The conference provides a platform for an open and substantive discussion on key issues related to internal security, crisis preparedness, and state resilience that increasingly shape the Czech Republic and the wider Central European region. An evolving security environment, a growing number of hybrid threats, pressure on critical infrastructure, cyberattacks, and new demands related to the protection of public space are placing ever greater demands on state preparedness, the stability of the security services, and the ability of institutions to respond swiftly and in a coordinated manner to emergency situations.
The programme will focus on security cooperation in Central Europe, the protection of critical infrastructure, state cyber resilience, and the preparedness of public administration and the private sector for new types of crises. It will also cover the modernisation of the police and fire services, the use of modern technologies, and strengthening the state’s capacity to protect its citizens in an increasingly unpredictable environment. The conference will bring together political leaders, experts, representatives of the security services, public administration, business, and academia to offer strategic perspectives, share practical experience, and contribute to finding realistic solutions to strengthen security and societal resilience.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
OPENING REMARKS
PANEL 1: THE SECURITY SITUATION IN CENTRAL EUROPE
The security environment in Central Europe is evolving faster than ever before. A growing number of hybrid threats, pressure on external borders, organised crime, irregular migration, and new forms of destabilisation are increasing demands on coordination among states, security forces, and crisis management authorities. The Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia face a common challenge: to strengthen cooperation so that it is swift, practical, and effective in situations that have a direct impact on the security of citizens and the stability of the state.
Which security threats currently have the greatest impact on Central Europe? Where are the main gaps in trilateral cooperation among the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia? How can information sharing and coordination in cross-border incidents be improved? What role should the Ministry of the Interior and security forces play in regional security? What can be done in the short term to strengthen joint preparedness?
Speakers:
- Lubomír Metnar, Minister of the Interior, Czech Republic
COFFEE BREAK
VIP TALK
The security of citizens, the stability of the police and fire and rescue services, the modernisation of management and technological capacity, and stronger state resilience are among the key prerequisites for an effective crisis management system. Equally important is the ability to respond to new types of threats, make practical use of digitalisation, and strengthen the preparedness of institutions and the public for emergency situations.
What are the current priorities of the Ministry of the Interior in the areas of security and crisis preparedness? Where do you see the greatest weaknesses in the current system of internal security and crisis management? What role should the modernisation of the police, fire and rescue services, and other components of the Integrated Rescue System play in the coming years? What do you consider essential for strengthening the state’s resilience to new threats, including cyberattacks and hybrid activities? What concrete steps should the state take to be better prepared for crisis situations affecting both the security of citizens and the functioning of public institutions?
PANEL 2: CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE CYBER RESILIENCE OF THE STATE
The functioning of the state depends on infrastructure that must be able to withstand crisis situations. The energy sector, transport, communications networks, data systems, and public services are under growing pressure, which is no longer limited to physical threats but is increasingly emerging in the digital domain as well. Today, resilience means the ability to prevent attacks, detect them in time, respond in a coordinated manner, and quickly restore operations. Information sharing, institutional preparedness, modern technologies, and effective cooperation between the state and the private sector are key factors.
Which parts of critical infrastructure are currently the most vulnerable? What should effective cooperation between the state and infrastructure operators look like? Are institutions prepared for simultaneous physical and cyberattacks? How can the state’s ability to respond rapidly to outages and restore the operation of key systems be strengthened? What currently poses the greatest obstacle to stronger cyber resilience?
COFFEE BREAK
PANEL 3: PROTECTING PUBLIC SPACE AND CRISIS PREPAREDNESS
A secure public space is built on preparedness, coordination, and the ability to respond quickly in situations that may endanger larger numbers of people. The protection of soft targets, effective crisis communication, modern warning systems, and cooperation among the police, fire and rescue services, local authorities, and operators of public venues form the foundation of a resilient state. Equally important are the personnel stability of the security forces, their equipment, and their ability to operate in an environment that is becoming increasingly complex and less predictable.
How can the level of protection for soft targets and public spaces be increased? Where does coordination among individual actors most often fail today? What should effective public warning and crisis communication tools look like? What investments and changes are most needed to improve the preparedness of the police and fire and rescue services? How can security in public spaces be improved as quickly as possible?
NETWORKING & LUNCH
The conference will take place on 27 November 2026 at Trojhalí Karolina, K Trojhalí 5, Ostrava. The conference will be held in Czech with interpretation provided.
The programme is subject to change. The list of speakers is being continuously updated.
DUE TO LIMITED CAPACITY, PRIOR REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT IS NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT CONFIRMATION OF REGISTRATION BY THE ORGANISER.
THE PROGRAMME IN CZECH IS AVAILABLE HERE.