While Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia, was in Russia meeting Vladimir Putin for Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, hundreds of people gathered in Prague to celebrate Europe Day at the Prague Metronome in Letná Park. The site is usually a meeting point for people admiring the panoramic view over the city or enjoying techno festivals during the summer season. Yet, on 9 May, it became the gathering place for Czechs, Slovaks, and others celebrating Europe Day.

Also known as Schuman Day, 9 May commemorates the 1950 Schuman Declaration and the foundation of the European Union. People of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds gathered beneath European and Ukrainian flags to celebrate this symbolic date. For Sarah and Daniel, it was their first time attending an event like this. The two teenagers came with their parents because it sounded like fun, but also, conscious of their political surroundings, because they are “proud to be Europeans”.

A shared sense of appreciation

Kateřina Demetrashvili, a member of the Czech Parliament from the Pirate Party, said that “it is wonderful that we have a Europe Day.” For her, the celebration “represents freedom - and a better future built on European democratic values”. Many of those attending were also present to express their support for a more integrated and enlarged Europe. Petra, who attended the event with her dog, told us she was “here to celebrate Europe Day, but also because she wants Ukraine to join the European Union”.

While many people like Kateřina and Petra remain deeply skeptical of the current government’s approach, they still believe Europe can continue moving forward. Andreas Moser, President of the Young European Federalists in the Czech Republic, believes that Europe “must continue to integrate and enlarge itself.” He also referred to a recent speech delivered in Prague on May 6 by Alexander Stubb, the Finnish President, who warned that “we have a window of opportunity, and we do not know how long it will last.”

Andreas added: “Europe must respect candidate countries that have been waiting for a long time and should join the European Union as soon as possible, because they should be a part of our European family.” Like Andreas, many of those attending said they felt the need to publicly show their support for Europe at what they described as a difficult moment for the European Union. But the political situation is proving a barrier for a pro-European Czech Republic.

In Kateřina’s view, Andrej Babiš is “following Viktor Orbán’s playbook” and weakening Czech democratic institutions. The Czech member of parliament pointed to several developments that have raised concern in recent weeks and months, including government plans to abolish media licence fees and make public broadcasters dependent on state funding, their refusal to meet their NATO obligations on defence expenditure, and significant cuts to environmental protection.

But concern over backsliding persists

Kateřina also strongly criticised Babiš’s position on Ukraine, describing him as an opportunist who “chooses his side when it suits his own interests”. Since returning to office, Babiš and his ANO party have adopted a cautious approach toward support for Ukraine, notably by scaling back the Czech Republic’s involvement in the ammunition initiative. The Prime Minister confirmed that the programme would continue only “on the condition that it is financed by other countries,” insisting that Prague’s role should be limited to “coordination.”

In a similar move, the Czech government joined Slovakia and Hungary in declining to participate in the €90 billion European support package for Ukraine proposed in December 2025. Bogdan, a 19 years old student, says that “I want to be optimistic, but sometimes it’s hard when we know what’s going on”. Concerns extend beyond the Czech Republic to neighbouring Slovakia, often regarded by Czechs as a brother nation. Kateřina said she found it “horrifying” that Robert Fico chose to travel to Moscow. Several people also expressed concern over what they see as democratic backsliding in Slovakia.

“May 9 should be a day for Europe, not for celebrating Russian victory”, said Bogdan. He, and others, welcomed recent action taken by the European Parliament, with the passing of a recent report on budgetary control that included an amendment calling for the activation of the rule-of-law conditionality mechanism against Slovakia, a move that could potentially lead to the suspension of billions of Euros allocated to the country. It was unclear whether this was a “celebration day” or a day of demonstration, but no one was missing the opportunity to wave the flag for Europe.