Czech news in brief for June 13: Saturday's top morning headlines

After months of discussion, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is pushing ahead with plans to introduce a proposal banning mobile phones in primary schools, following expert discussions on children’s use of digital devices and social media, and criticism of existing ministry guidelines.

In the Czech capital this evening, the annual Prague Museum Night returns with around 60 participating institutions offering free entry and special programs through midnight. Here's your morning headline mix.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said he will introduce a proposal to ban mobile phones in Czech primary schools next week, following a roundtable discussion with experts on the impact of social media and digital devices on children. He said he was dissatisfied with the current Ministry of Education guidelines.

What will it look like? Experts at the meeting supported stricter regulation of phones in schools, though they stressed that any ban should be combined with digital education. Babiš also said he is considering broader measures on social media use among minors, while monitoring similar policies abroad.

Europe is set for a significant warming trend next week, with forecasts showing a potential heatwave spreading from southwestern Europe toward central regions including the Czech Republic. Temperatures could exceed 35 degrees Celsius in parts of Spain, France, and Italy as high pressure builds.

How hot: Forecast models suggest heat will expand into Central Europe next week, with possible highs of 30–35 degrees in Czechia. However, timing and intensity remain uncertain heading into the week.

The Czech government will review a regulation on Monday that would update funding rules for national minority projects and Roma integration programs. Under the proposal, the ministries of Education, Culture, and Labor would administer grants, with some responsibilities shifting from the Government Office to ministries starting in July.

Why the change: The regulation would allow state funding for digital initiatives, including online publications, social media content, and livestreams. The changes aim to modernize grant procedures, support minority languages and culture, and promote Roma inclusion, while officials say the overhaul will have no impact on the state budget.

The Prague Stock Exchange ended the week significantly higher, with the PX index gaining 1.29 percent to 2,562.11 points on Friday. Shares of Erste Bank led the advance, while other financial stocks also posted gains. Energy company ČEZ was unchanged, and firearms manufacturer Colt CZ finished lower.

Crown also strengthens: The Czech koruna strengthened against both the euro and U.S. dollar, trading at 24.15 CZK/EUR and 20.86 CZK/USD by late afternoon. Analysts linked the currency’s recent strength to growing expectations that the Czech National Bank could raise interest rates at its meeting next week.

Around 60 museums, galleries, and cultural institutions will take part in the 19th Prague Museum Night on Saturday, offering extended evening access across the city. New participants include the National Gallery Prague and digital art venue Signal Space. Most venues will be open from 6 or 7 p.m. until midnight.

Practical details: The program begins at 4 p.m. outside the Prague City Museum with concerts, a giant Moon installation, and video mapping. Prague public transit will operate three special festival routes, while participating venues will offer exhibitions and activities for children and families.