Czech news in brief for February 26: Thursday's top afternoon headlines

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said today that Czechia will not move toward raising defense spending to 3.5 percent of GDP, despite last year’s NATO agreement targeting that level by 2035. This year’s defense budget is expected to reach about CZK 185 billion, or 2.07 percent of GDP. Babiš said the government’s priority is domestic welfare, while reaffirming Czech membership in the EU and NATO.

Czechia will see mostly sunny and above-average temperatures over the weekend, with no rain or snow expected. Friday highs may reach 16 degrees Celsius, though foggy or low-cloud areas in Moravia could limit temperatures to around 10 degrees. Saturday temperatures will range 10–15 degrees, and Sunday will cool slightly to 7–12  degrees, with possible frost overnight. Meteorologists note clear skies and occasional fog, while warm conditions should continue into early next week.

The CEVROSat II project launched in Prague today, marking the largest Czech-Slovak space collaboration to date. Two identical satellites—one for each country—are set to launch together next year aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The mission, costing up to CZK 120 million, builds on the 2025 CEVROSat I project. Universities and private firms from both countries are contributing to research, construction, and operations.

A January survey by CVVM shows President Petr Pavel is viewed positively by most Czechs, especially for representing the country abroad (77 percent) and upholding the dignity of the office (73 percent). His influence on domestic politics received the weakest ratings, though still supported by 61 percent of respondents. The poll of 1,725 people aged 15 and older was conducted between Jan. 23 and Feb. 3, 2026.

A dedicated section honoring Czech writer Arnošt Lustig has opened at the Moravian Library in Brno, featuring his complete works and personal items including a typewriter, radio, and menorah. The opening on Feb. 26 marks the 100th anniversary of Lustig’s birth. The initiative is part of the FestivAL100 project, with exhibitions highlighting key moments of his life. The library aims to promote humanistic values and preserve Lustig’s literary legacy.