News: Wednesday, May 8th, 2024

Anniversary of end of WWII marked in Czechia

Czechs are marking the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe with a number of events held around the country.  Government leaders including acting PM Petr Fiala, President Petr Pavel and Czech Army commanders took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Monument on Prague’s Vítkov hill.

In his speech, the Czech head of state said Russia has unleashed a war in Europe comparable in its destructiveness to the Second World War. He also praised Czechia’a relentless support of Ukraine and stressed the importance of its membership in the NATO. Acts of remembrance are also took place in Brno, Pardubice, Havlíčkův Brod and Liberec. In the evening, the Straka Academy, the Office of the Czech government, will be illuminated in the country’s national colours – white, red and blue. May 8 is a state holiday in the Czech Republic.

President appoints new army and police generals

In line with tradition, President Petr Pavel appointed new army and police generals at Prague Castle on the occasion of the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe on Wednesday.

Among those raised to the highest rank is the head of the country’s counter-intelligence service (BIS), Michal Koudelka, who was appointed major general. Vít Hendrych, director of the General Inspectorate of Security Forces, was raised to brigadier general.

On the occasion of Victory Day, the head of state promoted 11 other soldiers, police officers and firefighters.

Czechia abstains from vote on final form of EU migration package

Czechia abstained from the vote on the final form of the EU migration package, which was agreed by the European Union member states' representatives in Brussels on Wednesday. Hungary and Poland voted against the package.

The position of the member states approved on Wednesday is final, with the new migration and asylum rules only to be formally approved by EU countries' ministers at a meeting next Tuesday.

The European Parliament supported the migration package at its plenary session in early April.

Vintage train rides mark 50th anniversary of Prague’s metro

Four historic metro sets will be running on Prague metro C line on Wednesday, marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of the city’s underground rail system.

Passengers can take ride on four historical trains that will operate between Kačerov and Florenc stations from 9am to 4pm. The trains can be ridden for the cost of normal public transport ticket or pass.

New ice hockey Hall of Fame opens in Prague

Just three days before the World Ice Hockey Championships get underway in Prague and Ostrava, a new Czech hockey Hall of Fame has been opened in the centre of Prague on Nekázanka Street.

The previous Czech hockey Hall of Fame, which was part of the Galerie Harfa shopping mall, closed abruptly at the end of last May after eight years due to financial issues.

Along with the stone Hall of Fame, a digital version has also been launched.

Martin Podhráský wins World Cup gold in rapid fire pistol

Czech sport shooter Martin Podhráský won the gold medal in the men’s 25 metre rapid fire pistol event at the World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday. 

The 40-year-old Czech, who has already secured a spot at the Olympic Games in Paris, beat China’s Wang Xinjie in the final, securing his first World Cup medal in 13 years.

Weather forecast

Thursday will be mostly sunny with day temperatures ranging between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius.