Czech news in brief for March 19: Thursday's top morning headlines

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said he plans to attend the summer NATO summit with Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, instead of President Petr Pavel, marking a potential shift in representation. Pavel said he sees no reason for the change and expects further discussion. The dispute comes amid criticism of the government’s defense spending, with opposition politicians also questioning Babiš’s decision and the role of the president in representing Czechia abroad.

Supermarkets in the Czech Republic will operate largely without restrictions over Easter, except on Easter Monday, when stores over 200 square meters must close by law, retailers said. Major chains plan regular hours otherwise, with some minor exceptions at transport hubs. Delivery services will mostly continue, though some will pause Monday. Retailers expect strong holiday demand, especially for eggs, baking supplies and sweets, among the season’s best-selling items.

The Constitutional Court upheld rulings that a parent’s right to stay with a hospitalized child is not absolute, rejecting a mother’s complaint over being barred from sleeping in an intensive care unit. Judges said limits depend on hospital conditions and patient care needs. The case stemmed from a 2018 incident involving an infant, with courts finding staff acted appropriately in prioritizing medical operations and safety, reports Czech Television.

The European Commission has proposed new rules allowing companies to be established across the EU within 48 hours and for under USD 100, in a bid to cut bureaucracy and boost competitiveness. The optional framework, known as the “28th regime,” would enable fully online registration. The plan now heads to the European Parliament and member states for approval, with implementation targeted as part of broader single market reforms. 

Irish police have recovered two 18th-century gilded reliquaries stolen from a Czech church nearly 30 years ago, authorities said. Interpol alerted investigators after the artifacts were spotted in an Irish auction. A former Czech Culture Ministry investigator identified them. Police said no criminal probe is underway, as the buyer and auctioneer acted in good faith. The items are among religious objects looted from Czech churches in the 1990s, now being recovered.