Czech news in brief for January 15: Thursday's top morning headlines

Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said Czechia is considering cooperation with Ukraine on anti-drone protection, citing Ukraine’s rapid technological advances driven by wartime needs. Speaking during a recent visit to Kyiv, Macinka said Czech defense capabilities lag behind and could benefit from Ukrainian expertise. He described the talks as mutually beneficial and reaffirmed Czech support for cooperation with Ukraine, including continued coordination of the Czech-led ammunition initiative.

Prague will retire the current PID Lítačka system in 2027, replacing it with a new mobile app designed to simplify travel for residents and visitors. Developed by city company Operátor ICT, the app will include real-time route updates, fare optimization, and “demand transport” services that run only when requested. Authorities hope the app will eventually make paper tickets obsolete. Pilot testing may begin late 2026, with full rollout expected Jan. 1, 2027.

An inversion will return to the Czech Republic this weekend, bringing widespread fog, low cloud cover, and occasional drizzle, often freezing, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Sunshine is expected mainly in higher mountain areas, with limited clearing in some lowlands on Sunday. Daytime temperatures will hover just above freezing, while wind speeds may increase on Sunday, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h in exposed areas.

Czechia’s Constitutional Court has ordered police to reopen an investigation into a woman’s allegations of long-term sexual assault by a Roman Catholic priest, ruling that authorities failed to conduct an effective inquiry. The case was previously shelved multiple times and revived only after the woman won at the European Court of Human Rights. Judges warned against victim-blaming and stated that police must reassess the evidence and circumstances.

A truck driver became stuck overnight on Nerudova Street near Prague Castle after following navigation instructions into the city’s historic center. The vehicle blocked the narrow street and damaged a parked car while attempting to reverse. Firefighters, police, and Prague Castle emergency services coordinated to safely guide the truck out. Authorities again warned drivers, especially of large vehicles, not to rely solely on GPS in restricted historic areas.

New research on Ukrainian refugee healthcare reveals microaggressions by Czech medical staff that compound barriers facing all 1.1 million foreigners.