Czech news in brief for October 24: Friday's top morning headlines

The European Union, with Czech support, adopted its 19th sanctions package targeting Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine. Measures include a phased ban on Russian LNG imports, travel restrictions for diplomats, and sanctions on companies linked to Russian oil and Chinese trade. Czech officials welcomed the package as strengthening Europe’s unified response and promoting democracy, human rights, and free expression. The measures reflect Prague’s active role in EU decision-making on security and energy policy.

Nicholas Merrick has officially become the new U.S. ambassador to Czechia, presenting his credentials at Prague Castle. He highlighted strengthening defense cooperation, deepening trade ties, and supporting Ukraine as his main priorities. Merrick praised the Czech Republic as a “staunch NATO ally” with a strong commitment to democratic values and defense spending. His arrival signals continued U.S.-Czech collaboration on security, regional stability, and shared strategic priorities in Central Europe.

Prague gathered to remember Dana Drábová, longtime chairwoman of the State Office for Nuclear Safety, who passed away in October. President Petr Pavel praised her courage, integrity, and sharp wit, noting her global reputation in nuclear safety. Colleagues, citizens, and musicians paid tribute at a memorial event, while a special rocket was named after her, celebrating Drábová’s decades-long commitment to public service and her role as one of Czechia’s most respected figures.

Prague’s Václav Havel Airport is expanding its winter schedule, adding 15 new destinations to reach 127 routes and boosting seat capacity and flights by about 12 percent to 45,000 services. New carriers and routes include Abu Dhabi, Marrakesh, Beirut, Bordeaux, Cork and Sharjah, plus more charters to the Maldives and Muscat. The airport expects to handle over 6.4 million passengers this season as frequencies grow across European and long-haul links.

Over 200,000 people visited Prague’s National Museum to see the Lucy and Selam exhibition in just two months, the museum’s fastest-selling show ever. The 3.2-million-year-old fossils, shown in Europe for the first time, attracted visitors from across Czechia and abroad. The exhibition marked a milestone for science, highlighted Prague as a cultural hub, and offered the public a rare glimpse at some of the world’s most valuable paleoanthropological treasures.