The June election decided that Tomáš Zdechovský would begin his third consecutive term in the European Parliament, even though his party, KDU-ČSL, fell short compared to the previous election.
Let me start on a more unconventional note. I spent the summer at a writer‘s retreat in Broumov, where I learned that you want to get the Broumovsko area included in UNESCO. Why should it be on the World Heritage list?
I‘ve traveled a lot around the world, but few places compare to the picturesque Broumovsko. From my perspective, it’s a unique combination of magical nature – home to the stunning Broumovské stěny rock formation – and unique churches that we‘re trying to save. And we‘re succeeding. With the help of European funding, support from the region, the diocese, and donations from small contributors, we are securing the funds needed for their restoration. The collection of ten Baroque gems and one chapel was in a catastrophic state. Many churches have already undergone extensive reconstruction, and I dare say they are no longer in danger of imminent collapse. It‘s a long haul, but we‘re making significant strides towards getting Broumovsko into UNESCO. Inclusion on the World Heritage list will draw attention from around the world, increasing tourism, which will bring additional funds to the region. We must see it through. Together with Father Martin Lanži, we‘re doing our best. Every year, we launch a new calendar featuring the churches around Broumov. The proceeds go towards repairs. Recently, we launched an electronic QR code payment system, where people can donate by scanning the code on their phones and sending any amount. As a result, donations in churches have increased by about 70 percent. Without the help of the EU, the region, the diocese, and the Ministry of Culture, we wouldn‘t have been able to make such progress.
Before we get to the European Parliament, let‘s talk about one more of your non-political activities. You are also a member of the Czech Army‘s active reserves. What motivated you to join up?
I joined the active reserves in 2020 after quite a bit of reflection. My great- grandfathers were legionnaires, and I increasingly felt that I wanted to give it a try. When I realized I could combine it with my work as a Member of the European Parliament, I started preparing physically, lost fourteen kilos, and underwent several weeks of tough training, during which I pushed myself to the limit more than once. I wanted to serve my country in ways other than just as an MEP. However, I regret that a new law now prevents MEPs from serving in the reserves. There is currently an ongoing process to decide whether I will have to leave the reserves, so I don‘t want to comment further at this time. I‘ll just say that the reserves gave me a lot. Besides meeting many great people, I gained a lot of experience that I can use in my work.
Now, to the European Parliament, where you were elected as part of the SPOLU coalition. How difficult was it to negotiate this election ticket, given that you‘re in different groups in the European Parliament? Did it have the effect your parent party, KDU-ČSL, expected? Wasn‘t the loss to ANO a disappointment?
You probably won‘t be surprised by my answer – it was very difficult. As part of the compromise, I moved to the fourth position because I wanted us to defeat ANO in the European elections. That didn‘t happen, and as the Christian Democrats, we lost one seat. František Talíř and Míša Šojdrová missed out by about 2,000 and 600 votes, respectively. They both put a lot of energy into it, but unfortunately, it didn‘t work out. That really hurt the party. It will certainly be addressed at the KDU-ČSL congress, where new leadership will be elected. How the congress will turn out is still up in the air. I have no ambition to run for chairman, but I want to remain part of the leadership.
Did you expect ANO to immediately shift towards the extreme anti-European Patriots group after the election, or was it a surprise to you as well? Was it a betrayal of Czech voters by ANO, or would it have been a bigger betrayal if this movement had stayed in the liberal pro-European faction?
Judging by their rhetoric, it was clear that ANO representatives were following the motto, “promise them anything.” Mrs. Dostálová‘s claim that she would work to abolish the Green Deal after being elected turned out to be false. Her explanation that it was hyperbole is laughable. Some MEPs from ANO were very unpleasantly surprised when Andrej Babiš announced the switch to the new Patriots for Europe group. A few of them are unsure whether to continue under the banner of this political body. We‘ll see how they decide. The irony is that Babiš is aligning with political parties that oppose Czech interests – particularly Austria‘s Freedom Party, but there are others. This only confirms that Babiš doesn‘t care about Czech interests. He only cares about his own. He‘s focused solely on next year‘s parliamentary election, which will be crucial for our country‘s future.
Why was the European People‘s Party successful in winning the European elections on a broader scale? Was it due to a more realistic approach to the Green Deal over the past two years? And will the EPP continue with this approach?
The European People‘s Party has long shown a pragmatic approach. Many green proposals were simply too much, and we were aware of that. We understand Europeans‘ concerns about the future – who will pay for all the changes, how it will affect us, and whether it even makes sense. We won‘t abolish the Green Deal, but we can amend it. I certainly support amending or postponing the most problematic proposals until we have robust impact studies. That posed a certain problem in the last term.
This summer, far fewer asylum seekers arrived in the European Union than in previous years. Is this a lasting trend or just a temporary reprieve?
I‘m afraid it‘s just a temporary reprieve. Cooperation with North African countries, which are holding back migrants, is working for now, and we‘re also managing to catch human traffickers. But that won‘t last forever. We need rich countries, which migrants are aiming for, to tighten their generous social systems. But there are other steps to follow. Generally, I fear we‘ve missed an opportunity to crack down on illegal migration with the Migration Pact. But time will tell. For now, I wouldn‘t celebrate. Nevertheless, we urgently need to discuss and approve a solid return policy for migrants, which the pact lacks.
Ukraine has been at war with the belligerent Russia for three years while also simultaneously preparing to join the European Union. But is the EU ready for Ukraine‘s rapid accession after the war ends?
Honestly, we‘re not ready for Ukraine‘s rapid accession to the European Union. Despite the proclamations of various leaders – and I support Ukraine eventually becoming part of the Union – many steps need to be taken. The accession of a country with a population of 40 million would significantly change the distribution of funds among member states. Ukraine would suddenly become one of the most influential countries due to its size and representation, which many members might not like. But first and foremost, Ukraine must complete internal reforms. Its accession must not be rushed or premature. That‘s why mechanisms exist to assess whether a country is fully prepared to join the elite club called the EU.
The author is a European editor of Deník
CV BOX
Tomáš Zdechovský (born November 2, 1979, in Havlíčkův Brod) is a Member of the European Parliament and former vice-chair of the KDU-ČSL.
In 2003, he got a bachelor’s degree in political communications from the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome and a year later a master‘s degree in social care and leisure education from the South Bohemia University in České Budějovice, topping it off in 2008 with a master‘s in media studies and journalism from MUNI. In 2021, he earned an MBA in marketing. He is currently engaged in his PhD studies.
Zdechovský founded the Commservis.com communications and PR firm in 2004; seven years later, he was appointed director of the WIFI Czech Republic and Brain2win companies. As an MEP, he first became an EPP coordinator in the Budgetary Control Committee (CONT) and later its vice-chair. At the same time, he was also the vice-chair of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL).
In 2020, he enlisted in the Active Reserves of the Czech Army where he holds the rank of lieutenant. He has authored six poetry collections and one work of prose, he is interested in history, heraldry, and the topic of child safety. Zdechovský is married and has four offspring.
