AGP Executive Report

Media Funding Row: Thousands rallied in Prague against the Babiš government’s plan to replace public broadcaster licence fees with state-budget funding, which critics say risks political pressure and could cut budgets by about 15%. The lower house approved the bill’s first reading in a rushed overnight vote; President Petr Pavel questioned the process, and broadcaster staff plan a strike on November 3. Ukraine Diplomacy: Czech President Pavel is among five European leaders reportedly considered for an EU envoy role in possible talks with Russia. The Kremlin says it would welcome an envoy committed to a peaceful settlement. Czech Sport: Katerina Siniakova won the Japan Open singles title, crushing Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 6-0 for her first singles crown in three years.

Public Media: The government’s plan to replace licence fees with state funding has cleared its first parliamentary hurdle after a rushed vote, prompting protests in Prague and Brno. President Petr Pavel urged politicians to cool tensions and questioned the speed of the process; broadcasters plan visible strike action on Nov. 3. Tennis: Czech player Katerina Siniakova won her first singles title in three years, crushing Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 6-0 in the Japan Open final. Cost of Living: Czechia’s housing hopes are fading as borrowing costs climb: an illustrative average mortgage payment has nearly doubled in five years, from about CZK 12,900 to CZK 25,500 a month. Migration: Police recorded 8,050 cases linked to illegal migration in the first nine months of 2026, nearly all involving people overstaying or lacking valid residence permits; Germany remains the main destination for those transiting the country. History: A new Prague exhibition honours Roma resistance fighters who fought Nazi occupation, highlighting a lesser-known chapter of Czech and Slovak wartime history.

Public Media: The government has advanced a bill to replace Czech Television and Czech Radio licence fees with state funding, drawing protests and warnings that broadcasters could face political pressure. Staff plan a strike on Nov. 3, while President Petr Pavel has urged politicians to cool tensions; the Pirates say they will seek to remove Speaker Tomio Okamura over restrictions on parliamentary access. Budget: The lower house has given initial approval to a wider deficit in the 2027 budget. Transport: Smartwings has launched direct Prague–Lisbon flights three times a week. Animal Health: Czechia has confirmed its first Shamonda virus case in cattle; the risk to people is considered very low.

Public Media: The governing coalition pushed its plan to replace Czech Television and Czech Radio licence fees with state-budget funding through an initial parliamentary vote after an overnight debate. Critics warn the change could weaken broadcasters’ independence and cut funding by about 15%; protests gathered outside parliament, and staff have called a strike for Nov. 3. Ukraine War: President Petr Pavel said Russia shows no readiness for peace talks and has proposed negotiations that exclude Ukraine and Europe. Public Holiday: Large shops over 200 square metres must close on Wednesday, Oct. 28, marking the founding of independent Czechoslovakia; smaller shops may open. Road Safety: Police say an SUV driver brake-checked and assaulted a woman near roadworks in the Rakovník district after she observed a temporary speed limit. Health Checks: Nationwide inspections found smoking-ban or youth-protection violations in about one in five bars, clubs and restaurants, an improvement on last year.

Public Media: Czech MPs fast-tracked a bill to abolish TV and radio licence fees and fund public broadcasters from the state budget. The plan would cut their combined funding by about CZK 1.4 billion a year, prompting warnings that editorial independence and services are at risk. Ukraine Diplomacy: President Petr Pavel is among five European leaders reportedly considered for talks with Vladimir Putin on Ukraine. Crime: A court in Olomouc sentenced a man to 24 years in prison for poisoning two colleagues with antifreeze; one died and the other suffered severe kidney damage. Budget: MPs approved key parameters for the 2027 state budget, including a planned deficit of CZK 386 billion. Para Hockey: Canada beat host Czechia 2-0 in Nymburk to reach the International Para Hockey Cup final. Defence Cooperation: Ukrainian drone maker TAF Industries says it is exploring a joint venture in Czechia after talks at a Prague defence exhibition.

Ukraine Diplomacy: President Petr Pavel is among five European leaders reportedly considered for talks with Vladimir Putin. He has urged Europe to secure a stronger role in peace negotiations and warned that Donald Trump’s Russian diesel deal weakened pressure for peace. Budget: The Czech lower house has given initial approval to a 2027 budget that widens the deficit for a third straight year, funding public wages, roads, healthcare and defence. Football: Jablonec held Brighton to a goalless draw in the Conference League, ending the English side’s six-match winning run. Legal Rights: The EU’s top court ruled that Czech law breaches the right to access a lawyer during police questioning. Defence: Czech and Armenian officials discussed military cooperation during a visit to Prague, while Czech firm VOP CZ and Australia’s EOS are exploring armoured-vehicle systems. Prague: The city has opened new park-and-ride facilities in Opatov, Modřany and Uhříněves to help commuters switch to public transport.

Cybersecurity: Czech Technical University in Prague says it stopped a cyberattack linked to critical PHP vulnerabilities. Some systems remain offline while services are restored; the Czech government had also temporarily taken its website offline. Football: Jablonec held Brighton to a 0-0 draw in the Conference League, ending the English side’s winning run. The Czech hosts had chances to win. Ukraine diplomacy: President Petr Pavel called for Europe to take a more active role in peace talks, saying the continent needs a shared position and must not be sidelined. He also warned that Donald Trump’s diesel deal with Russia weakened pressure for a ceasefire. Defence ties: Czech and Armenian officials discussed technical-military cooperation during Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan’s visit to Prague. Legal ruling: The EU Court of Justice ruled that Czech law breaches the right of access to a lawyer during police questioning.

Security and Ukraine: President Petr Pavel is in Berlin discussing European defence and continued support for Ukraine with German leaders. He warns that cutting aid would encourage Russia and says Europe must take greater responsibility. Cybersecurity: Czech government websites were taken offline as administrators addressed critical flaws in PHP software that could let attackers remotely access vulnerable systems. Defence Industry: At Prague’s Future Forces Forum, Czech firm VOP CZ signed a cooperation deal with Australia’s EOS on armoured-vehicle programmes, while Czech-built Skyfox trainer jets are nearing delivery to Armenia. Cost of Living: Fuel and lubricant prices in Czechia rose 37.5% year on year in September, among the EU’s sharpest increases. Football: Jablonec host Brighton in the Conference League, facing the in-form English side after opening their campaign with a loss. Drought: Receding water at the Orlík reservoir has exposed abandoned homes, roads and a historic river crossing. Politics: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s ANO movement suffered a major setback in Senate elections, winning no seats as opposition parties strengthened their control.

Cybersecurity: The Czech government took its website offline Wednesday evening to install patches after the national cyber watchdog warned of PHP vulnerabilities; officials said services would return once updates were applied. Defence Industry: Future Forces opened in Prague with Czech firms presenting new counter-drone systems, an amphibious vehicle and a Czech-configured CV90 combat vehicle, as Ukraine joined the forum. AI Investment: Bull and České Radiokomunikace agreed to develop a sovereign AI offering and strengthen a Czech-led bid for a European AI Gigafactory. Para Hockey: Host Czechia lost 7-0 to Canada in Nymburk, with Vincent Boily scoring four goals in the final preliminary-round game. Drought: Falling water levels at the Orlík reservoir have exposed homes, roads and a long-submerged river crossing. Senate: The governing ANO movement failed to win any seats in the recent runoff, leaving the opposition in control of the upper house.

Drought Reveals Orlík’s Past: Falling water levels have exposed house foundations, old roads and traces of a former river crossing beneath the reservoir. The shoreline is about 15 metres below normal after a dry summer. Court Ruling: Czechia’s Constitutional Court has confirmed that income from voluntary sex work is taxable, saying tax collection does not amount to state approval. Rail Travel: Ten České dráhy night services will make extended stops when clocks go back this weekend, including trains serving Prague. Slavia’s Late Point: Slavia Prague earned a 2–2 Champions League draw away to Fenerbahçe with a 90th-minute equaliser. Senate Setback: The opposition retained its Senate majority after ANO failed to win a seat, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s party. Industry: Resideo plans to move manufacturing from Scotland to Brno and Hungary as its Newhouse site closes, putting 116 jobs at risk.

Football: Slavia Prague rallied from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Fenerbahçe in Istanbul, equalising through Pavel Kacor in the 90th minute. Politics: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš says his government will not change course after ANO failed to win any seats in the Senate runoffs, leaving the opposition with a stronger position. Business: The European Commission cleared Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský’s EP Group to take control of French retailer Fnac Darty. Energy: Czechia and South Korea reviewed progress on the Dukovany nuclear project, while ČEZ submitted an environmental assessment for a planned small modular reactor at Temelín. Defence Industry: The EU approved €168 million for defence production, including a project in Czechia to expand missile and drone propulsion capacity. Public Services: Czech public-sector workers could receive raises of up to CZK 9,000 in 2027 as the government and unions resume pay talks. Culture: A historic Spitfire flown by a Czechoslovak RAF squadron has returned to Czechia after decades abroad.

Dukovany: Czech and South Korean officials say the planned nuclear power project is on track and are seeking closer cooperation, while Prague considers concerns that proposed EU rules could limit non-EU participation. Tax Ruling: The Constitutional Court has ruled that income from voluntary prostitution is taxable, rejecting an appeal against a tax bill. Car Industry: Czech factories produced nearly 1.1 million passenger cars in the first nine months of 2026; electrified models made up almost 42% of output. Senate Elections: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s ANO movement won no seats in the latest Senate elections, leaving the opposition with a comfortable majority. War Heritage: A Spitfire flown by Czechoslovak RAF pilots in the Second World War has returned to Czechia and was unveiled at Prague’s Točná Airport.

Senate Setback: Opposition parties STAN and ODS retained control of the Czech Senate, while Andrej Babiš’s ANO won no seats—a major blow for the prime minister. Energy Costs: Czechia and its Visegrad partners are pressing Brussels for more flexibility to use EU funds to support industries facing high energy prices and carbon costs. Foreign Policy: Prague rejected Finland’s proposal for tighter EU visa rules for Russian citizens and criticised US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over remarks about Afghanistan allies. Travel Alert: The Foreign Ministry urged Czechs in France to avoid protests and public gatherings amid violent unrest. Jobs and Business: The government is weighing a CZK 1 billion startup fund as Czechia faces a shortage of more than 90,000 workers.

Travel Alert: Czechia’s Foreign Ministry urged citizens in France to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings amid street violence, and warned of nationwide strike disruption planned for November 5. Economy: The government has postponed its promised cut to corporate tax from 21% to 19%, saying it would cost public budgets CZK 30 billion a year; it plans instead to offer companies more favourable depreciation rules. Public Sector: The government and unions resume talks on next year’s pay rises, with unions seeking more than the proposed 5–9% increases. Health: An early delivery of 300,000 flu vaccine doses should improve supplies from next week. In Prague, suspected cannabinoid-related ambulance call-outs among under-20s reached 474 in the first nine months of 2026, nearly twice the total for all of last year. Politics: Opposition parties kept control of the Senate, while ANO failed to win any of the contested seats. Drought: Low water levels forced cancellation of the public harvest at Rožmberk pond, with local ponds holding less than half their usual water volume.

Senate Elections: The opposition retained control of the Czech Senate as ANO failed to win a seat, despite 13 candidates reaching run-offs. Women’s representation fell to 14 senators. ANO is now proposing single-round elections, citing low turnout; the run-off turnout was 21.22%. Czech Politics: President Petr Pavel is due to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin next week. Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil has also invited Prime Minister Andrej Babiš to attend the upper house’s opening session. Jobs and Migration: Czechia faces a shortage of more than 90,000 workers, and the government plans to raise hiring quotas for Filipino and Indian workers. Prague: Paramedics report a sharp rise in teenagers suspected of cannabis intoxication. Business: Czech companies are looking to expand their role in Ukraine’s reconstruction as exports to the country grow.

Senate Setback: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s ANO party won no seats in the Senate run-off, while pro-Western opposition parties retained control of the upper house. The result is a blow to Babiš but does not threaten his government’s grip on the lower house. Labour Shortages: With more than 90,000 jobs unfilled, the government plans to raise hiring quotas for workers from the Philippines and India, with Kazakhstan also under consideration. Energy Dispute: Czechia joined several EU countries calling for more flexibility in carbon-pricing rules as leaders clashed over rising energy costs; no major changes were agreed at the Brussels summit. Poverty: Czechia has the EU’s lowest share of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion, at 12%, compared with a bloc average of 21%. Science: Czech physicist Libor Šmejkal and colleagues won the 2026 Europhysics Prize for establishing altermagnetism as a third fundamental form of magnetism. Prague History: The city marked 130 years since its first public film screening, held at a hotel on Na Příkopě Street on 18 October 1896.