B. PRINCIPLES OF THE DEFENCE POLICY OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC 4. Since 2012, the security situation in Europe has significantly deteriorated. In Eastern Europe, the Russian Federation blatantly carries out its power ambitions, including through use of military force. In doing so, the Russian Federation violates the norms of international law, including the territorial integrity of its neighbouring states. It has executed hybrid operations against NATO nations and EU Member States, including targeted disinformation activities and cyber-attacks. There is an arc of instability to the south and southeast from Europe, which is spreading throughout regions from North Africa to Afghanistan. This instability stems, in large part, from the weak and failed states that have allowed non-state actors such as the so called Islamic State and other extremist groups to create a zone of instability, which extends up to the European borders and threatens Europe with the growth of radicalisation, extremism, terrorism, and an alarming increase of illegal migration into the EU. European security is also being jeopardised by the relatively new threats associated with information warfare and organised cyber-attacks. These adverse trends represent a potential threat to the Czech Republic. Therefore, it is of great interest to the Czech Republic to strengthen its defence capacity and readiness, and to take its share of the responsibility in supporting those allies and partners who bear the greater share of the burden. 5. In response to these adverse developments, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and the European Union have adopted a range of measures to help strengthen the security of their member countries. Specific military measures being adopted include the enhancement of the NATO Response Force (NRF), including the creation of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), and the development of the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in the east and the tailored Forward Presence (tFP) in the southeast border of the Alliance. 6. In response to the deteriorating security environment, the Czech government has begun to increase defence funding. The most pressing task is to redress the consequences of the slump in the level of defence capabilities, and the personnel, technology and material negligence that had built up over the previous years, and to develop the Czech Armed Forces so that they are able to fulfil their tasks. 7. The Czech Republic ensures the defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, primarily within the framework of NATO’s collective defence as set out in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. Nevertheless, the Czech Republic’s membership of international organisations does not free it from its primary responsibility of defending its own national territory. Autonomously, and in cooperation with other states, the Czech Republic maintains and develops, in line with Article 3 of the North Atlantic Treaty3, its individual and collective capacity to resist an armed attack. The defence policy of the Czech Republic is based on the 3 Article 3 the North Atlantic Treaty: “In order to more effectively achieve the objectives of this Treaty, the Parties, separately and jointly, by means of continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid, will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist an armed attack. 7