Czech news in brief for July 5: Friday's top headlines

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala expects British foreign policy to remain unchanged following the Labour Party’s election victory. Fiala aims to strengthen Czech-UK relations, particularly in areas like small modular reactors. He believes British support for Ukraine will continue under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who succeeded Conservative Rishi Sunak.

Fiala congratulated Starmer on X and expressed optimism about ongoing cooperation between the two nations. The European Political Community summit in London will be their next joint engagement, focusing on the future of Europe amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban does not represent Czech or EU interests in Moscow. Orban arrived in the Russian capital this morning and met Russian President Vladimir Putin upon his arrival. Fiala emphasized that the Czech Republic stands with Ukraine and views Russian President Vladimir Putin as the aggressor. Orban’s visit to Moscow to meet Putin was also criticized by EU leaders, who noted he had no EU mandate for the trip.

Temperatures in the Czech Republic will exceed 31°C on Saturday, particularly in Polabí and southern Moravia, with high humidity making it feel stuffy, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ). Strong thunderstorms featuring torrential rain, hail, and wind gusts up to 70 km/h are expected in the afternoon and evening. A storm warning has been issued for southern Bohemia and Vysočina to northern and eastern Bohemia. Lower temperatures and rain are forecast for Sunday.

Archbishop and Apostolic Nuncio Jude Thaddeus Okolo said Czechs are united by a deep sense of homeland and share their belonging with others. In his sermon, Okolo emphasized the inclusivity and shared cultural heritage of the Czech people. The solemn mass marked the culmination of the traditional Cyril and Methodius celebrations, attended by thousands of pilgrims.

The Czech Republic celebrated the Slavic Annunciation Thursday, honoring Cyril and Methodius’s mission in Great Moravia, which influenced Slavic Christianity and culture. The Velehrad festivities, one of the nation’s largest church events, culminate with a national pilgrimage and mass led by Archbishop Josef Nuzík and other bishops. Apostolic Nuncio Jude Thaddeus Okolo will also participate. The holiday has been commemorated on July 5 since 1990.

The 17th All-Sokol Gathering in Prague’s Eden culminated with 2,000 participants performing twelve songs in sequence. The event, featuring 20,000 athletes, took six years to prepare and included representatives from global sports organizations. President Petr Pavel attended and handed over the presidential standard to the Sokol Guard.

As the long holiday weekend approaches, Czech railroad carriers report full trains but will add more cars. České dráhy advises trying regional connections near large cities, which may be less busy than long-distance trains. Police will deploy hundreds of patrols, focusing on speed, phone use while driving, car conditions, and seat belts over the next three days.

British actor Clive Owen arrived in Karlovy Vary to receive the President’s Award at the film festival’s conclusion. Despite arriving an hour late, Owen signed autographs for about a hundred fans. Owen will present the film “Closer” on Friday and receive the award alongside Ivan Trojan on July 6. Other notable guests included Viggo Mortensen, Steven Soderbergh, Daniel Brühl, and Geoffrey Rush.

Prague's ponds and reservoirs are generally safe for swimming, though four sites, including Sedlice Reservoir and Rosnička Pond, are closed due to excessive cyanobacteria. Water in Central Bohemia, South Moravia, Moravian-Silesian, and Pilsen regions is mostly suitable, with some reduced transparency. Areas with cyanobacteria include Lake Chmelař and Stříbrné rybník. Deteriorated water quality is common in the Liberec region’s natural pools.