News: Thursday, July 3rd, 2025

Czechia pushing for reforms to EU carbon trading scheme

The Czech Republic has submitted a proposal to the European Commission urging changes to the EU’s planned carbon trading system for transport and heating, known as ETS 2. The document, backed by 17 other member states, calls for greater price stability and regular reporting on the rollout of renewables.

Although Prague failed to secure enough support to delay or cancel the scheme, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Czechia is advancing a joint “non-paper” outlining specific reforms. “A qualified majority of states now back our concerns,” he noted, stressing the need for climate policy that is “ambitious, yet socially and economically bearable.”

President Pavel to visit Germany and Italy

President Petr Pavel will undertake a working visit to Germany and Italy next week, according to a statement released by the Presidential Office.  In Berlin, he is scheduled to meet with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace. Following bilateral talks, Pavel and Steinmeier will attend a reception honoring the winners of the Czech-German competition Never Again! organized by the Czech-German Fund for the Future to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Czech head of state is also expected to take part in a commemorative ceremony at Berlin’s Plötzensee Memorial.

In Rome, the Czech head of state will attend a conference focused on the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Czech Defence Ministry orders 24 TITUS armoured vehicles

The Defence Ministry has signed a CZK 4.068 billion contract with the company Eldis for 24 TITUS wheeled armoured vehicles, the ministry's press department said. The army will receive 22 command-staff versions and two training vehicles without communication systems. Deliveries are due by November 2027. The army already uses this type of armoured vehicle and the new models have been upgraded based on combat experience, including insights from the war in Ukraine.

President Pavel grants four pardons in rare use of constitutional power

President Petr Pavel has granted four pardons, marking only the fourth time he has used this constitutional power in nearly two and a half years in office, his office announced in a statement.

Among those pardoned are two women convicted of driving offences - one a single mother, the other undergoing long-term treatment for a serious cancer diagnosis. Both were granted remission of the remainder of their sentences on humanitarian grounds.

President signs law to curb school entry deferrals

President Petr Pavel has signed an amendment to the law limiting deferrals of compulsory school attendance. From now on, deferrals will be granted only in justified cases, such as serious health issues. The law also introduces descriptive grading for beginners and abolishes preparatory classes. The legal amendment responds to concerns over the high number of Czech children starting school at age seven, among the highest rates in Europe.

Scabies cases surge across Czech Republic

Scabies, a contagious skin disease, is reported to be spreading more widely than is common across the Czech Republic. The National Institute of Public Health registered over 5,000 cases of the disease between January and June, compared to close to 9,000 in the whole of last year.  According to the institute, the increase is driven by multiple factors, including more frequent travel to regions where scabies is endemic, as well as a general decline in population immunity.

Wimbledon: Nosková advances, Vondroušová and other Czech players bow out

Czech tennis player Linda Nosková advanced to the third round of Wimbledon on Wednesday, defeating Germany’s Eva Lys 6-2, 2-6, 6-3.

Meanwhile, 2022 champion Markéta Vondroušová failed to advance, losing to Britain’s Emma Raducanu in straight sets, 3-6, 3-6. Marie Bouzková lost to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 6-7, 4-6. Kateřina Siniaková was outplayed by Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who prevailed 6-3, 6-2. Jiří Lehečka also exited the tournament, losing to Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 6-7, 1-6, 5-7.

Heatwave and storms continue to threaten parts of Czechia

Scorching temperatures exceeding 34°C will persist in Czechia on Thursday, though meteorological warnings now apply only to the eastern parts of the country.

According to an updated alert from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, thunderstorms with torrential rain, hail, and strong winds are expected Thursday afternoon and evening in a band stretching from South Bohemia to Silesia.

A fire risk warning will also remain in effect on Thursday and Friday for a broad area around Prague. Much of the country has been battling extreme heat since the start of the summer holidays.

Weather forecast

Friday should be partly cloudy with rain in the southern parts of the country and day temperatures between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius.