Macron Hosts Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš for Talks at the Élysée

President Emmanuel Macron hosted Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš in Paris ahead of an EU summit on competitiveness, energy policy and support for Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš for a working dinner at the Élysée Palace on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, ahead of an informal European Union summit focused on economic competitiveness.

The meeting addressed key priorities on the EU agenda, including strategic sovereignty, industrial competitiveness, support for Ukraine, and the strengthening of European security and defense.

Focus on EU Carbon Market and Nuclear Energy

Babiš signaled that he intended to prioritize economic issues, particularly the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which he argues puts European industries at a disadvantage. He is seeking reforms, including a cap on carbon allowance prices and a delay in the rollout of ETS 2, which would extend carbon pricing to transport and heating.

The Czech Prime Minister also advocates for stronger recognition of nuclear energy within the EU framework, arguing that it should be considered as clean as renewable energy sources.

Ukraine and Defense Spending

While the French presidency supports continued European coordination on military assistance to Kyiv and increased defense spending within NATO commitments, Babiš recently stated that the Czech Republic would not send troops to Ukraine nor finance the war effort.

His return to office in December 2025, appointed by President Petr Pavel, has been seen by some analysts as a potential shift toward a more eurosceptic stance, possibly aligning Prague more closely with Hungary and Slovakia on Ukraine-related policies.

Legal Controversies

Babiš has faced legal scrutiny in recent years, including investigations linked to the “Pandora Papers” concerning property acquisitions in France and the so-called “Stork’s Nest” subsidy case involving EU funds. He has denied wrongdoing and described the proceedings as politically motivated.

The Paris meeting may prove significant for future Franco-Czech relations and upcoming EU debates on competitiveness, energy policy, and support for Ukraine.