Andrej Babiš’s inaugural visit to Berlin emphasises how closely the Czechs and Germans are linked in Europe, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz said at a joint press conference with the Czech Prime Minister at the Federal Chancellery.

The most important points in brief:

• Stability in the Middle East: With regard to the Iran war, Federal Chancellor Merz expressed his concern that “there is obviously no shared plan on how this war can quickly be brought to a convincing end.” He condemned the indiscriminate Iranian attacks on Germany’s partner countries in the Middle East region “in the strongest terms” and assured them of his solidarity. Merz also warned that further Israeli annexation steps in the West Bank would make a two-state solution even more difficult. Foreign Minister Wadephul will therefore be travelling to Israel for talks, said the Federal Chancellor.
• Support for Ukraine: Particularly in view of the crisis in the Middle East, the West should not let up in its support for Kyiv, Merz said. He and Babiš agreed that the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia and the 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine must now be united, Merz said. The Chancellor made it clear that Europe must have a place at the negotiating table when a decision is made on ending the war in Ukraine and praised the continuation of the Czech munitions initiative.
• Europe’s competitiveness: With a view to the upcoming European Council, both heads of government are prioritising the economic modernisation of the EU. European industry should be strengthened by reducing bureaucracy, deepening the internal market and expanding international trade partnerships. According to Merz, these goals must also be firmly anchored in the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework.

Read the transcript of the press conference here (only German):