The meeting focused on the current developments in the international environment, on the CEI's activities in supporting the accession processes of candidate countries from the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe to the EU, and on the use of CEI’s tools and capacities to support Ukraine in facing the consequences of Russian aggression.

Both representatives exchanged views on the future strategic direction of the CEI in the new geopolitical context, as well as on specific projects supported by CEI funds focused on regional cooperation, connectivity, science diplomacy, the rule of law, minority integration, and the education of the younger generation. State Secretary Rubeš appreciated that the CEI has been supporting the Prague-based international conference Equal Pay Day for several years, thus addressing gender pay equality—a topic relevant to all CEI member states.

State Secretary R. Rubeš emphasized the Czech Republic’s interest in ensuring that the core reference framework of the CEI’s activities remains the concrete support of candidate countries in meeting the requirements for EU accession, which must naturally include strong and functional regional cooperation. He also confirmed the Czech Republic’s continued commitment to active involvement in the CEI in support of stability and development in Europe.