Wednesday, 22 May 2019, Government House, Düsseldorf, NRW: European Affairs Minister Dr. Stephan Holthoff-Pförtner held a bilateral meeting with the Czech Deputy Minister for European Affairs Dr. Martin Smolek. Both dignitaries met to discuss upcoming political constellations after the ballot to the European Parliament as well as the Brexit delay, and its significance for NRW and Czechia. Czech Consul Daniel Zára also partook during the meeting.
Some parts of the Czech populace are notably Eurosceptic, in spite of the booming economic situation, undoubtedly aided by the Czech Republic’s membership into the European Union. Both ministers shared their approaches to the Brexit puzzle, and discussed their respective preparations.
Vice-Minister Dr. Martin Smolek is since 2015 in office, with a sub-ministerial portfolio that includes international law and consular affairs. Since 2008 he represents Czechia before the European Court of Justice.
Approximately 5,000 Czechs live in NRW. For NRW Czechia is trade partner no. 12, before Switzerland and after Japan. The trade volumes between the two states is equivalent to 11,7 billion Euros.
For further information
NRW State Chancery: https://www.land.nrw/de/pressemitteilung/minister-holthoff-pfoertner-empfaengt-den-tschechischen-vize-aussenminister-der
Czech Embassy to Germany (HE Ambassador Tomáš Podivínský): https://www.mzv.cz/berlin
