- Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty returns from Central Europe today, following first visit to the region since the election
- Visit focused on countering Russian hybrid threats and defending European security
- UK reset with Europe also top of the agenda as Minister met counterparts from across the region.
Security challenges facing Europe were at the top of the agenda during the first visit by Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty to Central Europe, concluding today (3 September).
During a dual-leg visit to the region including stints in both the Czech Republic and Slovenia, the Minister attended the GLOBSEC forum in Prague followed by the Bled Strategic Forum at Lake Bled in Slovenia.
European security was front and centre of those conversations, as threats including disinformation, cyber-attacks, organised immigration crime and Putin's illegal war in Ukraine continue to transpire across the continent.
The visit comes as the UK continues work to reset the country's relationship with Europe, an ambition grounded in a new spirit of co-operation intended to strengthen ties, tackle barriers to trade and collaborate in the face of shared global challenges from climate change to illegal migration.
That reset was emphasised by the Prime Minister during a visit to Germany and France last week, and by the Foreign Secretary during his travels to Germany, Poland and Sweden in recent weeks. It has also been the focus of discussions by the European Union Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds in Brussels.
Minister Doughty spoke at the GLOBSEC Forum, the premier Central and Eastern European security forum held in Prague this year, alongside counterparts from the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Moldova.
At a panel event on countering Russian hybrid threats, the Minister emphasised work being done by the UK and partners to degrade Russia's network of spies and take action against Putin's destabilising activity. This includes the largest and most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on Russia, and joint efforts in countering Russian disinformation intended to negatively influence elections across Europe.
The Minister then travelled to Slovenia for the Bled Strategic Forum, where he made clear that the UK will continue to support Slovenia in tackling the shared challenges of illegal migration and criminal gangs. The UK and Slovenia's continued co-operation in this field follows discussions at this year's European Political Community Summit in July, where the Prime Minister met Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, releasing a [joint statement](Joint Statement between UK and Slovenia: 18 July 2024 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) committing to further cooperation on tackling organised immigration crime.
He also focused attention on promoting stability in the Western Balkans, amid increasing tensions and attempted interference from malign actors in the region.
Speaking at a panel event at the Bled Strategic Forum, Minister Doughty said:
As a new government to the UK, we are absolutely clear we are committed to multilateral systems, we're committed to the rule of law, we're committed to NATO.
We're committed to Ukraine; we're committed to standing up to Russia; to Iran […], and we're committed to working with our allies whether that's in the EU, whether that's outside the EU in Europe; whether that's across the transatlantic relationship or whether that's around the World.
Not only on those security challenges, but also on climate change, on growth and prosperity for people, on tackling poverty, on equal rights, on gender equality.
During the visit, the Minister also met Czech and Slovenian counterparts - Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Jan Marian, and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, as well as Slovenian Foreign Minister Marko Stucin - to emphasise plans to pursue a positive, forward-looking relationship with allies across the region as part of the wider UK-Europe reset.
The visit also builds upon progress made at Blenheim Palace during the European Political Community in July, where European nations underscored the strength of international support for Ukraine, and joint commitment to regional security.
