AGP Executive Report

EU Budget Clash: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš says the EU’s 2028–2034 budget talks are headed for a “bumpy ride,” rejecting proposals that would cut Czech funding and warning the member states’ positions are “diametrically opposed.” Security Diplomacy: He also pushed energy and security cooperation at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, then met Finland’s President Alexander Stubb in Prague-focused talks on defence, NATO ties, and healthcare. NATO Prep: Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka will join NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg to prepare for the Ankara summit, with side meetings planned with Ukraine, Iceland, Norway and Spain. Ebola Watch: US-bound travellers from Ebola-affected African regions face new screening rules, with some flights diverted for health checks—while eastern Congo reports healthcare workers are underprotected as the outbreak spreads. Sports Spotlight: Czech World Cup hopeful Adam Hložek returns to the preliminary squad after injury, while Petr Macinka’s NATO trip runs alongside Ghana’s World Cup build-up in Mexico.

Diplomacy Clash: Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka vowed to block any further EU sanctions against Israel, saying Prague will not allow “trade sanctions” or any suspension/freezing of Israel’s EU association agreement—even if it means standing alone. China Signals: China “highly commended” Czech PM Andrej Babiš for reaffirming the one-China policy, with Beijing ready to deepen ties. Ebola Watch: WHO warned the DRC outbreak spread undetected for weeks, with cases and deaths expected to rise; Czech officials said an American doctor exposed in Uganda is being transferred to Prague as a precaution. Sports—Tennis: Lucky loser Aleksander Kovacevic stunned top seed Felix Auger-Aliassime in Hamburg, rallying after trailing 4-1 in the decider. Sports—Hockey: At the IIHF Worlds, Czechia beat Italy 3-1 after a late surge, while Switzerland crushed Austria 9-0. Local Safety: Prague police arrested a man accused of raping a woman after posing as a taxi driver, and are probing possible additional victims.

EU-Israel Trade Standoff: Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka says Prague will block any further EU trade sanctions on Israel and won’t accept suspending the EU–Israel Association Agreement, even if it means using a unilateral veto. Diplomacy & Business: Macinka opened a Czech–Israeli business forum in Prague with over 50 Israeli firms and about 150 Czech participants, with defence, cybersecurity and healthcare in focus. Prague Housing Push: The city council approved the final Metropolitan Plan that could enable up to 350,000 new homes while protecting green and historic areas—next step is the city assembly at month-end. Football Scandal: UEFA handed a lifetime ban to Czech women’s coach Petr Vlachovsky for secretly filming players in locker rooms and showers. Security Signals: EU leaders reacted to Russia’s threats against the Baltics, with von der Leyen calling it a threat to the whole Union. Sports & Health: Nigeria named its Unity Cup squad including Wrexham keeper Arthur Okonkwo; meanwhile, Ebola fears grow in Congo as WHO warns numbers will keep rising.

UEFA’s Lifetime Ban: Czech women’s football coach Petr Vlachovsky has been banned for life from any football activity after being convicted for secretly filming players undressing in locker rooms and showers, with UEFA also pushing for an international ban and a revocation of his coaching licence. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA’s 2026 tournament starts June 11, and teams are now sharing provisional squad lists—Czechia is in Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea and South Africa. Prague Airport Wins: Prague Airport was named Overall Winner at the Routes Europe 2026 Awards, also taking the 5–20 million passengers category. Czechia in the Spotlight: A stolen relic case continues to echo after police recovered the skull of St Zdislava encased in concrete. Sports Injuries: In the WNBA, Chicago’s Rickea Jackson is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL, a major blow after early promise. Refugee Policy Pressure: Czech authorities are proposing tighter rules for temporary protection for Ukrainians, raising fresh concerns about people being left without support.

Europol Crackdown: Europol says it has dismantled an IRGC-linked online propaganda network, taking down 14,200+ posts, accounts and links across 19 countries and restricting the group’s main X account. Diplomacy in Prague: The Czech Foreign Ministry is co-organising Ibero-American Week, with a major international conference at Czernin Palace on 21 May. Business & Startups: JIC Ventures has made its first investment, backing FaceUp, a platform aimed at building ethical workplace culture across CEE. Skoda EV Push: Skoda unveiled the Epiq, its smallest and cheapest EV, with UK pricing starting around £24,950 and two battery options. Prague on the Global Map: ICCA ranks Prague sixth worldwide for congress destinations, citing growth in events and delegates. Sports (Czech ties): Czechia’s Sudeten German gathering in Brno is sparking political heat, while hockey and football coverage continues to build around upcoming European campaigns.

Ice Hockey Worlds: Canada turned the tables on Denmark in Fribourg, exploding for five goals in the final period to win 5-1, with Sidney Crosby racking up four assists and Macklin Celebrini adding two as the Canadians stay on a perfect run; Nick Olesen scored Denmark’s lone goal and Canada next faces Norway. EU Security Crackdown: Europol says 19 countries targeted 14,200 IRGC-linked posts online, aiming to disrupt propaganda, recruitment and fundraising after the EU designated the IRGC a terrorist organisation in February. Czech Diplomacy & Culture: The Czech Centre in Sofia will keep operating in Bulgaria after its planned closure was reversed, with weekly events continuing until June 20 and a restart planned for September. Local Business Climate: Bulgaria’s bilateral chambers of commerce urged the new government to prioritize rule of law, rights, and predictable economic policy—especially around tax stability and public-fund delivery. Prague Heritage: The Royal Summer Palace at Prague Castle (the Belvedere) is closing for a two-year, 100 million CZK restoration.

EU Crackdown on Iran’s IRGC Propaganda: Europol says 19 countries, including Czechia, targeted 14,200 IRGC-linked posts in a coordinated online action aimed at propaganda, recruitment and fundraising. Czech Court Decision: The Constitutional Court rejected an appeal by activist Nela Lisková, upholding her suspended sentence over hate speech. Ukraine Energy Aid: Ukraine’s Energy Ministry reports 3,209 units of power equipment have arrived since the start of 2026, with more expected. World Cup Focus: Croatia named its 26-man squad with Luka Modrić as captain, while FIFA squads continue to lock in ahead of the tournament. Czech Family Policy: The government approved a plan to raise parental allowance for newborns from 2027 (CZK 350,000 → 400,000). Culture & Media: Slovakia pushed for a stronger European audiovisual sector at Cannes, while Czech public debate continues over funding for public media.

Ukraine War: A Kyiv couple killed in a fierce Russian airstrike had hoped to start a family, as mourners described the tragedy. Mountaineering: Nearly 1,200 climbers from 79 countries are chasing Himalayan peaks this spring, with 494 already holding permits for Everest. Czech Energy: Czechia has launched a major biomethane support scheme, with auctions backed by up to 90 billion korunas to boost renewable gas into the grid. Crime Crackdown: A Europe-wide operation dismantled a fake-medicine network, with raids across Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Moldova and dozens of websites shut. Sports & Culture: Greece’s men’s handball team qualified for the 2027 World Championship for the first time in 22 years; and Eurovision 2026 ended with Bulgaria’s Dara winning “Bangaranga,” while Czech singer Žižka finished 16th. Tech/Media: Markiplier’s horror film “Iron Lung” is set for a YouTube release on May 31 after a surprise box-office run.

Eurovision Shockwave: Bulgaria won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna for the first time, with DARA’s “Bangaranga” taking 516 points and edging Israel into second; the Czech entry Daniel Žižka finished 16th after a reported camera mishap, and fans are now talking about whether the Czech delegation should have been granted a repeat. Czech Politics: The government is set to discuss Monday a parental allowance rise (350,000 to 400,000 CZK) plus a proposal to make one-day motorway vignettes valid for 24 hours, while a separate coalition plan would shift public-service media funding from licence fees to state budget money—sparking fresh criticism and strike pressure. Ukraine-Russia: Kyiv says its large drone attack on Moscow was “entirely justified,” as Russia accuses Ukraine of targeting civilians. Culture & Sports: A Czech/Slovak thriller “Ultimatum” lands on Channel 4’s Walter Presents; and Czech road emissions inspections for smoking cars are down even as harmful emissions rise.

Eurovision Shock Finish: Bulgaria’s Dara won the 70th Eurovision in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” scoring 516 points and beating Israel’s Noam Bettan into second (343) after a tense, last-minute surge. Czechia Spotlight: Czech singer Daniel Žižka’s “Crossroads” was hit by visible technical glitches and even a camera mishap during the live broadcast—fans flooded social media demanding Czechia be allowed to perform again. Boycott Fallout: The contest stayed politically charged after Israel’s participation triggered a boycott by five countries, while the final still delivered boos, chants, and nonstop drama. Sports & Local Life: In the background of the global spectacle, Czech Village in Cedar Rapids held its 48th Houby Days cultural festival, and South Korea named Son Heung-min to lead its World Cup squad in a group that includes Czechia.

Eurovision Countdown: Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle hosts the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final tonight, with Denmark opening and Austria closing the show; Czechia’s Daniel Žižka performs CROSSROADS at spot 11, while Greece (Akylas – Ferto) and Cyprus (Antigoni Buxton – Jalla) are among the big names after strong semi-finals. Football Focus: South Korea named its World Cup squad with Son Heung-min as captain, aiming to fix his low scoring form after his move to LAFC; the group includes Mexico, Czech Republic and South Africa. Security Watch: A Czech analyst warns Russia could try to test NATO unity beyond the Baltics—potentially in the Black Sea, with Bulgaria seen as a weaker link. Sports Elsewhere: Czech hockey kicked off the World Championship with a 4–1 win over Denmark. Local Crime: Czech police recovered a stolen medieval saint relic after a brazen theft.

Eurovision Countdown: Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle is set for the 2026 Grand Final with the full running order now out and fresh talk that Denmark may be hurt by opening the show, while Finland and Australia lead betting chatter after Delta Goodrem’s “Eclipse” wow-factor. Sports Spotlight: Canada kicked off the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship with a late 5-3 win over Sweden in Fribourg, with Sidney Crosby joining the roster and goals from Tavares, O’Reilly, Holloway, Brown and Cozens. Crime & Culture: Czech police say they recovered the skull of 13th-century saint Zdislava of Lemberk after a thief hid it in concrete—an act that has shocked the country. Travel & Rail: The Adriatic Express returns for summer 2026, adding direct service to Slovenia’s Koper alongside Rijeka from late June to end of August. Local Sports Development: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have invited 35 players to camp for the WAFU B U20 tournament.

Eurovision Fever Hits Vienna: Bulgaria’s DARA stormed through the second semi-final with “Bangaranga” and is now set to perform in the grand final as entry #12, while Ukraine, Czechia and other finalists also locked in their spots after the latest qualifiers. Police Recovery: Czech police say they’ve found the 13th-century skull of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk—stolen from a church and reportedly encased in concrete—after detaining a suspect who allegedly planned to sink it in a river. Sports Spotlight: Czechia is among the teams heading to the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Shanghai 2026 (May 16-17), and Czech players are also in the spotlight at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland. Tech & Defence: NÚKIB’s Polish-Czech team placed fourth at Locked Shields 2026, and the Czech Army is moving ahead with TITUS KOVVŠ/M2 command vehicles after Federated Cloud 2026 testing. Culture Pick: The Czech-Slovak hostage thriller “Ultimátum” is now streaming in the UK on Channel 4’s Walter Presents.

Eurovision Shockwave: Czechia’s Daniel Žižka has made it through to the Eurovision 2026 grand final after the second semi-final in Vienna, joining a final lineup that also includes Denmark, Cyprus, Australia and others—while several acts including Latvia were eliminated. Sports Spotlight: The Czech national ice hockey team opens the IIHF World Championship in Fribourg on Friday against Denmark, with another match against Slovenia lined up immediately after. Police Update: Czech police have detained a 35-year-old suspect over the theft of the skull of medieval saint St. Zdislava from a northern Bohemia basilica—investigators say they acted before the plan could be completed. Business & Energy: Daewoo E&C says it is expanding cooperation around the Dukovany nuclear project after meetings in Prague and with IAEA officials in Vienna. Tech & Culture: Deep Purple announced a high-end audio tie-up with Revox, while the week’s Czech Eurovision buzz continues to build ahead of Saturday’s finale.

Eurovision 2026: The second semifinal is under way in Vienna today, with 15 countries chasing the last 10 spots for Saturday’s final, including the Czech Republic, plus big names like Australia’s Delta Goodrem and Denmark. Sports Spotlight: Czech fans also get a moment in the spotlight as Slavia Prague clinched the Czech league title with a 5-1 win over Jablonec, powered by four Nigerian players. Czech Crime Shock: A nationwide manhunt continues after an 800-year-old skull relic of Saint Zdislava was stolen from a basilica in northern Czechia, with police releasing CCTV footage and describing how the thief smashed protective glass and fled. Politics & History: The Czech lower house has passed a resolution opposing a planned Sudeten German congress on Czech soil, escalating a fresh Czech-German nationalist row. Economy: Czech inflation was confirmed at 2.5% in April, with fuel and transport costs still driving the picture.

World Cup Countdown: Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre has named a 55-man provisional squad for the June 11 kick-off, leaving out veteran Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and confirming the Czech Republic’s Group A rivals are already shaping their final plans. Eurovision Politics: The Czech Republic is among the countries taking part in Eurovision semi-final 2, while Israel’s entry Noam Bettan advanced after a mixed crowd reception and several countries boycott over Gaza. Czechia in Security Talks: Czech President Petr Pavel is in Romania for the Bucharest Nine summit, where NATO eastern-flank leaders focus on resilience and defence investment. EU Health & Pharma: The EU is moving toward stronger rules for critical medicines supply chains, with a deal framed as a milestone for reducing shortages. Culture & Heritage: A medieval saint’s skull theft and other relic stories keep faith and history in the headlines, while archaeologists in Poland report major Bronze Age finds tied to the Lusatian culture.