Czech news in brief for May 16: Friday's top headlines

Starting Sunday, the Czech Republic will lift its ban on importing animals, hay, and raw animal products from Hungary and Slovakia due to easing concerns over foot-and-mouth disease. Veterinary certificates will no longer be required. The decision follows talks with Hungary and the EU. While border disinfection remains, officials report a stable disease situation. The ban, in place since early April, followed confirmed outbreaks in both neighboring countries.

President Petr Pavel signed a welfare reform law Thursday that merges several state benefits into a single payment starting in October. The reform replaces housing, subsistence, and child allowances with one simplified application process and tightens asset checks for applicants. New benefits include childcare support for student parents and study allowances for low-income students. Penalties for job seekers violating rules are shortened from six to three months.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Europe must be economically strong with resilient energy infrastructure to ensure security ahead of the European Political Community summit in Tirana. Topics include security, Ukraine, and US tariffs. Fiala stressed completing the Dukovany nuclear plant is vital for Czech energy security amid legal delays and plans to discuss this with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

President Petr Pavel said after meeting Czech party leaders that there is a broad political consensus that EU and NATO membership is key to national security and prosperity. All parliamentary parties, including the opposition, agreed that the outcome of the Ukraine war will impact Czech security. Discussions also covered increasing defense spending and improving crisis preparedness. Pavel emphasized avoiding political divisions over security before elections, calling for responsible leadership.

Journalist Stanislav Sulc has won the 2025 Tom Stoppard Prize for his original essay, Terms of Trade. A world in which citizens have become users. The Vaclav Havel Library awarded Sulc 50,000 crowns for the work, which explores technological changes and society. The ceremony is set for June 2 at Prague’s mayoral residence. Sulc is editor-in-chief of Vikend magazine and author of a book on artificial intelligence.

Czechia defeated Hungary 6–1 in the Ice Hockey World Championship in Herning, Denmark, marking its fourth win and topping Group B. Star forward David Pastrňák scored twice, bringing his tournament tally to four goals and nine points. Jakub Flek, Petr Kodýtek, Ondřej Beránek and Lukáš Sedlák also scored. Hungary managed one goal in the second period, but the Czechs dominated overall. Czechia next faces Kazakhstan on Saturday.

Unions warned that about one in six Czech health care workers is considering leaving the system, citing unmet pay and reform promises. They criticized the government for failing to unify wages despite agreements made in 2023 that ended a doctor overtime strike. The Health Ministry insists that agreements were met and draft laws were submitted. Union head Dagmar Zitniková said they won’t protest before elections but will push for post-election reforms.

Four young wolves found dead in the Rychlebské Mountains were likely poisoned, experts from Brno's Veterinary University say. Autopsies ruled out injuries or illness. Other dead animals in the area suggest toxic bait was used. Conservationists filed a criminal complaint and warn the poison also threatens pets. Wolves have been returning to Czech nature since 2022 and play a key role in controlling wildlife populations.

Slovak singer ADONXS, representing Czechia, did not qualify for the Eurovision final after finishing 12th in the second semifinal in Basel. His song “Kiss Kiss Goodbye” didn’t earn enough public votes. Finalists include Israel’s Yuval Raphael, Lithuania, Armenia, and others. Sweden’s KAJ, a Finnish-Swedish trio, is favored to win. Switzerland hosts the 69th edition after Nemo’s 2024 win with “The Code,” a song about non-binary identity.