Czech news in brief for July 13: Saturday's top headlines

Heavy rainfall is in the forecast for parts of the Czech Republic again tonight, particularly affecting southern Bohemia and much of Moravia. Following recent precipitation, river levels are expected to rise. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute warns that rivers draining from Šumava, the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, the Orlické Mountains, and the Jeseníky Mountains may reach the first flood alert level. Meteorologists anticipate up to 60 millimeters of rain in some areas along with thunderstorms.

Czech Minister of Labor Marian Jurečka aims for coalition consensus on potential pension reform adjustments by the end of the summer. He seeks clarity on raising retirement age from 65, proposing irregular increases linked to life expectancy. Jurečka stresses readiness to debate changes until parliamentary review in September or October. Current reforms aim to mitigate a projected deficit peak, shaping future pension sustainability amidst demographic shifts.

Czech tennis stars Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková are both set to compete in Wimbledon finals today. Krejčíková aims to win her first singles title at the tournament against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini from 3 p.m. After the singles final, Siniaková, with American partner Taylor Townsend, will seek her third Wimbledon doubles title against Canada's Gabriela Dabrowski and New Zealand's Erin Routliffe.

American veteran George Thompson, who played a role in the liberation of Pilsen during World War II, passed away on July 12 at the age of 99. Known for his frequent returns to the Czech Republic, Thompson expressed deep affection for Pilsen, considering it his second home. The city plans to honor him with a memorial service on Monday, including wreath-laying ceremonies and the display of American and Czech flags.

Jindřich Vobořil's departure as national anti-drug coordinator raises concerns for the adoption of Czech cannabis legislation, according to the Rational Regulation (RaRe) association. They fear setbacks without his leadership in advancing the bill, which aims to decriminalize personal possession, regulate cultivation, and establish a controlled market. Despite support from the National Economic Council and the Pirate Party, opposition persists, including from Minister of Health Vlastimil Válek.

On Friday, strong storms prompted firefighters to respond to 1,200 incidents across the Czech Republic, including pumping water from flooded areas and removing fallen branches and trees. The most affected regions were Vysočina, South Moravia, and Ústí nad Labem. Fallen branches and trees disrupted train services in multiple locations, and water damage limited road traffic.

Czech President Petr Pavel believes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is satisfied with the outcome of this week's NATO summit, despite not receiving a direct invitation to join the Alliance. Pavel highlighted the promises of military support and bilateral agreements Ukraine received. He emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine and diplomatic efforts to pressure Russia. The Czech initiative to supply artillery ammunition to Ukraine aims to deliver half a million rounds this year.

The Czech Republic initiated the supply of military equipment to Ukraine following the Russian invasion, Jan Jireš of the Czech Defence Ministry stated at an Atlantic Council debate in Houston. Despite Russian threats, Czechia supported Ukraine when it was taboo for others. This led to a rapid depletion of Czech military supplies. Jireš emphasized the importance of continued European aid to Ukraine and praised the consensus at the recent NATO summit for sustained support.

Russia is currently the most urgent, direct, and serious threat in Europe, Czech Chief of Staff Karel Řehka said in Houston today. Speaking during a debate marking 75 years of NATO and 25 years of Czech membership, Řehka emphasized the necessity of unity for security and defense, demonstrated at the recent NATO summit in Washington. Support for Ukraine is crucial, as the war's outcome will influence Russia's future behavior in Europe.

Czechia topped Spain 2-1 in the European women’s football championship qualifier on Friday. This marks Czechia's first victory in the group after five matches. Spain, the reigning world champion, is guaranteed to advance to the championship after winning its previous four games. Goals were scored by Svitková and Bartoňová for Czechia, and Bonmati for Spain.