Czech President Petr Pavel has sharply criticized his country’s representation at the recent NATO summit in Ankara, describing it as a “diplomatic slap.” Pavel stated that allied nations conveyed a clear message that the Czech Republic isn’t adequately addressing the current security situation with sufficient responsibility. He indicated that allies expressed concerns regarding the Czech approach to critical security matters. Despite the overall criticism, Pavel did acknowledge and praise certain security-related steps taken during the administration of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš. The President’s comments highlight a potential rift between Prague and its NATO allies. This assessment raises questions about the Czech Republic’s standing within the alliance and its commitment to collective security. It also suggests a need for reassessment of the nation’s security policies.