Czech news in brief for February 27: Thursday's top headlines

Hate-motivated attacks on Ukrainians and Russians in the Czech Republic surged in 2024, making up 23 percent of all biased violence cases, according to a report by rights group In Iustitia. This marks a sharp increase from the 5 percent recorded before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In 2024, 29 anti-Ukrainian and two anti-Russian incidents were documented. The group urges stronger victim protection and institutional responses, noting many cases go unreported.

A man died this afternoon after attacking Prague police with knives in the Nusle neighborhood (Prague 4), authorities have announced. Officers responded to a suicide threat but were met with aggression when entering the apartment. They used a taser and firearm, but the man died at the scene. The General Inspectorate of Security Forces is expected to review the case, as is standard procedure. His motives remain unknown.

This afternoon, the Czech Defense Ministry announced that it will purchase 15 Iveco light armored vehicles for artillery units at a cost of CZK 1.243 billion. The Military Technical Institute will deliver the vehicles by May 2028 under a framework agreement allowing up to 32 orders. The ministry said the purchase is essential for maintaining the army’s fire control and combat capabilities. The army has been using Iveco armoured vehicles since 2008 and has around 200 of them.

The Czech Republic remains behind in wind energy use, with wind farms generating just 1 percent of the country’s electricity in 2024, compared to 20 percent across Europe, according to industry association WindEurope. While new turbines were added last year, industry leaders say growth is too slow. Experts urge streamlining permits and expanding infrastructure, but public opposition and bureaucracy continue to hinder progress despite rising regional interest.

Czech farmers protested Thursday against EU trade deals, citing unfair competition from imports outside the bloc. Led by the Agrarian Chamber and Agricultural Union, they oppose the EU-Mercosur agreement and duty-free Ukrainian imports, arguing foreign producers bypass strict EU standards. Farmers demand market protections, reduced bureaucracy, and clearer food labeling. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný has dismissed the protests as ineffective.

The Czech Senate passed a bill Wednesday requiring municipalities to secure spots in children's groups for three-year-olds denied kindergarten admission. If no place is available, parents will receive up to CZK 5,000 monthly. Critics warn of financial strain on municipalities, while supporters argue it aids work-life balance. The bill now awaits President Petr Pavel’s signature to take effect.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský reaffirmed support for Israel's fight against terrorism during talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Lipavský also met Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to discuss economic ties. He will visit families of hostages taken by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, and meet President Yitzhak Herzog. Lipavský emphasized Israel as Czechia’s key Middle East ally.

Czechia may lose EU funding for projects at Motol University Hospital if a court finds violations of EU financial interests, the Health Ministry said Monday. The hospital’s former director, accused in a corruption case, was remanded in custody. Police have charged 17 people with fraud, bribery, and money laundering. The state has spent CZK 814 million on a new oncology center so far. Full story here.

The Senate approved an amendment to the Civil Code defining domestic violence, aiming to improve victim protection. The change, passed with 60 votes out of 68, ensures uniform handling by police, courts, and intervention centers. It also extends expulsion periods for offenders. The definition includes physical, psychological, and financial abuse. The amendment now awaits President Petr Pavel’s signature.

Police arrested a 14-year-old boy in Prague’s Lipence district who was reportedly inspired by the 2023 Charles University mass shooting and had suicidal thoughts. Though a family member legally owned weapons, the boy had no access to them. He was taken to a hospital for a psychological evaluation. Authorities report a rise in violent crimes committed by minors in recent years.

The Czech government has approved the reconstruction of Prague’s Bubny railway station into a Holocaust memorial, Culture Minister Martin Baxa said Monday. The Railway Administration and the Bubny Memory and Dialogue Center will oversee the 200 million crown project, set to begin this summer. Between 1941 and 1945, 50,000 people, mostly Jews, were deported from Bubny to concentration camps.