On August 19, 1989, a pivotal event unfolded at the Pan-European Picnic near Sopron, Hungary, marking a significant turning point in the history of the German Democratic Republic (GDR).

Hundreds of East German citizens seized the opportunity to cross into Austria, a move that symbolized the crumbling barriers of the Iron Curtain.

This mass exodus was a precursor to the fall of the Berlin Wall, which occurred less than three months later.

The event was a result of shifting political landscapes, as Hungarian officials, like Colonel József Varga, acknowledged the inevitable dismantling of socialist state structures.

In commemoration of this historic moment, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Hungary to honor the 35th anniversary of the picnic.

He met with Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok, participated in a press conference, and laid a wreath at the memorial park, reflecting on the enduring impact of this peaceful protest on European history.