Czech news in brief for December 22: Monday's top afternoon headlines

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced that the National Security Council will meet in Prague on January 7 to discuss the future of the Czech Ammunition Initiative, which provides large-caliber ammunition supplies to Ukraine, amid concerns over oversight and corruption. The program has delivered more than 4 million shells since 2024 with CZK 100 billion in foreign funding, largely from the Netherlands and Denmark. Read more about the initiative and it's importance for European security here.

Czech President Petr Pavel said Monday he remains unconvinced by Filip Turek, the Motorists’ nominee for Environment Minister, following a meeting at Prague Castle. Pavel cited Turek’s past statements and behavior, which he said show disrespect for constitutional values and trivialize Nazi crimes, as reasons he cannot serve in government. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš plans further talks with Turek and the party in early January.

Australia announced Monday that passport fees will rise again from early 2026, keeping the country’s document the world’s most expensive, as new global passport rankings were released showing Australians and Czechs share equal travel access. A 10-year Australian passport will cost about $426, while a standard Czech passport costs CZK 600. Both rank seventh on the Henley Passport Index, allowing visa-free entry to 185 destinations.

Czech ski resorts said Monday they are waiting for colder weather to resume snowmaking as a lack of natural snow and recent thaws limit operations ahead of Christmas. Most resorts are running only partially on artificial snow, with no cross-country trails open except a few man-made circuits. Meteorologists forecast cooling and light snowfall from Christmas Eve, which could allow more slopes to open during the holidays.

Paramount Global said Monday it will stop broadcasting Paramount Network and most MTV and Nick-branded channels in the Czech Republic from Jan. 1, citing changing viewer habits and a shift toward streaming. Channels being withdrawn include MTV 80s, 90s and 00s, MTV Live, Club MTV, TeenNick and Nick Music. Czech-language MTV, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. will continue to broadcast.