AGP Executive Report

Election Results: Local and Senate voting dealt Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s ANO a setback. Christian Democrats performed strongly in local councils, while Mayors and Independents led in Prague; most Senate seats will be decided in runoffs on October 16–17. Transport Infrastructure: A consortium led by Invesis, Strabag, Budimex and Ferrovial has won a 28-year, €2.9 billion contract for the D35 motorway—the largest public-private partnership in Czechia. The project will build 35.4 kilometres of road and maintain a further 17 kilometres. Regional Trade: At a business forum in Baku, officials reported Czech-Azerbaijani trade of about $760 million in the first eight months of 2026. Czech investment in Azerbaijan totals roughly $74 million, while both sides are seeking transport and logistics projects; transit cargo grew 47%. Prague Commuting: The capital has opened a four-storey park-and-ride facility at Opatov with 495 spaces, close to the metro and bus links, to help commuters leave cars outside the centre.

Election Results: Christian Democrats and the Mayors and Independents emerged as the main winners in Czechia’s municipal elections, with STAN leading in Prague as the Pirates lost ground. The opposition also retained its Senate majority, while ANO leader Andrej Babiš said his party remained the country’s strongest force. Prague Transport: The city has scrapped taxi fare caps, reviving concerns about tourists being overcharged. Economy and Europe: Babiš called Donald Trump’s deal to import Russian diesel a “slap in the face” for Europe; Finance Minister Alena Schillerová said Czechia was open to talks on frozen Russian assets but wanted legal safeguards. Sport: Irish-trained Final Orders won the Velká Pardubická, giving trainer Gavin Cromwell back-to-back victories in Czechia’s famous steeplechase. Czech tennis star Katerina Siniakova and partner Zhang Shuai finished runners-up in the China Open doubles final.

Senate Elections: Czech opposition parties are set to retain control of the Senate after outpacing Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s ANO in the first round. Five candidates won seats outright; 22 races go to runoffs next weekend. Prague Politics: STAN narrowly won the capital’s municipal vote with 23.17%, ahead of Spolu on 22.05%; the Pirates fell to 9.38%. Independent candidates and local groups took most council seats nationwide. Russia and Europe: Babiš called Donald Trump’s agreement to import Russian oil a “massive slap in the face” for Europe and urged EU leaders to respond at next week’s summit. Prague Forum: The 30th Forum 2000 opens today, bringing about 800 participants from around 100 countries to discuss democracy and Václav Havel’s legacy. Velká Pardubická: The Czech Republic’s famed steeplechase runs today with just 10 horses. Jockey Jan Faltejsek could match Josef Váňa’s record of eight wins.

Election Watch: Early results suggest opposition parties will retain their Senate majority, with at least four candidates winning outright. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s ANO leads in candidates advancing to next weekend’s runoffs, while independent groups appear strongest in local council races. Fuel Prices: Weekend fuel-price caps rose as gasoline reached its highest level of October so far. Tennis: Czech player Nikola Bartunkova’s China Open run ended in the semifinals, where she lost 6-2, 6-2 to Russia’s Mirra Andreeva. Prague Zoo: The zoo is celebrating the hatching of a rare parrot chick.

Election Test: Czechs are voting in local contests and one-third of Senate seats, the first major electoral test for Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s government. President Petr Pavel cut short his Morocco holiday to cast a ballot, saying he would pay for the charter flight himself; Czech media estimate it cost €30,000–€45,000. Tennis: Czech player Nikola Bartůňková’s China Open run ended in the semifinals, with Russia’s Mirra Andreeva winning 6-2, 6-2. Women’s Football: Scotland beat Czechia 2-0 in Pardubice in the first leg of their World Cup play-off, leaving the Czechs needing a strong result in Tuesday’s return match. Culture: Czechia has withdrawn from Eurovision 2027, citing budget pressures.

Election Test: Czechs are voting in municipal and Senate elections, the first major test of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s coalition. More than eight million people can choose local councils across 6,200-plus municipalities, while a third of Senate seats are contested. Housing, transport and healthcare featured prominently in the campaign; runoffs are due next week where needed. Women’s Football: Scotland beat Czechia 2-0 in Pardubice in the first leg of their World Cup qualifying playoff, leaving the hosts with a steep task in Tuesday’s return match. Czechia finished with 10 players after Tereza Krejčíříková was sent off. Tennis: Czech teenager Nikola Bartůňková reached the China Open semifinals after beating compatriot Karolína Muchová, setting up a clash with Mirra Andreeva. Prague Tourism: The capital scored 92.7 out of 100 in a visitor-satisfaction index, ahead of Vienna and Berlin; visitor spending rose 18% in the first half of 2026 while visitor numbers grew about 1%.

Prague Incident: A bus carrying Serbian high-school graduates caught fire in a hotel car park while the students were at breakfast. No one was hurt, and the group returned home safely; the cause is still unknown. Elections: Voters head to municipal and Senate polls today and Saturday in the first major test for Andrej Babiš’s government. Housing is a key issue in major cities, while President Petr Pavel drew criticism for being abroad and unable to vote. Czech Tennis: Nikola Bartůňková has reached her first WTA 1000 semifinal after beating Karolína Muchová 6-3, 6-0 in Beijing. She faces Mirra Andreeva next. Industry: Ostravar beer production in Ostrava will be phased out next year and moved to Prague, though the brand will remain on sale. Transport: Prague-area rail services between Uhříněves and Říčany face cancellations and delays from Sunday as work linked to the city ring road limits trains to one track.

Tennis: Czech rising star Nikola Bartunkova stormed into her first WTA 1000 semi-final in Beijing, crushing Karolina Muchova before setting up a clash with Mirra Andreeva. Nature: The Constitutional Court upheld restrictions on leaving marked trails in parts of Šumava National Park, ruling that protecting endangered wildlife can outweigh individual freedom of movement. Politics: President Petr Pavel will miss local elections while on a privately planned holiday, as Czechs prepare to vote in municipal and Senate contests. Economy: Retail sales growth eased to 4.3% in August, while industrial growth slowed and the trade balance slipped into deficit. Football: Czechia’s women host Scotland on Friday in the first leg of a World Cup qualifying playoff.

Czech Tennis: Nikola Bartunkova swept past compatriot Karolina Muchova 6-3, 6-0 to reach her first WTA 1000 semifinal at the China Open. Belarus Arrest: A Czech citizen who travelled to visit his sick mother has been arrested in Belarus over donations supporting Ukraine. Housing Costs: Average advertised mortgage rates climbed to 5.79% in October, up 0.88 percentage points from a year earlier; nearly half of Czechs spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Prague Transport: Construction has begun on a new tram line linking Libuš and Nové Dvory. Economy: Czech industrial production growth eased and the trade balance slipped into deficit, while beer consumption fell to a record low.

Housing: Nearly half of Czechs spend more than 30% of their net income on housing, and about one in ten spends over half. Young adults say housing costs are forcing them to delay major life decisions. Mortgage rates have also climbed to their highest level since early 2024. Drinks: Beer consumption hit a record low in 2025, averaging 121 litres per person as more people shifted away from pub drinking. Economy: Czech industrial production growth eased, while the trade balance moved into deficit. Politics and Culture: The presidential couple faced criticism for missing local elections during a private trip, and Czechia withdrew from Eurovision 2027, citing budget constraints. Football: England beat Czechia 3-0 at Wembley, with Harry Kane scoring twice.

Nations League Spotlight: Harry Kane stole the show as England thrashed Czechia 3-0 at Wembley, scoring twice on his record-equalling 125th cap and moving the Three Lions closer to the Nations League Finals. Football Round-Up: The same international break saw Spain stay perfect in Group A3 after a 2-1 fightback win over Croatia, while England’s Thomas Tuchel said the squad has “moved on” after the World Cup exit. Czechia in the Mix: Czech captain Vladimir Coufal admitted Kane’s output is staggering, after an own goal helped decide the match. Sports Beyond Football: Novak Djokovic won the China Open for a 102nd career title after Alex de Minaur retired injured in the final, while Carlos Alcaraz defended the Japan Open title by beating Jiri Lehecka. Business & Czech Links: Royal Mail’s Czech billionaire owner Daniel Křetínský’s investment backdrop resurfaced as the firm’s boss apologized for delivery performance, and My Freighter took delivery of its 10th Boeing 767 freighter, with the aircraft routed via Ostrava, Czech Republic.

England–Czechia Nations League: Harry Kane stole the show at Wembley, scoring twice as England beat Czechia 3-0 and matched Peter Shilton’s record with his 125th cap; the win leaves the Three Lions on the brink of Nations League quarter-finals. EU Defence Finance: Belgium and Czechia received their first SAFE defence loan payments—€1.2bn for Belgium and €309m for Czechia—aimed at speeding up joint EU ammunition, missile and air-defence procurement. Portugal U21s: Portugal finished their 2027 U21 European Championship qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Czechia, securing top spot and a play-off place. Tennis (Czech spotlight): Karolina Muchova reached the China Open quarter-finals by beating Naomi Osaka in a tense three-set match. Tennis (Czech connection): Jiri Lehecka lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Japan Open final, as Alcaraz claimed his first title since returning from injury.

Czech Pharma Investment Woes: Czechia’s push to attract more pharma manufacturing, research and biotech is being slowed by high energy costs, strict EU environmental rules and reliance on Asian suppliers, with only a handful of projects winning incentives in recent years. Space for Emergencies: A Czech-led ESA project, Czech Space Resilience Nodes, is moving into its definition phase to plug satellite intelligence into emergency services workflows, feeding data into systems used by 112 responders. Tech & Media in Czechia: Titan OS has launched SkyShowtime access on Philips and Sharp smart TVs across 22 European markets including Czech Republic, while ISG named IBA Group in its Top 25 for mainframe modernization services. Football—Czechia on the Big Stage: England host Czechia in the UEFA Nations League at Wembley, with Harry Kane set to equal Peter Shilton’s 125-cap record; meanwhile, Spain’s Nations League momentum continues as it prepares for Croatia. International Context: Reuters reports the US Ebola response shifted toward border controls after a directive blocked Americans from returning for treatment, and Hungary plans to open Communist-era informer files online.

Nations League Spotlight: England host Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday, with Harry Kane set to win his 125th cap and equal Peter Shilton’s record, after a 7-0 Croatia rout that left the Three Lions second in Group A3 and firing on all cylinders. Injuries & Squad Management: England’s camp is dealing with fresh withdrawals, including Alex Scott and Ezri Konsa, as Thomas Tuchel says clubs must “trust” England with player care during international duty. Tech & Consumer News: Apple One Family and Premier subscriptions are rising by about €2/month in Czechia and several other European countries, with new and renewing customers affected. Sports Beyond Football: Novak Djokovic reached the China Open final after Daniil Medvedev was disqualified for hitting a spectator with a ball, while Iga Swiatek and Czech player Zheng Qinwen both advanced in Beijing. Local Czech Angle: Czechia expanded short-term visa options for some Belarusian relatives, easing rules for those with Czech citizenship or long-term residence.

England-Nations League: Arsenal’s Ezri Konsa and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott have both withdrawn from England’s squad ahead of Tuesday’s Nations League clash with the Czech Republic, with Scott facing a thigh/quad injury that could keep him out for weeks and Konsa ruled out for further assessment. Football fallout: The news comes after England’s 7-0 demolition of Croatia, where Scott impressed in his first full start and Tuchel praised him as a “complete package,” while Tuchel also said Declan Rice faces midfield competition. Czech Republic in focus: The Czech team’s Nations League campaign continues to draw attention as Spain beat Czechia 3-1, with Czech goals coming late and a red card adding pressure. Culture & events: Prague’s Designblok returns Oct 6–11 with a “Light” theme across six venues, including talks and exhibitions at the Trade Fair Palace and Prague Castle Riding School. Sports beyond football: Czech tennis player Nikola Bartůňková stunned top seed Aryna Sabalenka at the China Open, knocking out the tournament’s second seed in straight sets. Business & travel: Pegasus Airlines has completed its takeover of Czech Airlines and Smartwings, reshaping the Czech aviation landscape.

Tennis Shock in Beijing: Czech No. 26 Nikola Bartunkova stunned world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka at the China Open, winning 6-4, 6-3 and sending both top women’s seeds out early. Djokovic Record Run: In the men’s draw, Novak Djokovic rallied past Alexander Zverev 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 to extend his China Open unbeaten streak to 32 matches and set up a semifinal with Daniil Medvedev. England’s Nations League Statement: Thomas Tuchel praised England’s “complete” 7-0 demolition of Croatia, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scoring twice and Jude Bellingham starring with a goal and three assists. Czech Football Spotlight: Rangers striker Ryan Naderi, who qualifies for Czechia, marked his Czech debut against Spain after a paperwork delay, while Czechia’s Nikola Bartunkova’s Beijing breakthrough keeps Czech sport in the spotlight. Ukraine Diplomacy: President Zelensky urged European politicians to support Ukraine, warning that weakness invites sabotage and escalation.