The creation of the position responds to the strategic importance of the Balkans in European and security policy. “Edita Hrdá brings to her new role valuable experience from senior diplomacy and her time at the EU. At a time when the Balkans are moving closer to the EU, we need a strong and competent individual. My recent trip to Albania and Montenegro confirmed that Czechia has a good name in the region. Mrs. Hrdá will help turn it into real results,” said Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský

Edita Hrdá has served as the Czech ambassador to Argentina and Paraguay, to the United Nations, as Senior Director in the European Diplomatic Service,  and as the Czech Permanent Representative to the European Union. She will coordinate inter-ministerial cooperation, support the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the EU and NATO and seek opportunities for Czech entities to participate in projects funded by European instruments for the region. “I would like to build on the successes of the Czech EU Presidency, which was perceived by the Balkan countries as a period when the Western Balkans were given a great deal of attention and many previously blocked agendas moved forward. Czechia has long supported not only enlargement but also the integration of the Western Balkan countries into the EU internal market, which will bring benefits to all parties involved,” said Envoy Hrdá upon her appointment.

The Balkans have long been a priority of Czech foreign policy. Given the growing geopolitical tensions, Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the importance of the region's European integration, Czechia needs to have a clear strategy and tools to effectively promote it. The new Envoy will regularly inform the Government on developments in the region and contribute to strengthening the Czech voice in the European debate on enlargement to include this strategically important region.