joint development across the region.