Czech news in brief for March 8: Friday's top headlines

Czech President Petr Pavel announced the collection of funds for 800,000 rounds of artillery ammunition for Ukraine, with 18 countries participating in the Czech initiative. Prime Minister Petr Fiala commended international cooperation in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. The government’s consultant for national security Tomáš Pojar told reporters, however, that the total costs have not yet been covered, only the funds for the initial delivery have been secured. Pavel asserts the amount needed for all ammunition has been achieved, with Norway's contribution sealing the deal.

On International Women's Day, Czech society's progress in women's emancipation measures an average of 53 points out of 100, according to the Femina Index by the Solvo Institute. Younger, educated women and those in high positions tend to support emancipation more, with half of respondents favoring traditional gender roles. The Femina Index evaluates attitudes in various areas, related to the position on the labor market, the occupation of leading positions or the division of roles in the household and child care.

Sparta Prague faced a heavy defeat against FC Liverpool in the Europa League round of sixteen, losing 1-5 in Prague Thursday tonight. The Reds scored three goals before half-time to silence the home fans on a chaotic night in the Czech Republic capital. The second leg will take place in Liverpool next week. Nunez, Mac Allister, Diaz, and Szoboszlai scored for Liverpool, with Bradley netting an own goal for Sparta.

The Czech Republic's proposed amendment to the Act on Public Health Insurance plans to cover 40 percent of the cost for white dental fillings in adults, as amalgam fillings face a ban in mid-2026. Health insurance companies may contribute to the price difference, incentivizing preventive check-ups. However, debates continue over the efficacy of amalgam fillings and the impact of the ban on dental health.

The Czech Republic is one of seven countries that have made notable strides in returning property confiscated by the Nazis, according to the World Jewish Restitution Organization (WJRO). The organization's report assesses progress among the 47 states that signed a non-binding principles declaration in Washington in 1998 regarding Nazi-confiscated property from World War II.