Czech news in brief for June 2: Tuesday's top afternoon headlines

Welcome back and let's wind down the day. Confirmation is coming from Hungarian PM Peter Magyar that V4 talks will take place later this month. Strawberry season is in full swing (my favorite spot to buy is near the church in Kunratice. Many years ago I interviewed the owner and he had many good suggestions for what to do with your surplus). Tonight's expected rain means you need a watchlist. ICYMI: Our weekend editor Jason (aka The Prague Reporter) puts together a weekly English-friendly watchlist here.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Poland’s Donald Tusk, and Slovakia’s Robert Fico have confirmed attendance at a Visegrad Four summit in Budapest on June 23, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said Monday after talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Magyar said Hungary’s EU and NATO partners remain priorities, but he is seeking to revitalize regional cooperation and broaden ties with other Central European countries. He also said talks with Ukraine are improving despite past tensions.

Visegrad Three avoided: The confirmations ease earlier concerns that divisions within the Visegrad Four could weaken the group or reduce participation to a “V3” format amid political disagreements over Ukraine and EU policy.

Police are prosecuting four people and a company for human trafficking, alleging they exploited vulnerable young women recruited through OnlyFans and social media representation contracts, then coerced them into producing increasingly explicit content. Investigators say the group used manipulation and threats of contractual penalties, targeting disadvantaged girls and controlling access to their accounts. They earned CZK 3.6 million, while police seized 9 million and one suspect was remanded in custody.

An occlusive weather front is expected to bring widespread rain and cooler temperatures across the Czech Republic starting Wednesday night, forecasters said. The heaviest rainfall is expected in central regions, with locally more than 20 millimeters possible. The system will move east during the day, followed by additional showers and another front later in the week. The rain is expected to ease recent dry conditions across the country.

The number of Filipino workers in the Czech Republic has more than doubled in two years, reaching 14,923 at the end of March, according to the Labour Office. Officials say employers face persistent labor shortages and the government is discussing expanding recruitment from the Philippines for healthcare and social services jobs. They account for nearly 2 percent of foreign workers amid rising demand for migrants in country.

Strawberry self-picking season has begun across the Czech Republic, with most farms charging CZK 90 to 99 crowns per kilogram, roughly CZK 10 more than last year. Additional farms are scheduled to open throughout June. Prices vary by location, with some farms charging as little as CZK 80 per kilogram. Several well-known strawberry operations will remain closed this year due to technical or production issues.

Tip: Growers advise customers to monitor farm updates, as opening dates and hours depend on fruit ripeness and harvest conditions.