During the Munich Security Conference, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka participated in a debate about the democratic nature of the European Union alongside Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski, which was criticized harshly by opposition leaders. They labeled Macinka's performance as embarrassingly inadequate, with the chairman of the Civic Democratic Party (ODS), Martin Kupka, using the metaphor of being a 'regional league amateur' to describe his lack of eloquence and preparedness. Additionally, Czech Eurocommissioner Jozef Síkela expressed gratitude towards Sikorski for effectively countering misinformation during the discussion.

Macinka raised issues regarding the connections between EU voters and the European Commission and stated that the European Parliament lacks the authority to propose legislation, which drew contrasting viewpoints from Sikorski. He pointed out that ministers in the Czech Republic are not directly elected and that the parliament, like the European Parliament, is responsible for approving the government. This highlights the intricate dynamics within political systems, both national and international, and the parallels that can be drawn between local and EU governance.

The backlash against Macinka also included robust defenses from the ruling party, where Tomio Okamura, leader of the Freedom and Direct Democracy party (SPD), supported him, suggesting the debate showcased broader political divides in Czechia regarding EU relations. The incident has stirred conversations on social media about the competence and representation of Czech officials in significant international forums, questioning if the nation is adequately represented in discussions that shape its future within the European Union.