Czech news in brief for April 24: Friday's top morning headlines

 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed assurances from Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš that the country will meet its alliance commitments, Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil said after talks in Brussels. Vystrčil said it remains to be seen whether the pledge is fully implemented, with defense spending and alliance targets expected to be reviewed ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara in July. Rutte also praised the Czech ammunition initiative supporting Ukraine, officials said.

The State Veterinary Administration has banned the sale of 44 infant formulas from 12 EU manufacturers in the Czech Republic after detecting the toxin cereulide, officials said Thursday. The ban covers 120 batches, including products from Nestlé, Danone, and Lactalis. Retailers must withdraw or destroy remaining stock, while consumers are advised not to use affected products and may return them. Violations carry fines of up to 2 million koruna. The toxin can cause vomiting and, in severe cases, organ failure.

The number of Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic continues to rise despite a change of government, reaching 382,000, according to Interior Ministry data cited Thursday. Officials said this is nearly 16,000 more than a year earlier. About 40,000 refugees have applied for a special long-term residence permit, which requires meeting strict income conditions, while most remain under temporary protection that is renewed annually. The government is also considering adjustments to migration rules.

Leo Express plans to expand rail services to Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine in the future using Talgo trains, company officials said Thursday. The carrier will deploy refurbished 30-year-old Spanish-made trainsets on new routes between Prague and Bratislava and Prešov starting April 30. Chief Operating Officer Maxim Kysil said international expansion depends on regulatory approval and, in Ukraine, the end of active conflict. The trains, leased from Renfe, are currently certified for use in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said the government cannot assist in rescuing a humpback whale named Timmy stranded in northern Germany, calling the effort beyond its jurisdiction. Speaking before an informal EU summit, Babiš said he had discussed possible assistance with the Czech ambassador to Germany. Conservationists plan to use a partially flooded cargo vessel in an attempt to rescue the whale. Babiš said citizens had urged action, but international cooperation limits Czech involvement.