"The new Academy will respond flexibly to the needs of the Ministry and the changes that the work of diplomats has brought in recent years. The symbolism of this set-up is underlined by the fact that each year of the basic diplomatic service will bear the name of an important figure in the Czech foreign service. The current one bears the name of one of the key security experts, the recently deceased Ambassador Martin Povejšil," Minister Lipavský said during his speech.  

The role of the diplomatic academy is also crucial in the employment of Czechs in European institutions. "It is also a priority of our government to support the employment of Czechs in international institutions. The Academy already organises training for participants in EU selection procedures and thus helps to implement the strategy of supporting Czechs in EU institutions," the Czech diplomatic chief added. 

Dana Kovaříková, the director of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on that occasion that her organization wants to contribute to the high quality of the Czech foreign service, help increase the representation of Czech citizens in European institutions, develop international cooperation and expand its services beyond the ministry. 

The Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established as an independent entity during the course of this year and, in addition to its other activities, is now preparing a group of newly recruited Foreign Ministry staff for diplomatic careers.  

However, the Diplomatic Academy will not only serve the needs of the MFA. Today, relations with foreign partners and the international agenda form a substantial part of the activities of many state institutions. Therefore, in addition to training current or future diplomats, the Academy will also focus on training public administration staff who need knowledge of international relations, protocol or specific foreign policy issues to do their job.