Czech news in brief for March 4: Wednesday's top morning headlines

Police evacuated the Czech Environment Ministry building Wednesday after a suspicious package was reported in the mail. About 400 people were temporarily displaced while bomb disposal experts examined the item. Authorities quickly determined it was harmless—a nest box sent by mail—and ended the operation within 15 minutes, the police said. No injuries or damage were reported, and the ministry resumed normal operations shortly afterward.

The second Czech military repatriation flight from the Middle East landed at Prague-Ruzyne Airport Wednesday morning, bringing 39 citizens from Egypt, the Foreign Ministry said. The first flight arrived Tuesday from Jordan with about 40 people. A larger flight from Oman is expected later. Around 6,400 Czechs remain in the conflict zone, as U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran disrupt regional air travel. One report found that some tourists are opting to stay.

RegioJet will introduce new trains capable of 200 km/h on routes between Prague, Brno, and Jihlava by the end of 2026, reports Novinky.cz. Polish manufacturer PESA will supply 18 trains in two configurations, offering three travel classes and modern amenities including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and onboard kitchens. The R9 line will run hourly between Prague and Havlíčkův Brod, with onward connections, reducing travel times and enhancing passenger comfort.

Human trafficking is rising in the Czech Republic, with organized groups increasingly operating online, authorities say. Women, particularly from Latin America, are being lured into forced prostitution, exploiting short-term visa exemptions. Criminal networks are using platforms like Uber and Airbnb to transport and house victims, making them harder to track. The Ministry of the Interior and the National Center for Organized Crime warn the shift to digital methods complicates law enforcement efforts.

The Czech lower house approved Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s proposal to designate March 30 as Czech Flag Day, marking it as a new important day. Babis said the flag symbolizes independence and national pride. The bill now moves to the Senate. Lawmakers also debated accelerated budget rule changes, which opposition criticized as weakening fiscal oversight, and passed a public sector data management law creating a Digital Information Agency.