News: Saturday, February 22nd, 2025

Czechia continues supporting Ukraine through various initiatives, says Rakušan

Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (Mayors and Independents) reaffirmed Czechia’s ongoing support for Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Assistance includes diplomatic, military, and humanitarian aid, as well as the Medevac medical program. Czech and Ukrainian doctors collaborate on treating war injuries and PTSD. The EU is set to review the temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees, currently extended until March 2026. As of mid-February, 397,393 refugees hold active protection in Czechia, with over 150,000 legally employed. Only 600 people still rely on state-funded accommodation.

Over 2,000 Ukrainian healthcare workers employed in Czechia since 2022

Since February 2022, 2,094 Ukrainian healthcare workers have started working in Czechia, including 472 doctors, 36 dentists, and 630 nurses, according to the Ministry of Health. The approval process for foreign doctors takes 1 to 1.5 years. Ukrainian doctors have faced challenges with complex licensing exams in Czech. Since late 2023, 285 doctors, 24 dentists, and six pharmacists have been certified. Overall, 1,586 non-doctor healthcare professionals have joined the workforce. The Czech Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education offers language courses and training to help Ukrainian professionals integrate.

Czechia discarded over 17 million expired COVID-19 vaccines since 2021

Since 2021, Czechia has disposed of more than 17 million expired COVID-19 vaccines worth around CZK 7.5 billion, according to iROZHLAS.cz and the Ministry of Health. The country has purchased about 40 million doses in total. With declining interest in vaccination and frequent updates to match new virus strains, older vaccines are discarded. Deputy Minister Jakub Dvořáček stated that new adapted doses are expected in autumn. Czechia will continue purchasing vaccines until 2026, but likely in lower quantities than initially agreed.

More than half of Czechs use virtual payment cards

Over 50% of Czechs now pay using virtual payment cards stored on their phones or smartwatches, while plastic cards are kept mainly as a backup, according to a survey by Up ČR. CEO Stéphane Nicoletti noted that many people rarely use physical cards, relying primarily on mobile payments. While 45% of respondents support replacing plastic cards with virtual ones, 41% are opposed. Younger men are more in favor than women. One-time virtual cards for secure online shopping remain less common, with only 20% of employees having used them.

Teen charged with murder of two shop assistants in Hradec Králové

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murdering two shop assistants in Hradec Králové on Thursday morning. Police say he fatally stabbed the women, aged 19 and 38, inside an Action store. Investigators will request his detention, and as a minor, he faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The attack appears random, with no terrorist links. The suspect fled but was arrested a kilometer away. Police recovered the knife at the scene. The National Center for Terrorism, Extremism, and Cybercrime (NCTEKK) is also investigating the case.

Traditional Matějská fair opens at Prague’s Výstaviště

The annual Matějská fair has begun at Prague’s Holešovice Výstaviště and will run until April 21. Visitors can enjoy around 100 attractions, with the most expensive ride costing CZK 250. Entry is free on weekdays and CZK 30 on weekends and holidays. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 to 21:00 and weekends from 10:00 to 22:00. The fair dates back to 1595 and has been held at various locations before settling at Výstaviště in 1963.

Siniaková defends doubles title in Dubai, claims 30th career victory

Czech tennis player Kateřina Siniaková successfully defended her doubles title in Dubai, winning alongside American partner Taylor Townsend. The world No. 1 duo defeated Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko and Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei 7-6, 6-4 in the final. This marks Siniaková’s 30th career doubles title and her third with Townsend, following their victories at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. In Melbourne, they also faced Ostapenko and Hsieh but needed three sets to win, whereas in Dubai, they secured victory in two.