Czech news in brief for June 5: Friday's top afternoon headlines

President Petr Pavel signed legislation setting a fixed prenatal parental allowance of CZK 15,000 per month, beginning in January 2027. The benefit will be available up to two months before an expected birth and replace a system allowing mothers to choose the amount. The law also delays digitization of several social benefits and introduces a new “babysitter’s allowance” for university and vocational students with young children starting in September.

The Czech government will decide on June 22 who will attend the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said Friday. A dispute continues over whether President Petr Pavel will be included in the delegation. Pavel has signaled he may pursue legal action if excluded. Defense spending is expected to dominate the summit agenda as the Czech Republic works toward NATO’s target of spending 3.5 percent of GDP on defense by 2035.

Traditional Vamberk bobbin lace has become the first Czech craft product to receive a European protected geographical indication under new EU rules covering craft and industrial goods. The designation recognizes centuries-old lacemaking traditions in the Orlické Mountains region and guarantees the product’s origin and quality. Officials hope the status will boost interest in the labor-intensive craft and support efforts to preserve the tradition, which dates to the 17th century and remains centered in Vamberk.

Prague 3’s renovated Jiřího z Poděbrad Square will officially reopen June 17 after more than two years of redevelopment. The free daylong event, themed “Roztančíme Jiřák!” (“Let’s Get Jiřák Dancing”), will feature concerts, dance performances, family activities and food stalls. Highlights include performances by The Silver Spoons and N.O.H.A.. An official ceremony with local representatives is scheduled for 4 p.m. as the square returns to public use.

Following a Czech-led push, the European Union is moving toward restricting temporary protection status for Ukrainian men of military service age. Today's poll reveals that a majority of respondents support the shift, with 56 percent agreeing that Ukraine needs these men and that the realities of the war have changed. Meanwhile, 32 percent believe protection should be granted unconditionally, regardless of gender, and 9 percent feel that decisions should depend entirely on individual circumstances. Two hundred people voted in today's poll. Vote on our homepage now.