Czech news in brief for October 15: Tuesday's top headlines

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský stated at the Forum 2000 conference in Prague that both U.S. presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, will acknowledge Europe's importance if elected. He noted, however, that a Trump victory would place more security responsibilities on Europe. Lipavský also emphasized that the outcome of the U.S. elections, including Congress's composition, will significantly impact U.S. governance. He expects Harris to continue Biden’s policies, while a Trump win would shift U.S.-Europe relations.

The Defense Ministry announced that approximately 4,000 soldiers, including 168 active reserve troops, were deployed to assist Czech regions affected by the mid-September floods. The soldiers operated in around 20 villages, building temporary bridges, with the highest deployment of 1,246 troops on Oct. 7. Defense Minister Jana Černochová highlighted the crucial role of military helicopters, which evacuated 50 people and transported 50 tons of material in the first days of the floods.

Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová today announced that defense spending will reach 2 percent of GDP in 2024, a first since joining NATO. The 2024 budget allocates 154.4 billion crowns to the Defense Ministry, with an additional CZK 6.4 billion from other budget areas, totaling CZK 160.8 billion. "Nearly CZK 8 billion in investments will go into immovable infrastructure," the Defense Ministry said in a press release today.

According to the Center for an Informed Society, the Czech Republic's lack of legislation and qualified strategic communication experts poses the greatest danger in addressing hybrid threats, including disinformation and espionage. The organization highlights the need for comprehensive legislation, special units to counter hybrid threats, and increased professional and financial capacity. It also recommends an independent commission to oversee strategy implementation and strengthened cooperation with academic institutions and the private sector.

Prague's 28th Forum 2000 conference concludes today with speeches by former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, and former Polish President Lech Walesa. Czech Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová will also address the event. The conference, "Demonstrating the Determination and Resilience of Democracy," focused on topics like Ukraine and fragile democracies. Founded in 1997 by Václav Havel, Forum 2000 aims to discuss global challenges.

The opposition ANO movement would win a general election with 33 percent of the vote, according to a September poll by the Median agency. The Civic Democrats (ODS) follow with 11.5 percent, and Mayors and Independents (STAN) with 11 percent. The Pirates and Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) would also enter parliament. However, parties like TOP 09, the Communists, and Social Democrats would fail to secure seats.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský denied claims that Czechia delayed an EU statement condemning attacks on the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL). German media had reported that the delay was due to Czechia's close relations with Israel. Lipavský cited poor drafting of the initial text. The EU statement, released Sunday, condemned Israeli attacks on UNIFIL and called for an immediate end to such violations of international law.

Prague will donate two older rescue vehicles and four defibrillators worth CZK 439,000 to the Bosnian towns of Jablanica and Konjic, severely impacted by recent floods. The Czech Republic will also provide one million crowns in humanitarian aid, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský announced. Heavy rains caused floods and landslides on Oct. 4, leaving over 20 dead and causing widespread damage.

Over 4,500 visitors saw the alleged sword of Jan Žižka at Prague’s Bethlehem Chapel during a four-day exhibit marking the 600th anniversary of the Czech warriors’s death. Loaned from Sweden, the sword drew significant interest, though experts question its authenticity. The Czechoslovak Hussite Church plans to request further expertise on the artifact. The exhibit also featured objects from Žižka’s life and related cultural events.