Eighty-one Czech troops honored for NATO and EU service across 18 overseas posts

Eighty-one Czech service members—76 men and five women—were presented with medals for their contributions to NATO and EU operations in 18 foreign cities, ranging from Belgium and Lithuania to the United States and Turkey. General Petr Čepelka, who oversees the overseas units, expressed gratitude for their role in representing the Czech Republic and its army during a time of significant security shifts driven by the war in Ukraine, global tensions, and emerging threats.

He highlighted the need for active decision-making and cooperation with foreign partners. Colonel Lukáš Jelínek added that the 2023-2026 period saw a deterioration in worldwide security, with the soldiers facing major challenges while shaping alliance defence plans. The honorees will now apply their overseas experience to domestic postings.

Lieutenant Colonel Josef Spurný, a former director of a CBRN protection course at a naval training centre on Crete, reflected on the award as a reminder of both successes and lessons learned. The ceremony featured the Czech flag, a military march, and the national anthem.