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At its Monnday meeting, the Czech Security Council (BRS) discussed internal and external security, as well as the country’s ability to respond to crises, including power outages. President Petr Pavel, who attended part of the session, said the integrated emergency system functions well, though some weaknesses remain. The discussion followed Friday’s massive blackout, which affected about a million customers. The outage was caused by a snapped power line, according to grid operator ČEPS. BRS also reviewed last year’s flood response and debated the national cybersecurity strategy. Pavel emphasized that security should remain above politics and be a top state priority.
Czech President Petr Pavel and First Lady Eva welcomed outgoing Polish President Andrzej Duda and his wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda at Prague Castle on Sunday. The visit included separate talks between the presidents and a meeting of both delegations, followed by a press conference. Duda, whose term ends in early August, will be succeeded by Karol Nawrocki. Pavel recently expressed hope that under Nawrocki's leadership, Poland will maintain its democratic and pro-Western course. The two leaders last met at the NATO summit in The Hague. Pavel emphasized continued cooperation between Czechia and Poland.
Czech industrial production rose by 2.2 percent year-on-year in May, slightly up from April, though it fell 1.6 percent month-on-month. New orders increased by five percent. Growth was driven by electricity production and transport equipment. Meanwhile, construction output surged by 11.6 percent year-on-year, boosted by both building and civil engineering projects. According to the Czech Statistical Office, the rise was partly due to a low base last year. Month-on-month, construction was up 2.3 percent. While manufacturing output grew by 1.5 percent, production of computers and electronics declined.
Czechia will spotlight future mobility and smart infrastructure at Expo 2025 in Osaka during its Autonomous Technologies Week from July 8 to 10. The event will present innovations in drones, rescue systems, and autonomous vehicles, including a self-driving racecar designed by The Czech Technical University students. The program, launched by Minister for Regional Development Petr Kulhánek (Mayors and Independents), also highlights Czechia’s strategy for smart regions and digital transformation. A panel with ministries and CzechInvest will explore infrastructure and investment. Cultural highlight: tenor Štefan Margita’s evening concert. The week underscores Czechia’s ambition to lead in safe, sustainable, and innovative technologies on a global stage.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (non partisan) hosts his German counterpart Johann Wadephul in Prague on Monday for talks at the Czernin Palace. The ministers discussed bilateral relations, the war in Ukraine, and sign a strategic dialogue program for 2025–2027. The visit concluded with a meeting with alumni of the Czech-German Young Professionals Program, which has strengthened ties between the two countries for 17 years. This is Wadephul’s first visit to Prague as foreign minister since taking office in May. Cooperation in border regions and EU enlargement was also on the agenda.
Czechia and the United States are negotiating a new memorandum that would allow Czech liaison officers to serve at all command levels of the U.S. Armed Forces—including the Pentagon. Until now, each posting required a separate agreement. According to documents available to Czech Radio the planned deal, prepared by the Czech Ministry of Defense, aims to streamline the process and deepen military cooperation. Officers would typically be deployed for three years. According to Defense Minister Jana Černochová’s (Civic Democratic Party) office, the agreement would improve interoperability and strategic coordination. It also comes amid growing Czech–U.S. defense ties, including the F-35 fighter jet contract.
Tuesday will be mostly cloudy to overcast, with scattered rain or showers in the morning. Temperature highs will range from 15 to 20 °C.
Hollywood star Michael Douglas was one of the most highly anticipated VIP guests at this year’s Karlovy Vary Film Festival, where he introduced a restored version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Miloš Forman, 50 years after its release. When he last attended the festival in 1998, Michael Douglas received an award for lifelong contribution to world cinema.
Beer is notoriously interwoven into Czech social fabric, and thanks to the work of designer Jan Černý it is now also interwoven into the fabric of Aňa Geislerová’s dress. The Czech actress, covered in shards of “Pilsner green”, was one of the main highlights at the red carpet of the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
One of the highest grossing artists of all time, Lionel Richie brought several decades of global hits to the O2 Arena in Prague, as part of his ‘Say Hello to the Hits’ tour. The 76-year-old soul, pop, and R&B legend returned to Czechia on Sunday for the first time since 2012.
As of July, transgender people in the Czech Republic are no longer required to undergo surgery and hormonal treatment to have their gender legally recognized. The change, prompted by a landmark Constitutional Court ruling, brings Czechia in line with most of Europe, but critics say it should have gone further.
The red carpet was busy on the opening weekend at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Names such as Michael Douglas, Dakota Johnson, Peter Sarsgaard and Vicky Krieps delivered star power to the region’s biggest celebration of cinema.
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