Czech news in brief for April 23: Thursday's top afternoon headlines

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and President Petr Pavel will discuss the thorny issue of the upcoming NATO summit on May 8, the PM announced today before leaving for an informal EU meeting. The president and government have so far failed to agree on who exactly will represent the Czech Republic at the upcoming NATO summit in July, commonly attended by either one of them.

Health Minister Adam Vojtěch (ANO) plans to submit a bill to allow pharmacies across the country to offer flu vaccination starting from the 2027/2028 winter season. The measure follows a trial conducted by several pharmacies last fall and aims to increase flu vaccination rates, particularly low in the Czech Republic. About 750,000 adults got vaccinated against the influenza last winter.

About 30 experts and organizations have urged the government to introduce a ban on mobile phones in Czech schools, the Digibalanc association announced today at a press conference. The signatories of the petition point out that the Czech Republic is one of the few EU countries that has not implemented or prepared a nationwide regulation to limit the use of smartphones in primary and secondary schools.

US rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is scheduled to perform at the Chuchle racecourse in Prague on July 25, organizers announced today. Long facing criticism for his anti-Semitic statements, Ye's planned performances this year were cancelled in several European countries, including France and Poland, and there was already speculation he might hold a concert in Prague last year.

About 80 percent of Czechs have experienced or are experiencing issues with their mental health that interfere with their normal functioning, according to a new survey by psychotherapy platform Hedepy. However, approximately one-quarter seek professional help, and feelings of loneliness and isolation are particularly high among younger generations, the poll found.