ATHENS

The Czech premier on Monday urged the EU to act swiftly in the face of immense challenges, including revising the Green Deal and strengthening its defense capabilities, according to local media.

Commenting on Monday's informal meeting called by French President Emmanuel Macron after the US spoke of ending the war in Ukraine through a deal with the Kremlin, Petr Fiala argued that the EU needs to do more, not hold more fruitless meetings, according to public broadcaster CTK.

“Further informal discussions, especially a week after the European Council summit and a few days before the German elections, won't go anywhere, and Europe will not be taken more seriously after the meeting,” he said.

Underlining the importance of the bloc acting swiftly and resolutely, Fiala said: “First of all, revise the Green Deal in favor of strengthening competitiveness, fundamentally reduce bureaucracy, expel migrants who have violated our laws, and invest in our defense and security.”

European leaders are meeting in Paris on Monday afternoon to discuss regional security amid concerns over shifting US priorities and the war in Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron will host leaders from the UK, Germany, Poland, Italy, and Denmark, as well as NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, according to media reports.

The talks come after reports that US President Donald Trump discussed the Ukraine war with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, catching Kyiv and allies off guard.

Washington has also warned NATO that Europe will no longer be its top security priority as it focuses on China.​​​​​​​