Current content on the activities of the Federal President

"Germany stands firmly by Ukraine’s side"

Federal President Steinmeier welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Schloss Bellevue on the morning of 11 June. During their talks, the Federal President emphasised that Germany will support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Federal President Steinmeier welcomes Ukrainian President Wolodymyr Selensky at Schloss Bellevue

80th Anniversary of the Oradour-sur-Glane Massacre

On June 10, at the invitation of French President Macron, Federal President Steinmeier travelled to France to participate in a commemoration to mark the 80th anniversary of the Oradour-sur-Glane Massacre.

Federal President Steinmeier and France's President Macron are silently remembering the Oradour-sur-Glane massacre amidst a sea of wreaths in front of the historic village's monument

State visit from the French Republic

At the invitation of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, paid a state visit to Germany from 26 to 28 May.

The Federal President welcome the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron

"The Basic Law and the Peaceful Revolution, what a great fortune that is to have in our hands"

Speech at the ceremony to mark the 75^th anniversary of the adoption of the Basic Law

News

"We will support you and your country – for as long as it takes"

format: Speech

Berlin, , 11 June 2024

Federal President Steinmeier gives a speech at a conference

"Europe is strongest when it stands together"

format: Speech

Münster, , 28 May 2024

Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presents the International Award of the Peace of Westphalia to the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron

"The Franco-German friendship is deeply anchored in both countries’ image of themselves"

format: Speech

Schloss Bellevue, , 26 May 2024

The Federal President gives a speech at the state banquet in honor of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and Brigitte Macron.

"The Basic Law and the Peaceful Revolution, what a great fortune that is to have in our hands"

format: Speech

Berlin, , 23 May 2024

"Europe needs Finland’s constructive voice"

format: Report

8 May 2024

Federal President Steinmeier and the Finnish President, Alexander Stubb, walk side by side on a red carpet

"Our strength lies in joint action"

format: Speech

Prague/Czech Republic, , 30 April 2024

Federal president Steinmeier is holding a speech at the conference "20 Years of Czechia in the EU: A Vision for an Enlarged Europe"

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The Federal President

More about Frank-Walter Steinmeier More about Elke Büdenbender

Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier und Elke Büdenbender begrüßen die Gäste des Bürgerfestes (Archivbild)

Role and Functions

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Head of State

The Basic Law, Germany’s constitution, devotes an entire chapter to the Federal President. Besides the tasks and powers outlined in this section, others are described elsewhere in the constitution or in other laws, and still more have simply become established over time.

Blick in den Bundestag bei der Bundesversammlung (Archiv)

Honours and decorations

Honouring individuals who have rendered distinguished services to the nation has traditionally been one of the head of state's duties. In the Federal Republic of Germany, as in nearly all countries in the world, honours and decorations are awarded as a way of paying public tribute to an outstanding individual.