POLITICS MPs mull laws for self-driving cars
The Czech Chamber of Deputies’ Economic Committee approved a proposal to regulate autonomous vehicles under the Road Transport Act. Drivers must assume control when requested and remain sober, with insurance covering automated operations. Concerns over liability in fatal accidents remain unresolved. The committee rejected stricter licensing for foreign taxi drivers, citing regional concerns. The amendment aims to balance innovation with safety as autonomous technology advances in the Czech Republic.
trade Czechia, Vietnam to hold key trade talks
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala will host Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Prague on Monday to advance economic, defense, and educational cooperation. The meeting, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations, will include ministers from both nations. Fiala’s April 2023 visit to Hanoi bolstered trade and defense ties, with Vietnam purchasing 12 Czech aircraft. Discussions may include a strategic partnership, potentially expanding bilateral collaboration in key sectors.
ISRAEL-HAMAS Fiala expects release of more Israeli hostages
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed cautious optimism about the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, set to begin Sunday, Jan. 19. He highlighted its humanitarian potential, including the release of 33 Israeli hostages, but acknowledged ongoing challenges as Hamas reportedly backtracks on parts of the deal. Fiala called the situation in the Middle East dangerous, emphasizing Israel’s role in fostering better conditions for Palestinians. Czechia is an ardent ally of Israel.
aviation Prague Airport saw over 16m travelers in 2024
Prague Václav Havel Airport handled 16.35 million passengers in 2024, an 18 percent increase year-on-year and 92 percent of pre-pandemic levels. The airport exceeded its forecast by 800,000 passengers, serving 181 destinations with 76 carriers. London was the most popular route, followed by Paris and Amsterdam. The airport recorded 134,609 takeoffs and landings, up 12 percent. Chairman Jiří Pos highlighted an 83 percent average plane occupancy rate and plans for over 190 direct routes in 2025.
POLITICS Ex-PM: 'I will not align with coalition'
Former Czech Prime Minister and leader of the opposition ANO party Andrej Babiš has ruled out forming a government with parties in the current cabinet after this autumn’s general election. In an interview with Czech media, Babiš named himself and ex-Minister Karel Havlíček as ANO’s main candidates. Babiš emphasized cooperation only with entities aligned with ANO’s agenda, prioritizing a retirement age cap at 65 and abolishing TV and radio license fees.
International Ceasefire in Gaza brings hope, says ForMin
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský hailed the upcoming Israel-Hamas ceasefire as a vital step toward ending Middle East violence. He emphasized its success hinges on hostages’ safe return and improving Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The ceasefire, confirmed by Qatar’s PM, starts Jan. 19. Czech PM Petr Fiala also welcomed the news, calling it a significant shift. The Gaza conflict has claimed over 46,000 lives since Oct. 2023.
anniversary Czechia honors Jan Palach’s legacy 56 years later
Memorial events across Czechia today mark the 56th anniversary of Jan Palach's self-immolation. The 20-year-old student set himself on fire in January 1969, protesting societal resignation after the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion. Ceremonies in Prague, Mělník, and Zlín honor his sacrifice, including a candlelit vigil. Palach’s act inspired protests against normalization and remains a symbol of resistance, officially commemorated since 2014 as a significant Czech day.
Health Free menstrual supplies coming to Czech schools
Czech primary and secondary schools could soon offer free menstrual supplies, as the Ministry of Health proposes an amendment to the hygiene decree. This would require schools to provide sanitary pads in girls’ toilets, funded by school founders with potential state budget support. Advocates highlight reduced absenteeism and improved comfort in pilot programs. The measure could be implemented within months, though funding details remain unresolved.
Security British Army convoys to transit Czechia
British military convoys, with 300 soldiers and 100 vehicles, will traverse Czechia from January 19-26 en route to NATO’s Steadfast Dart 2025 in Romania. Czech police will escort the nighttime movements to minimize traffic impact. Troops will rest and refuel in South Moravia. The exercise tests NATO’s rapid response capabilities, with Czechia providing logistical support. The troops will return via Czechia in March.
Culture Most beautiful Czech book of the century named
Josef Váchal’s Šumava umírající a romantická (Šumava, Dying and Romantic) was named the Most Beautiful Czech Book of the Century, organizers announced at the Kampa Museum. Created in 1931, the hand-crafted, 20-kilogram work features 74 color woodcuts. The poll celebrated the 60th anniversary of the National Literature Monument’s competition. Váchal’s legacy as an artist and craftsman is showcased in the exhibition Identity, running at the museum until Feb. 2.
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