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The Czech Ministry of Defense has reaffirmed its commitment to acquiring F-35 fighter jets from the United States, stating that the procurement process is progressing as planned. Despite concerns about potential geopolitical implications, officials maintain that the acquisition follows an agreed timeline and remains unaffected by current international developments. Addressing questions regarding American influence over the operational capabilities of the F-35, officials stated that the United States cannot remotely disable the aircraft, although access to certain cryptographic keys could be restricted, potentially complicating operations. The ministry argued that it does not anticipate the US. taking such measures against a NATO ally, as that would contradict alliance interests.
The Czech ministries of interior and trade are proposing that internet service providers collect information about the websites that users visit. According to the proposed draft amendment, cited by Czech Radio, this sensitive information would be available to the police and intelligence services. The Interior Ministry has dismissed concerns regarding abuse of privacy. It argues that the change will allow police officers to better target their investigations and protect the privacy of others. Internet service providers are already bound to collect information about where and when people connect to the internet under the Electronic Communications Act. The obligation applies to both mobile phones and home landlines.
The ruling coalition has announced plans to tighten the Czech Republic's asylum and return policy and would like to see the amendment approved before the end of its term in office. The proposed changes, discussed with the Pirate Party and the Freedom and Direct Democracy Party on Wednesday, should make it easier for the authorities, courts and the foreign police to deport migrants who are in the Czech Republic illegally and for increased protection against illegal migration at international airports. The opposition ANO party, said these steps were long overdue, and refused to attend the meeting on the grounds that it was part of the government’s election campaign.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala will meet with the leaders of parliamentary parties on Thursday evening to discuss the security and defense of Czechia. However, the opposition parties ANO and Freedom and Direct Democray (SPD) have declined to attend. The opposition Pirates will be represented by their chairman, Zdeněk Hřibo.
The prime minister announced the meeting last Thursday, the day before the government agreed to gradually increase defense spending by 0.2 percent of GDP annually until 2030. A media statement is expected to follow the meeting.
Following the deterioration of the security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia is sending 150 soldiers to the country. They are expected to be there for a month.
The Czech soldiers moved to Bosnia on Tuesday and Wednesday. Together with their Romanian and Italian colleagues, they are to reinforce the country's security. The EU's military mission in Bosnia (EUFOR) announced on its website on Tuesday that military reinforcements from the European Union, including Czechia, would arrive in Bosnia.
President Petr Pavel has appointed Radomír Pánek as the new president of the Czech Academy of Sciences. He will replace biochemist Eva Zažímalová, whose second four-year term in office will end on 24 March. Pánek served as director of the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences for ten years. He specialises in the field of thermonuclear plasmas and advanced technologies for fusion reactors.
The net profit of the ČEZ Energy Group reached CZK 30.5 billion last year, which is three percent more than in 2023, according to a report released by the power utility. Operating profit before tax was CZK 137.5 billion, which represents a year-on-year increase of CZK 12.6 billion. According to the company, the increase in profit was helped by the fact that it is no longer obligated to pay tax on excess profits, which amounted to CZK 10bn a year earlier. According to the company's CEO Daniel Beneš, the company's results exceeded expectations. "We have had a successful nuclear year, which has contributed to the energy security and self-sufficiency of the Czech Republic. In addition to the continued preparation for the construction of large nuclear units, we have made a significant step in the field of small modular reactors and secured new supplies of non-Russian nuclear fuel for both the Temelín and Dukovany power plants," Beneš said.
A Ryanair plane on its way from Krakow, Poland, to Bristol, in the UK, made an emergency landing at Prague's Václav Havel Airport on Wednesday evening after the crew reported smoke on board. The Boeing 737 landed safely on the runway at about 7.30pm and firefighters dealt with the incident. The emergency landing briefly disrupted operations. A flight from Liverpool to Prague was diverted to Dresden.
Friday should be overcast with rain or snow showers and day temperatures between 4 and 8 degrees Celsius.
In addition to Germany, Poland, and Austria, Czechs may also be able to reach Slovakia by train on the high-speed line in the future. The Slovak side has completed a feasibility study for the route between Bratislava and the Czech border, which now needs to be approved by the local government. Both sides will be able to begin detailed planning of the connection.
A major exhibition dedicated to the legendary Mongolian ruler Chinggis Khan opened this week at Prague’s National Museum. Showcasing more than 260 rare items from Mongolia, many of which are seldom seen abroad, the exhibition includes an extraordinary highlight—a unique wooden horse saddle from the Great Mongol Empire.
Vyšehrad, Prague's legendary hilltop fortress, offers visitors far more than stunning views and ancient monuments. Beneath its walls lies a lesser-known historical marvel—the Vyšehrad Casemates, an underground complex from the 17th century, once built to safeguard soldiers from enemy fire and now open for exploration.
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