News: Sunday, November 3rd, 2024

Czechia and Italy to call on EU to suspend EV quotas

At next week's informal EU summit, Czechia and Italy will jointly call for the EU to avoid sanctioning carmakers that fail to meet electric vehicle sales targets in 2024, Transport Minister Martin Kupka said in a debate programme in Prima TV on Sunday.

Mr. Kupka cited falling demand for electric vehicles across the EU as a key reason for suspending the fines. He argued that if carmakers are fined for missing targets, they will have less funding to invest in EV development and said Germany was reportedly aligned with such request.

Additionally, Czechia seeks to delay the 2035 ban on new combustion engine cars, hoping to initiate discussions on the issue next year, ahead of the EU's planned 2026 review.

Czech President approves 60 citizens to join Ukrainian armed forces amid Russian criticism

The Czech president, Petr Pavel, has so far granted permission to 60 Czech citizens to join the armed forces of Ukraine, his spokesperson told Czech Radio.

In total, Mr. Pavel, a former senior soldier who has been in the post for just over a year, received 181 requests from Czechs seeking to help Ukraine repel its Russian invaders.

The decision has drawn criticism from the Russian Foreign Ministr. Its spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, condemned the Czech president’s move, accusing him of disregarding the safety of Czech nationals.

Under Czech law, citizens who wish to fight for the army of another state must first seek the president's permission. Those who join without this exemption risk facing criminal prosecution upon their return.

Czech police officers to launch five-day protest over low pay and working conditions

Police officers across Czechia are set to begin a five-day protest on Monday, to highlight the shortage of police officers, increasing bureaucracy and low starting salaries. The protest, spearheaded by the Union of Security Forces, aims to draw public attention to these concerns, and will not compromise public safety, the union's vice-president Martin Červenka has said.

Červenka said that if progress is not made in addressing these issues, further demonstrations will be held, including a planned rally outside the Interior Ministry in Prague on November 21. The union is still open to negotiations and urges government officials to take the officers’ grievances seriously.

Branford Marsalis Quartet to open 28th annual Prague Sounds Festival

World-renowned American saxophonist Branford Marsalis and his quartet will kick off the 28th annual Prague Sounds International Festival at the Lucerna Great Hall on Sunday night. Running through November 20, the festival will feature ten concerts across various Prague venues, offering a mix of jazz, contemporary vocal music, electronic, alternative hip-hop, and world music with classical influences.

The line-up includes Czech premieres and unique one-time performances.   In addition to Marsalis, the festival will host acclaimed artists like London-based saxophonist Nubya Garcia and pianist Tigran Hamasyan, known for blending jazz with Armenian folk music. Notable festival acts also include the American vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth, South African cellist Abel Selaocoe and the British contemporary music ensemble Manchester Collective.

‘Impossibility’ named best Czech documentary at Ji.hlava film festival

Impossibility (Dům bez východu), directed by Tomáš Hlaváček, took the top prize for best Czech documentary at the 28th Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival. The film examines the challenges of providing decent and affordable housing for families in need.

In the festival's main competition, Opus Bonum, the award went to The President, a film focused on former Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová. The section featured 13 international films competing for the top honour.

Taiwanese New Wave filmmaker Tsai Ming-liang was honoured with the festival’s award for contributions to world cinema.

Jakub Vadlejch named Czech Athlete of the Year for fourth straight year

Javelin thrower Jakub Vadlejch has been awarded the title of Czech Athlete of the Year for fourth consecutive year. The 34-year-old European champion narrowly surpassed fellow javelin thrower Nikola Ogrodníková, who claimed bronze at the Paris Olympics.

Pole vaulter Amálie Švábíková, who set a new national record of 480 centimetres and finished fifth at the Olympics, took third place. The Athlete of the Year award is determined annually through votes from athletics officials, coaches, and   journalist

Weather

Monday will be mostly sunny with day temperatures ranging between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius.