Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has travelled to Prague from 29 to 30 April 2024. In addition to honouring the close relations between Germany and the Czech Republic, the trip focussed on the 20th anniversary of the EU's Eastern enlargement and the 100th anniversary of Franz Kafka's death. Guests from the cultural sector accompanied the Federal President.
On 29 April, Czech President Petr Pavel welcomed the Federal President at Prague Castle with military honours. After talks between the two presidents, a wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Faculty of Philosophy at Charles University in memory of the victims of the shooting rampage on 21 December 2023. In the evening, President Pavel hosted a dinner in honour of the Federal President.
On 30 April, at the invitation of President Pavel, the Federal President gave a speech at a conference to mark the 20th anniversary of the EU's Eastern enlargement, which focused on the future of the EU and the opportunities and challenges of its future enlargement. The Federal President also followed the path of Franz Kafka, namely by a walk through the Jewish quarter where the writer was born and lived for many years. The trip concluded with a discussion with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.
Overview of the programme
Monday, 29 April 2024
- Lunchtime
Flight to Prague, Czechia - Afternoon
Arrival in Prague - Thereafter, Prague Castle
Welcome with military honours by Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, followed by talks - Thereafter
Joint press conference - Thereafter, Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University
Joint commemoration ceremony for victims of the shooting rampage of 21 December 2023 - Evening, Prague Castle
Dinner hosted by President Pavel
Tuesday, 30 April 2024
- Morning, Prague Castle
Speech at the conference "20 Years of Czechia in the EU: A Vision for an Enlarged Europe" - Thereafter, Vyšehrad Cemetery
Visit to František Černý's grave - Thereafter, Jewish Quarter
Walking tour following the path of Franz Kafka - Lunchtime, State Opera
Musical performance by artists participating in the project "Musica non grata" - Thereafter, Villa Kramář
Talks with Petr Fiala, Primie Minister of the Czech Republic - Afternoon
Flight to Berlin
