This evening, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala arrived in Berlin on an official visit and was welcomed with military honors by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz — the first such ceremonial reception for a Czech leader since 2018.
Fiala, who has served as prime minister since 2021, discussed a wide range of topics with Merz, including border control, illegal migration, defense cooperation, economic ties, and infrastructure development. While expressing understanding for Germany’s increased internal border checks, Fiala urged a common European approach to addressing irregular migration.
Both leaders emphasized that effective migration policy is key to countering the rise of populist movements across the EU. Fiala warned, “If we don’t offer solutions, populists will fill the vacuum.” Merz added that while discussions with neighbors are ongoing, Germany faces no fundamental disagreement on the necessity of these measures.
On defense, the Czech Republic signaled interest in deeper cooperation, including plans to acquire both American F-35 fighter jets and German Leopard tanks. Fiala emphasized the desire for Czech companies to participate in tank production beyond domestic supply. Both leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, including the Czech-led initiative to procure ammunition.
Infrastructure also featured prominently in the talks. A high-speed railway line between Berlin and Prague is expected to cut travel time to two hours, with similar improvements envisioned for the Prague–Munich connection.
At the joint press conference, Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed Germany’s decision not to sign the recent declaration by 28 countries calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Merz stated that Germany’s position aligns with that of the European Council, and stressed his own role in urging Israel to end large-scale military operations and ensure humanitarian access to Gaza.
While countries such as France, the UK, and Italy signed the declaration—which directly criticizes Israel’s actionsand labels them violations of international humanitarian law—Germany has taken a more cautious stance. However, the SPD parliamentary group in the Bundestag has since urged the government to back the declaration.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. According to UN reports and the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 1,000 civilians have been killed, and widespread hunger and displacement persist amid the ongoing blockade.
The Israeli government has announced plans to build a camp in southern Gaza to house 600,000 displaced people, who would reportedly have restricted movement. Multiple human rights organizations have accused Israel of ethnic cleansing and of using starvation as a weapon of war. The International Court of Justice in The Hague is currently reviewing genocide allegations.
Source: Berliner Telegraph (official media)
