Czech news in brief for October 10: Thursday's top headlines

Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan today urged the new European Commission to improve the system for returning failed asylum seekers during a meeting with EU counterparts. The Czech Republic, along with 16 other countries, is pushing for a revision of the "return directive" to ensure more efficient and timely returns. Rakušan suggests the concept of a "return hub" in a third country and highlights the importance of protecting external borders to maintain open internal EU borders.

Czech tennis player Tomáš Macháč (ranked 33 in the world) advanced to the semifinals of the Masters 1000 tournament in Shanghai after claiming a shock win against Carlos Alcaraz, the world number two, from Spain. He downed Alcaraz in straight sets: 7:6, 7:5. This is the first time in his career that Macháč has reached this stage of the Shanghai tournament. His next opponent will be world number one Jannik Sinner from Italy.

Labor Office General Director Daniel Krištof has announced plans to close some branches next year – especially smaller ones. This is part of a redesign of the network of workplaces, with a final decision to be made by the end of the year. The goal is to improve safety and work standards for employees and ensure reasonable travel distances for clients. No layoffs are expected. Currently, there are 3.6 branches per 100,000 inhabitants in the Czech Republic, compared to just one in Germany.

Six Czech citizens have returned from Lebanon in recent days, with five using a Ukrainian flight and one using an Italian flight. According to the Foreign Ministry, other countries, such as Moldova, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Romania, also brought their citizens home. The Ukrainian ambassador in Prague, Vasil Zvarych, emphasized the importance of mutual solidarity in evacuating Czech citizens from Lebanon. Earlier this month, Israel launched a limited ground operation in southern Lebanon.

The Czech Republic will serve on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for a three-year term in 2025 after receiving 166 votes from UN General Assembly members on Wednesday. Czechia's focus will be on human rights violations in Russia and Belarus. This marks the country’s fifth term on the 47-member body, underscoring its long-standing commitment to promoting human rights globally.

The Czech government will discuss a proposed deposit system for plastic PET bottles and metal cans during today's meeting. The amendment, submitted by the Ministry of the Environment, aims to boost recycling rates and reduce waste in nature. Ministers will also address other topics, including salary increases for politicians and judges, the extension of flood emergency measures, and the country’s semiconductor strategy.

Due to extensive renovations, Prague’s Českomoravská metro station (line B) will close for nearly a year. The station will receive new escalators, upgraded technology, and a disabled lift. The project will cost CZK 926 million, and repairs will take 341 days. The contract was awarded to companies Syner and Hochtief. The station is slated to close within three months of the contract signing.

About 200 students protested at Masaryk University in Brno Wednesday against its administration’s perceived unconditional support for Israel. The protest, led by the Collective Against Dehumanisation, criticized the university for contributing to the dehumanization of Palestinians. The university responded, defending its support for academic freedom and condemning coercive appeals while also upholding freedom of speech for university figures supporting Israel.

Plzeňský Prazdroj will extensively remodel its brewery courtyard in Pilsen, creating a new public relaxation zone with stairs leading to the Radbuza River. The project includes the demolition and reconstruction of garages and a footbridge, expanding event space, and enhancing public access. The brewery plans to complete the transformation by 2026, allowing for more cultural and social events. Public events will continue during construction.

Primark is set to open its third store in the Czech Republic at Metropole Zličín in Prague. Following successes in Prague and Brno, the Irish retailer is expanding its presence with a store focused on sustainability despite its smaller size. The new location will create up to 150 jobs. This move is part of a broader trend of discount chains entering the Czech market, increasing competition and consumer choice. NOTE: A news blurb from Oct. 9 inaccurately stated that a fourth Primark location is opening in Czechia.