Czech news in brief for April 6: Sunday's top headlines

New U.S. tariffs on auto parts, set for May 3, could impact Czech manufacturers more than reciprocal duties announced earlier this week, Transport Minister Martin Kupka said Sunday. While Czech exports to the U.S. remain modest, the Finance Ministry estimates the tariffs could slow GDP growth by up to 0.7 points. The U.S. is Czechia’s 10th-largest export market. A 25 percent tariff on parts is planned.

Czechia’s men’s curling team will make its Olympic debut in 2026 after securing qualification thanks to China’s semifinal loss at the World Championship in Canada. The Czech team placed seventh—matching its best-ever finish from 2014. China, the only team that could have surpassed Czechia in Olympic qualification, fell to Switzerland 3-7 in Moose Jaw, confirming the Czech team’s spot.

In the first quarter of 2025, the Czech crown strengthened against major global currencies. It appreciated nearly 1 percent against the euro, almost 6 percent against the US dollar, and 2 percent against the British pound. The crown's rise is attributed to contrasting central bank policies, with the Czech National Bank being more cautious compared to the European Central Bank.

South Africa will not extradite Czech businessman Radovan Krejčíř to the Czech Republic until he has completed his 35-year prison sentence, according to the country’s justice department. Krejčíř, who fled Czechia in 2005, has been incarcerated in South Africa since 2013 for serious crimes, including attempted murder and drug trafficking. Czech authorities have been seeking his extradition since 2007.

Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný warned of expected border delays next week due to increased checks for foot-and-mouth disease at the Czech-Slovak border. While no cases have been reported in Czechia, the disease’s spread in neighboring Slovakia and Hungary raises concern. New disinfectant measures at border crossings aim to prevent the potential spread of the disease.

Saturday night brought a deep frost to Bohemia, with lows down to minus 5 degrees Celsius. Moravia and Silesia stayed milder due to wind and cloud cover, reducing potential crop damage, especially to apricots. Another freezing night is expected tonight. Last year’s spring frost devastated fruit crops in much of the country, and growers are again using covers and heaters to try to protect blossoms.

Police detained seven Baník Ostrava fans after Saturday’s 1–1 draw against Sparta Prague, citing disobedience and post-match disorder. Officers also reported damage to a bus, a police vehicle, and the use of illegal pyrotechnics. Over 15,000 people attended the game. Tensions rose as Sparta fans boarded buses; Baník supporters attempted to provoke them, prompting further damage. Police are reviewing footage to identify additional suspects.

A memorial in Liberec honoring children born and killed in Nazi camps was vandalized, police said Saturday. The bronze plaque, unveiled last year, bears the names of 11 Roma and Sinti children who died in Auschwitz. Grooves visible on the surface suggest an axe was used. The memorial stands at a former WWII camp site where over 130 Roma and Sinti were interned from 1941 to 1943.

Czech police may receive additional documents from the U.S., U.K., and France to aid the reopened investigation into the 1948 death of Jan Masaryk, lawmakers said. The former foreign minister’s fall from Prague’s Czernin Palace was long ruled a suicide, but new suspicions of murder prompted the case’s revival in January. Police say recent intelligence materials suggest foul play but lack direct evidence.

Czech NHL star David Pastrňák recorded a hat trick and two assists in Boston’s 5-1 win over Carolina on Saturday, reaching 40 goals in an NHL season for the fifth time. The Czech forward last posted five points in a game in 2019 and now ranks fourth in league scoring for 2025 with 94 points. His third goal sealed his second hat trick of the season and 19th of his career.

Czechia has just one-fifth of the recommended number of geriatric hospital beds, the Health Ministry said ahead of a new care plan’s submission to the government Wednesday. The National Plan for the Development of Geriatric Care through 2035 seeks CZK 6.5 billion, partly from EU funds. The goal is to expand capacity, support healthy aging, and address rising hospitalizations among the elderly.

Austria closed 24 small border crossings with Slovakia and Hungary on Saturday to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, APA reports. The closures are temporary, through May 20. While the disease has appeared in both neighboring countries, Austria remains unaffected. Austrian army units are helping disinfect vehicles in Slovakia’s Dunajská Streda using water and chemical sprays to contain the outbreak.