Distinguished guests from the field of diplomacy, politics and culture attended the reception. The opening speeches were delivered by Ambassador Jiří Šitler and Ambassador Ivo Šrámek, The guest of honour was the President of the Federal Council of the Parliament of Austria, H.E. Franz Ebner.

The address of Ambassador Ivo Šrámek, Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the UN, OSCE and other international organizations based in Vienna:

Excellencies, distinguished guests, dear colleagues,

It is an honor to address you on behalf of multilateral part of the Czech diplomatic representation here  in Vienna on the occasion of Czech National Day, as we celebrate the foundation of our nation in 1918, a moment that reflects our deep-rooted commitment to independence, sovereignty, and the principles of democracy. Standing here in Vienna, a city so symbolic of international diplomacy and cooperation, it is important to reflect not only on our shared history but also on the challenges we face including in the multilateral system, which continues to be tested in these turbulent times.

The Czech Republic has long recognized the importance of multilateralism in ensuring peace, security, and prosperity. We have consistently sought to uphold international law, promote diplomacy, and address global challenges through collective action.

Unfortunately, these principles of multilateralism and the security architecture built over decades are being severely challenged today. The Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified aggression against Ukraine represents not only a direct assault on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a neighboring state but also a grave violation of international law. It undermines the very foundation of the multilateral system that has, for years, worked to prevent such conflicts. The principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and respect for borders, which are enshrined in the UN Charter, are at stake.

This war has shown the limits of our current security frameworks and tested the resilience of our diplomatic tools. It has underscored the importance of a robust multilateral system, not only to manage conflicts but also to prevent them.

The Czech Republic firmly believes in reinforcing the rules-based international order, ensuring accountability for violations, and enhancing the mechanisms that enable conflict resolution and diplomacy. As a member of the EU, NATO, the UN, the OSCE and other international organizations, Czechia is committed to working with our partners to defend the values of democracy, human rights, and international law. The support that many of our countries have provided to Ukraine – in terms of humanitarian aid, economic and military assistance, and political backing – is a testament to the unity of purpose in defending these principles.

On this Czech National Day, as we reflect on our own journey towards independence, we are reminded that the fight for freedom and sovereignty is ongoing. Czechia stands in solidarity with Ukraine and all nations that value peace, democracy, and the rule of law. We need to work together to rebuild trust, strengthen our security frameworks and ensure that future generations inherit a world where diplomacy, not aggression, is the guiding principle of international relations.