The mission took place at the invitation of the Mayor of the twin city of Paris for Europe Day. Mr Hřib took a part in a live panel discussion on France 24 alongside the Mayors of Paris, Brussels and Palermo, addressing the refugee crisis caused by the war in Ukraine and its impact on the European capitals.
The Prague and Paris Mayors also discussed how to foster meaningful and impactful cooperation between the cities. The first active outcome will be a joint festival called Prague meets Paris & Stockholm, which will take place on June 24-26 in Prague as a part of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU.
With Paris being a frontrunner in the fight against climate change, the delegation from Prague’s and Paris’ Foreign Relations Departments have established mechanisms for a productive exchange of good practice, especially in the fields of sustainability, education, innovation and business support. Mr Hrib also took part in a study visit at the Climate Academy, one of the flagship projects of the Paris City Hall in building awareness of the threats of climate change to learn how the city educates the young generation of the citizens on how to better understand environmental issues, live more sustainably and prepare for the upcoming ecological transition.
Paris is a member of the Pact of Free Cities, therefore, the discussions took place in the context of the continued effort to protect and promote the common values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and social justice in the upcoming years. On the level of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Paris, the delegations also discussed the involvement of Prague in projects organised by the Czech Centre in Paris in order to promote Prague’s cultural and creative industries.
Lucia Legáthová
Economic Diplomacy and City Branding Specialist
