Czech news in brief for February 28: Saturday's top morning headlines

Dozens gathered outside the Environment Ministry in Prague on Friday to protest what they call the Czech state’s inaction on the climate crisis. The group Climate Action, which has now filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights after failing in Czech courts, says the country lacks a clear emissions reduction plan or climate neutrality target. Protesters criticized the new environment minister and warned planned budget cuts to national parks could worsen the situation.

Czech Education Minister Robert Plaga said he would prefer a Europe-wide ban on social media for children, arguing it would be harder to circumvent than national measures. Speaking in Brussels, he backed restrictions to protect minors from addictive “dopamine loops.” Poland is drafting a ban for under-15s, and similar debates are underway across Europe. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and President Petr Pavel have also voiced support for limits in Czechia.

Culture Minister Oto Klempíř said funding for literature and libraries will be higher than in 2024, despite being lower than last year. Critics warn the budget has dropped from CZK 31 million to CZK 21 million and some authors have called for a boycott of the Frankfurt Book Fair, where Czechia will be guest of honor. Klempíř denied cuts would threaten participation and pledged talks with cultural groups in April.

Škoda Auto has opened a new battery assembly hall in Mladá Boleslav worth €205 million (nearly CZK 5 billion). The 55,000-square-meter facility can produce up to 335,000 battery systems annually, making the carmaker the largest battery system producer in the Volkswagen Group. The plant will employ 600 people and use advanced cell-to-pack technology, cutting battery production costs by about 30 percent, according to the company.

The Czech Philharmonic, led by chief conductor Semjon Byčkov, will perform at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala today, marking its return three years after its last appearance. The program includes Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, Stravinsky’s Pulcinella, and Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major with Alice Sara Ott. The orchestra first played at La Scala in 1962 under Karel Ančerl, and this spring will also tour Brussels, Luxembourg, and several German cities.