Czech news in brief for February 20: Thursday's top headlines

Czech President Petr Pavel said this afternoon that increasing army capacity will focus on volunteer-based models rather than restoring mandatory military service. Speaking at a university assembly, he cited Nordic countries as inspiration. Military leaders say boosting professional soldiers to 37,500 by 2030 may be unrealistic. Discussions are ongoing to find a sustainable approach as the country assesses future security needs amid concerns about Russia’s long-term stance.

 The Czech economy is expected to grow 2.1 percent in 2025 and 2.4 percent in 2026, driven by rising household consumption and stable inflation, economists from the Czech Banking Association said Thursday. Unemployment is projected to stay low at 4.1 percent, while wages are expected to increase. The Czech National Bank plans gradual interest rate cuts. Analysts warn global trade tensions could pose risks but remain optimistic about economic stability.

Czech financial authorities uncovered and prevented a CZK 540 million tax evasion scheme in the gambling sector, officials have announced. Audits of casino financial flows from 2021 and 2022 led to additional taxes on operators. Authorities cited the success as a step toward market fairness. Gambling tax revenue reached CZK 20.6 billion last year, contributing to both state and local budgets. "Gambling is a specific industry with high tax revenues, so it is important for us to minimize the space for illegal practices through our systemic activity," said the Specialized Tax Office.

Czech President Petr Pavel urged a focus on improving education system efficiency alongside increased funding at a university council assembly Tuesday. He stressed the need for a transparent quality assessment system, even if it means closing some programs or schools. Pavel also highlighted efficiency in other sectors, including healthcare and defense. The council is discussing education funding and a pending higher education law amendment.

A 21-year-old student from Pilsen has been involuntarily hospitalized in a psychiatric facility after allegedly planning a murder, police said today. The student reportedly shared his intentions with classmates, who relayed the information to school staff. The staff then contacted authorities, leading to an investigation that confirmed the threat was credible, according to a regional police spokeswoman. This marks the second case of an alleged murder plot in the region this month.

Europe must reduce unnecessary regulations and increase defense spending to strengthen its global standing, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said after a Paris meeting on Ukraine and European security. Fiala, who joined via video call, emphasized that Europe needs to invest more in security to be taken seriously. He also dismissed Donald Trump’s recent criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as inaccurate.

The U.S. suspension of foreign aid has had a severe impact on human rights organizations, sometimes with devastating consequences, Nadiia Ivanova of People in Need said Monday. While humanitarian aid may continue, U.S.-funded human rights programs have been halted, affecting local organizations, particularly in Ukraine. The Czech NGO, which relies on U.S. funds for a quarter of its budget, faces significant challenges.

Slovak civic groups have warned European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen of a growing threat to democracy under Prime Minister Robert Fico’s government. In an open letter, they accused Fico of undermining the rule of law and aligning Slovakia closer to Russia. Interior Matúš Šutaj Eštok dismissed the claims as slander. Pro-European protests are set to continue across Slovakia on Friday.

The freezing temperatures in Czechia are set to ease, with the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute lifting frost warnings Thursday. Warmer air from the south will bring daytime highs of 1–7°C by the weekend, though freezing rain and fog may occur. Next week, temperatures could reach 10–12°C in some areas, with rain early in the week and cloudy skies expected later.

The Vltava Philharmonic has completed a detailed architectural study and financing plan, Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček announced. Construction is set to begin in 2027 and last five years, with costs estimated at CZK 12 billion. The project includes a new educational center and rehearsal hall. Prague aims to secure funding from donors and the state, with the building permit process starting next fall.