Czech news in brief for July 18: Thursday's top headlines

The EU has announced it will provide CZK 11.5 billion to support 10 projects by the Czech Railway Administration for modernizing the country’s railways. The projects include upgrades to the Česká Třebová railway junction, development of a high-speed rail project between Prague, Brno, and Břeclav, and preparation for the modernization of a section from Kolín to Děčín. Work will also be done to install an automatic train security system and improve security equipment. Construction is set to begin at the end of this year and will finish by December 2031.

The Pirates party is proposing measures to limit alcohol advertising and introduce warnings on alcoholic drink labels, which they hope to pass before the upcoming elections. The government's program statement supports regulating addictive substances based on their level of harm. The Czech Republic is one of the countries with the largest alcohol consumption; each adult resident drinks an average of 169.5 liters of alcoholic beverages. Annual impacts and losses amount to almost CZK 60 billion.

Prague police will conduct special checks on cyclists and scooter riders from today to Sunday. The patrols will ensure compliance with road traffic rules and safety, as well as proper operation of shared e-scooters. The city is working on agreements with e-scooter companies to regulate their use and prevent issues like dangerous riding and improper parking. The city also plans to charge companies for using public spaces and impose fines for not following the rules outlined in the contracts. Some city districts have expressed concerns and proposed alternatives, such as a ban on e-scooters in Prague 1 and the ability to limit their numbers in Prague 2.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today signed a non-binding agreement on security cooperation and long-term support at the European Political Community Summit in the UK. Fiala mentioned that the agreement includes sections on security, defense, and economic cooperation, highlighting Czech involvement in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. The 10-year agreement does not replace Ukraine's NATO membership, but a diplomatic source stated that canceling it could raise concerns about the Czech Republic's international commitments.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced Wednesday that South Korean company KHNP will build two new nuclear units in Dukovany. The cost for each reactor is CZK 200 billion. The government will also discuss two more reactors in Temelín with KHNP. While experts support the decision, concerns about cost overruns and delays remain. Westinghouse, a competing bidder, disputes KHNP’s authorization to use its reactor technology.

A fire at the Czech embassy in Paris on Wednesday forced all staff to evacuate and left part of the embassy out of order. Three people were injured, two from smoke inhalation, and two were hospitalized. The fire, likely caused by an electrical short, has been extinguished. The embassy, without electricity and water, will temporarily relocate. The consulate remains functional.

The Czech Ministry of Defense will purchase ammunition for American H-1 system helicopters from the Czech company STV Group for CZK 3.74 billion. The contract for 2025-2031 covers unguided rockets and 20 mm cannon cartridges for UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters. The government also approved a new cybersecurity law and amendments affecting accommodation registration and refugee housing costs, effective Aug. 1.

Electro World will merge with Datart, marking the end of the brand. The company has announced that loyalty points can be redeemed until Aug.15, but the merger date is unknown. A sale with up to 50 percent discounts runs from July 15 to Aug. 14. Datart will honor gift vouchers, but discount vouchers must be used by Aug. 25. Loyalty program details will remain unchanged.

A baby Northern Nubian giraffe is now on display at the Prague Zoo. Born in early July, the giraffe joins the zoo’s notable young animals, including gorillas and orangutans. Fathered posthumously by Johan, it is mother Pharoah’s fourth cub. Despite a bent sternum at birth, the giraffe recovered naturally. Visitors can see it in the African House pavilion before it moves to the outdoor enclosure.