AGP Executive Report

Emergency Services: Czechia’s Záchranka app can now link users to prescription and recorded vaccination details, giving responders useful medical information in an emergency. Prague Transport: Five tram projects are underway across the capital, including new lines to Strahov and Nové Dvory; Prague has also signed a CZK 165 billion deal for commuter trains. EU Politics: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš challenged Spain’s migration policy at the Brussels summit and opposed tying further EU aid to Ukraine to negotiations on the bloc’s next budget. V4 countries are also calling for a delay to the ETS2 carbon scheme. Cybersecurity: Czechia recorded 26 cyber incidents in September, the third-highest monthly total in the past year, the national cyber agency said. Prague Events: The city’s Christmas markets begin on November 20 at Náměstí Míru, with Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square opening on November 28.

EU Summit: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said Donald Trump had let Europe down with his deal with Vladimir Putin, arguing Europe must play a stronger role in supporting Ukraine. Czechia is also among the countries pressing to delay the EU’s ETS2 carbon charges, warning they could raise costs for households and businesses. Transport: Prague has signed a CZK 165 billion deal for new commuter trains. Security: The Czech army chief warned Russia could launch a limited attack to test NATO’s unity. Politics: Czech voters return to the polls for Senate run-offs, while Prague coalition talks move ahead on housing, schools and transport. Economy: Eurostat says Czechia still has the EU’s fourth-lowest inflation despite a September rise. Culture: Prague’s Signal Festival is underway, with light installations across the city.

Prague Airport: Moody’s reaffirmed operator Letiště Praha’s Aa3 credit rating with a stable outlook, citing its strong finances and capacity to fund long-term investment. Security: The Czech army chief warned that Russia could launch a limited attack on NATO territory to test the alliance’s unity. Energy Policy: Czechia and Visegrád partners are seeking a delay to the EU emissions scheme as governments grapple with high energy costs. Housing: Prague is planning a southern district with 5,500 rental flats for up to 16,000 people; the city is also building a record number of apartments, though buyers are choosing smaller homes. Economy: Czech company bankruptcies reached their highest nine-month total since 2016, while drought could cost the economy up to CZK 50 billion, insurers estimate. Liblice: Two 355-metre transmitter towers were demolished, ending nearly 50 years as the country’s tallest structures.

Cybersecurity: Czech authorities confirmed that Russia compromised Signal accounts in five NATO countries, adding to concerns about espionage after a Prague court opened a trial of a Chinese citizen accused of spying. Public Service: Parliament overrode President Petr Pavel’s veto of a law easing the dismissal of civil servants. Economy: Czech courts declared 618 companies bankrupt in the first nine months of the year, the highest total for that period since 2016; inflation also rose to 2.5% in September as fuel and rents climbed. Prague Housing: The city is building a record number of apartments, but buyers are opting for smaller homes. Culture: Czech artists warn that new state grant rules could threaten freedom of expression, deepening a dispute with the Culture Ministry. Infrastructure: Two 355-metre Liblice radio masts, once Czechia’s tallest structures, were demolished after plans to preserve them failed.

Prague Traffic: Roadworks on Cínovecká begin October 23 and run until December 10, with lane and junction restrictions on a key route linking Prague to the D8 motorway. Signal Festival: Prague’s digital arts festival opens with light installations at 17 locations, including a new route in Dejvice; it runs through Sunday. Farm Support: Czech farmers can apply by October 31 for emergency aid to offset higher fuel, energy and fertiliser costs, with CZK 264 million in EU funding plus national support. Civil Service Reform: Parliament overrode President Petr Pavel’s veto, passing changes that make it easier to dismiss state employees; the law takes effect in November. Espionage Trial: A Chinese state-media correspondent accused of gathering intelligence for Beijing denied the charges at a Prague court. Economy: Czech inflation rose to 2.5% in September as fuel costs and rents increased.

Politics: Czech coalition MPs approved late-night voting on legislation, paving the way for overnight proceedings in the lower house. Security: A Chinese citizen denied spying charges at Prague Municipal Court; prosecutors allege he used journalistic work to gather intelligence, while his defence says he did ordinary reporting. Economy: Czech inflation rose to 2.5% in September, with fuel and rents pushing prices higher. Defence group CSG has become the largest shareholder in Canada’s MDA Space, buying a 9.5% stake worth about US$434 million. Social Services: Salvation Army clinics for homeless people are short of doctors and funding; Prague treatments fell 31% as the clinic operated with one doctor, despite continued demand. Business & Travel: Czech AI startup FLÆ Robotics raised more than €1 million to expand its hotel-services platform, while Jazeera Airways will run twice-weekly winter flights between Kuwait and Prague. Prague Life: Brno burger chain Pickle is planning up to seven Prague locations, with its first franchise outlets potentially opening in 2027.

Air Links: Vietjet has launched a twice-weekly Hanoi–Almaty–Prague service, giving Prague a new connection with Southeast Asia and Central Asia. Defence Ties: Czech Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček and India’s defence minister agreed to deepen industrial cooperation, including joint projects. Separately, Czech defence group CSG bought a 9.5% stake in Canadian space company MDA Space for $434 million. Economy: Czech inflation rose to 2.5% in September, while the IMF cut its 2026 growth forecast to 1.8%. Sport: Czech shooter Veronika Blazickova won silver in the women’s 50-metre rifle three positions at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo. Prague: Police are seeking a suspect in a racist attack on a woman walking with her daughter. Slavia Prague, meanwhile, lost 2-0 to Azerbaijani side Sabah, which claimed its first Champions League win.

Politics: Czech opposition parties made gains in local and Senate elections, a warning to Andrej Babiš’s governing coalition. Prague coalition talks are under way, with a deal expected in November; a petition is urging election winner STAN to form a city government without ODS. Economy: The IMF cut its 2026 growth forecast for Czechia to 1.8%, while annual inflation rose to 2.5% in September. Security: Czech intelligence chief Michal Koudelka warned Russia could take significantly riskier action in NATO countries, as Czech security services contacted Poland over threats against leaders. Defence: In New Delhi, Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček and India’s defence minister agreed to expand industrial cooperation, including joint ventures. Health and culture: Czech doctors may soon refer people at risk of depression or isolation to museums, dance and creative activities as part of a prevention programme. Sport: The Czech women’s football team trail Scotland 2-0 ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup play-off return leg.

Sport: Czech shooter Jiří Privratský won men’s 10-metre air rifle gold at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo, his first World Cup medal this season. First snow: Sněžka recorded a two-centimetre snow cover on Monday, the first continuous snowfall of the season in the Czech mountains. Security: The Czech intelligence chief warned Russia could turn to significantly riskier operations in NATO countries, as Prague’s security services contacted Poland after threats against its leaders. Politics: Opposition parties made gains in local and Senate elections, retaining control of the Senate. Christian Democrats led in council seats, while STAN came ahead of Spolu in Prague; coalition talks there are expected to continue into November. Travel and business: Vietjet has launched twice-weekly routes linking Prague with Hanoi via Almaty. Czech and Indian officials are also discussing strategic cooperation, including aircraft manufacturing, while Czechia is seeking closer transport ties with Azerbaijan.

Security: Czech intelligence chief Michal Koudelka warned that Russia could attempt riskier operations against NATO countries supporting Ukraine within months, including sabotage. He said there is no specific, immediate threat to Czechia. Election Fallout: Opposition parties made gains in local and Senate elections, while ANO still won the largest overall share among national parties. In Prague, Mayors and Independents led the vote; coalition talks are underway. Prague Streets: The city opened an Opatov park-and-ride with nearly 500 spaces. Separate noise checks flagged faults in 17 vehicles. Travel & Dining: Vietjet’s twice-weekly Hanoi–Almaty–Prague service has begun, adding a new route from the capital. RestaurantWeek returns October 13 with menus at about 75 Prague restaurants, priced at CZK 490 or 790.

Prague Transport: The city has opened a four-storey P+R car park in Opatov with 495 spaces beside the metro and bus links, aiming to keep commuter traffic out of the centre. Election Fallout: Opposition parties held their Senate majority, while the Christian Democrats and Mayors and Independents were among the strongest performers in local elections. In Prague, STAN came first and has opened coalition talks; the Pirates suffered losses. Velká Pardubická: Irish-trained Final Orders won Czechia’s famous steeplechase, giving trainer Gavin Cromwell back-to-back victories. Tourism and Travel: Prague has scrapped taxi fare caps, reviving concerns about tourist overcharging. Vietjet has also launched a direct Prague–Hanoi route. Culture: An exhibition in Prague at the Forum 2000 conference is telling the stories of Ukrainian students killed in Russia’s war.

Election Results: STAN topped Prague’s municipal vote with 23.17%, narrowly ahead of Spolu; Praha Sobě came third, while the Pirates fell to 9.38%. Coalition talks are expected. Nationally, opposition candidates outpaced governing ANO in the Senate first round: five won outright, none from ANO, and runoffs will decide most seats. Travel: Vietjet has launched twice-weekly Prague–Hanoi flights, with a stop in Almaty. Prague is the airline’s first European destination. Velká Pardubická: Final Orders won Czechia’s famous steeplechase, giving trainer Gavin Cromwell back-to-back victories. Tennis: Czech player Katerina Siniakova and partner Zhang Shuai finished runners-up in the China Open doubles final, losing in straight sets. Prague Life: The Story Society is developing an English-language bookstore and book-club space, with plans to open in early 2027.

Election Results: Czech opposition parties have retained their Senate majority, securing at least 42 of the chamber’s 81 seats after the first round. Independent candidates and local groups won most municipal council seats, while Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s ANO led in several major cities. Forum 2000: The Prague conference opens today for its 30th edition, bringing about 800 participants from around 100 countries to discuss democracy and Václav Havel’s legacy. City Transport: Tram-line modernisation in Žižkov begins Sunday, with several routes affected. Water and Energy: Drought has cut hydropower output on the Vltava to half its long-term average.

Elections: Voting has ended in Czech local and Senate elections, the first major test of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s government. Turnout was estimated at about 40%, with Senate runoffs expected next week. President Petr Pavel cut short a Morocco holiday to vote; he said he would pay for the charter flight, estimated by Czech media at €30,000–€45,000. Prague: A police car crashed through the guardrail of Hlávkův Bridge and plunged into the Vltava. The two occupants and a passerby who jumped in to help were treated for hypothermia; police are investigating. Tram routes in Žižkov will also face changes from Sunday as modernization work begins. Sport: Czech tennis player Nikola Bartunkova lost 6-2, 6-2 to Mirra Andreeva in the China Open semifinals. Prague Zoo: Keepers are celebrating the first successful rearing of an orange-breasted fig parrot in a Czech zoo. The four-month-old chick was raised by its parents.

Elections: Czechs are voting in local and Senate elections, the first major test for Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s government. President Petr Pavel returned from holiday to cast his ballot. Tennis: Czech teenager Nikola Bartůňková reached her first WTA 1000 semifinal at the China Open, beating compatriot Karolína Muchová; she now faces Mirra Andreeva. Football: Scotland beat the Czech women’s team 2-0 in the first leg of their World Cup playoff, leaving Czechia needing a strong comeback in Tuesday’s return match. Energy: Drought has cut output from Vltava hydropower plants to half the long-term average. Business: Czech retail sales growth eased to 4.3% in August, while mortgage rates have climbed to 5.79%.

Elections: Czechs began voting in local and Senate elections, the first major test of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s government. More than 8 million voters are choosing municipal councils, while 27 Senate seats are contested; runoffs are due next week. Tourism: Prague scored 92.7 out of 100 for visitor satisfaction, ahead of Vienna and Berlin. Visitor spending from key foreign markets rose 18% in the first half of 2026, while visitor numbers grew about 1%. Brno Energy: The city opened a CZK 2.7 billion biomass plant that could cut natural-gas use for heating by about 15% and annual CO₂ emissions by up to 38,000 tonnes. Transport: Construction has begun on a new Prague tram line linking Libuš and Nové Dvory. Tennis: Czech teenager Nikola Bartůňková reached the China Open semifinals after defeating compatriot Karolína Muchová.