Ambassador Merrick Addresses The U.S.-Czechia Economic and Trade Relationship

Distinguished speakers, honored guests, and esteemed colleagues, we meet at a moment of profound change in the transatlantic relationship.  

That is precisely why the inaugural Resilience in Security and Economics Dialogue matters—and why it is especially meaningful for me to join you here in my home state of Texas. 

This conference – and the fact that we’re gathered in Texas, home to so many Czech Americans, is a perfect encapsulation of how much we continue to be a part of each other’s stories on both sides of the Atlantic. 

And that list matters.  It reflects the depth of investment in the relationship between the United States and the Czech Republic and in the broader transatlantic partnership.  

And while much is changing, Secretary Rubio underscored in Munich that this Administration – and the United States – cares deeply about the relationship with Europe.  

We share responsibility for our collective security.  

We are united by a commitment to liberty and democracy.   

And the U.S.-EU economic relationship, the most important in the world, drives innovation and growth that pays dividends around the globe.  

Even more fundamentally, our bond with Europe is unique and irreplaceable.  

That is why we can no longer postpone real change as we seek to revitalize our partnership so it meets the demands of today’s strategic environment.  

The Trump Administration recognizes the urgency of global competition and has put forward a vision for renewing the U.S.-EU economic relationship. 

The foundation of that vision is balanced and mutually beneficial trade that supports growth, innovation, and opportunity on both sides of the Atlantic. 

Fair and balanced trade will be enabled by reduced regulatory frameworks that enhance the business environment and enable innovation rather than stifling it.   

For those of us focused on our two countries, the excellent relationship between the Trump Administration and the Czech government mirrors our close ties stretching across centuries.   

I am especially pleased to be here alongside First Deputy Prime Minister Havlicek, Ambassador Miroslav Stasek, other members of the Czech government, and friends from the private sector.   

The high-level meetings we had earlier this week with members of President Trump’s cabinet and other senior government officials are a testament to how clearly Washington sees the values we share – and the potential for economic engagement and cooperation that will drive economic prosperity for both our countries.  

We have many reasons for optimism.   

Our bilateral trade in goods, totaling $12.6 billion in 2025, is at an all-time high.  

Since 2020, Czech investment in the United States has quadrupled and continues to grow.   

As our trade continues to become more balanced, we see real opportunities to accelerate growth, particularly in areas such as LNG, energy infrastructure, and critical minerals. 

I’ve been impressed by the quality of technical talent and the innovative spirit of the Czech economy and its ability to pivot to the industries of the future. 

Czech companies also demonstrate ingenuity and entrepreneurial drive, qualities that make them great investors and partners in the United States. 

There are more success stories than I can list here – Prusa Research; PBS Aerospace; Brano Group; MSM North America, a subsidiary of CSG; GZ Media.  Each demonstrates that these Czech companies and many more can invest and deliver in the U.S. market.  

The United States and Czechia are also aligned in our desire to unleash business by ensuring regulatory frameworks support rather than stifle innovation.  

For businesses to succeed, they need a framework for growth, not an obstacle course that prevents European and American companies from being as competitive as possible.   

Overregulation, examples of which we can see in the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), EU Methane Regulations, and EU Space Act, risks slowing Europe’s economic dynamism and weakening transatlantic innovation – and not to mention act as non-tariff barriers for U.S. companies in the European market. 

We appreciate Czechia’s pragmatic and steady voice on shared priorities, underscoring that Europe needs less red tape to meet today’s – and tomorrow’s – challenges.   

Economic growth is both the driver of prosperity, and the foundation of security, the other focus of today’s discussion. 

But security also requires commitment to making sure NATO lives up to its founding promise. 

European leadership in defense will strengthen deterrence, reinforce the credibility of the Alliance, and allow all of us to focus resources where they are needed most. 

We know that, together, European NATO Allies can be more powerful than any adversary.  

That’s why we continue to emphasize, in Czechia and across the Alliance, the need to turn our collective Hague Defense Commitments into tangible capabilities. 

Our partnership, rooted in shared history and values, will be transformed by shared responsibility and sustained by mutual benefit. 

Our renewed focus on defense investments and economic cooperation presents an opportunity to rejuvenate our transatlantic community of strong, confident allies that are economically dynamic and fully committed to our collective security.    

As we strengthen our business relationships, address barriers to innovation, and ensure Europe can lead in defense, we will emerge fit and resilient enough to meet the challenges of our time. 

And together, we will shape a future worthy of our shared history.