Czech news in brief for May 22: Thursday's top headlines

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Thursday that the country faces ongoing cyber attacks, primarily from Russia but also other sources, as part of a broader hybrid war. After a high-level meeting at Prague Castle, Fiala emphasized increased national defenses. President Petr Pavel highlighted support from EU and NATO membership. The warning follows a joint alert by Western intelligence agencies accusing Russia’s GRU of cyber attacks targeting firms aiding Ukraine since the 2022 fullscale invasion.

Czech President Petr Pavel said a proposed treaty with the Vatican may violate the nation’s constitutional order, citing concerns over sovereignty and secularism. The Constitutional Court, prompted by a group of senators, will review the treaty as a priority at the government's request. Critics argue the deal imposes one-sided obligations favoring the Catholic Church. The government and Czech Bishops Conference defend the treaty, calling it consistent with legal norms, according to court documents.

The Czech Senate has narrowly approved a new housing support law aimed at helping people at risk of losing their homes. The measure, passed by 35 of 65 senators, includes advisory contact points, rent guarantees for private landlords, and subsidies for municipalities. It targets households earning up to 1.43 times the subsistence minimum. Critics argue the income cap is too restrictive. The law, now awaiting the president’s signature, is projected to cost CZK 1.5 billion annually.

A Czech court on Thursday denied Russia’s request to extradite opposition journalist Farida Kurbangaleeva. The Prague City Court ruled her extradition inadmissible, backing state prosecutor Kateřina Štěpánková’s argument that her reporting on the Russia-Ukraine war is not criminal under Czech law. Russia accuses Kurbangaleeva of inciting terrorism and spreading falsehoods. A former Russian state TV presenter, she fled the country after Crimea’s annexation in 2014 and has called the charges fabricated.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský has emphasized Africa’s rising geopolitical importance, citing its fast-growing economies and strategic value. Speaking at the National Development Days focused on Africa, Lipavsky said Czech foreign policy prioritizes security cooperation with African nations. He warned that Russia’s war in Ukraine affects global food security, impacting Africa directly. He also noted regional conflicts in Africa can trigger migration and instability in Europe, underscoring Czechia’s engagement in the Sahel region.

The Czech Foreign Ministry condemned a deadly anti-Semitic shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington that killed two Israeli embassy employees. A ministry spokesman said a Czech diplomat was among those attending the event. The suspect reportedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans. The victims were a couple planning to get engaged. Israeli and U.S. officials denounced the attack, and security is being increased at Israeli embassies worldwide.

Czech President Petr Pavel said Czechia may back defense spending of 5% of GDP if NATO reaches a consensus at its June summit. Pavel emphasized spending should reflect real security needs, noting dual-use infrastructure could justify part of the increase. NATO is considering new targets amid rising threats and U.S. pressure. Czechia recently met the 2 percent target and plans 3 percent by 2030.

Czechia is likely to end truck inspections and disinfection at the Slovak border on Thursday, Minister of Agriculture Marek Výborný said. The measures, imposed over foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Hungary and Slovakia, are set to expire as the incubation period lapses. Some internal restrictions may remain for breeders. The disease last appeared in Czechia in 1975. Risk to humans is minimal.

Czech police are coordinating with German counterparts to ease delays caused by Germany’s intensified border checks, Interior Minister Vít Rakušan said. He noted checks target migration, not Czechia, and migration through the country is at a five-year low. Both sides are in daily contact to prevent traffic hold-ups. Germany’s checks, in place for years, have been expanded under its new government.

Czechs have wagered over CZK 2.3 billion on the ice hockey championship, but confidence in their national team is waning after a loss to the U.S. Bookmakers now place Czechia fifth among favorites, behind Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and the U.S. Odds for a Czech medal dropped from 6:1 to 11:1. Despite six group-stage wins, expectations fell sharply following the quarterfinal setback.

Jachymov will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Marie Curie-Sklodowska’s 1925 visit with events from June 12–14. The program includes a book exhibition, rare film screening, panel on radon therapy, and educational activities. Curie, who with her husband discovered radium from local pitchblende in 1898, was hosted by Czech President Masaryk before visiting the spa town, then a key site in radioactive research.