President Petr Pavel and First Lady Visit Ostrava, Receive Beehive as a Gift
On May 26, 2025, President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová visited Ostrava as part of their two-day official visit to the Moravian-Silesian Region. Their itinerary began at the national supercomputing center IT4Innovations at the Technical University of Ostrava, followed by a welcome ceremony at the New City Hall by Mayor Jan Dohnal.
Presidential visit to the New Town Hall
During their visit, the President held a discussion with members of the Ostrava City Council in the council chamber. The debate covered a range of pressing issues, including national defense and social matters. President Pavel also expressed interest in how Ostrava handled the aftermath of last September’s floods.
A highlight of the visit was the presentation of a unique gift to the presidential couple — a custom-made beehive. The hive was crafted by Ostrava Municipal Forests and Greenery, an organization dedicated to the city’s environmental sustainability. It symbolizes both Ostrava’s commitment to green urban living and historical continuity, referencing the beehive established by Czechoslovakia’s first president, Tomáš G. Masaryk, near Prague Castle. Notably, the hive from Ostrava is destined for the highest-altitude beekeeping site in the country, located on the tower of the New City Hall.
The symbolic gift also pays homage to Czech beekeeping traditions, which were once championed by Charles IV, known as the “Father of the Homeland.”
The first day concluded with a lunch meeting at the Moravian-Silesian Regional Authority, hosted by Governor Josef Bělica and regional council members.
On the second day, the President and First Lady will visit the Nová šance halfway house in the Koblov district. The facility supports the reintegration of formerly incarcerated men into society. The presidential couple will continue their regional tour throughout other parts of the Moravian-Silesian Region.
President Petr Pavel and Eva Pavlová last visited Ostrava in their official capacity in 2023.