Czech news in brief for July 23: Wednesday's top headlines

Poland today pledged new steps to reduce noise from the Turów mine (by the Czech-Polish border) at a Czech-Polish commission meeting. Czech official Martin Půta called the repeated exceedance of nighttime noise limits “unacceptable.” Since 2021, 22 breaches of the WHO’s 40 dB health limit have been recorded. Poland, which previously disputed measurements, now accepts them. While long-term limits aren't exceeded, short-term spikes persist. Measures, including technical solutions and green barriers, aim to protect Czech communities near the mine.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said Wednesday that while Ukraine belongs to Europe and has Czech support, that backing is not unconditional. He spoke after Ukraine’s parliament passed and President Zelenskyi signed a law placing key anti-corruption bodies under the prosecutor general, raising concerns about agency independence. Lipavský emphasized the importance of anti-corruption efforts for Ukraine’s EU path and said the Czech Republic continues to monitor the situation closely.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said today the Czech Republic supports Israel while seeking balanced resolutions on Gaza, but doesn’t endorse all Israeli government actions. President Petr Pavel, speaking from Japan, expects upcoming government debates on the Czech stance regarding the Gaza conflict. The Czech Republic did not join 29 countries in a joint statement calling for an immediate end to war and condemning Hamas, but aligns with the European Council’s similar positions. Fiala noted Germany also abstained from the declaration.

The installation of a new organ at Prague’s St. Vitus Cathedral is nearly finished, with completion expected in late August. Built by renowned organ builder Gerhard Grenzing in Spain, the instrument features around 6,000 pipes and will be voiced and tuned through the end of the year. The organ’s first performance is scheduled for June 15, 2026. Funded largely through public donations, the project replaces a 1930s organ that was too small and unreliable for the cathedral’s interior.

A new 310-ton steel structure was installed overnight Tuesday on the railway bridge at Prague’s Smíchov station, the Railway Administration (SŽ) said Wednesday. Crews replaced one track span; the second will follow, expanding the bridge to three tracks. The work, part of a broader station reconstruction, began at 9 p.m. and finished by midnight. Nádražní Street remains closed between U Železničního mostu and Kotevní until Sunday. Plans also include new underpasses, a footbridge, and a transport terminal.

President Petr Pavel said Wednesday he expects a debate with the Czech government on its stance toward the Gaza war. His remarks come after the Czech Republic declined to join 29 countries calling for an immediate end to the conflict and condemning Hamas. Government ministers said the humanitarian situation must be stabilized and aid delivered. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský acknowledged Gaza's critical conditions. Pavel suggested the government explain why it did not sign the joint statement.

The Czech Senate is expected to approve stricter asylum and migration laws aimed at streamlining processes and curbing abuse. The bill allows authorities to expel repeat offenders, limit social benefits, and access mobile data for identification. It also enables rejection of Ukrainian refugees with EU protection elsewhere. Courts must act faster, and new epidemiological exams will be required. The law supports EU migration pact goals.

Hepatitis A cases in Czechia have surged past 900 this year, with 10 deaths reported up from two last year. The outbreak affects regions like Prague and Central Bohemia, and is spreading rapidly among drug users and at camps. Most infected are children and young adults. Officials urge better hygiene and vaccination, especially for travelers. Contaminated food, water, and poor sanitation remain key transmission risks.

The Czech Foreign Ministry is advising citizens in Georgia to avoid protests and public gatherings due to ongoing unrest. Those caught on CCTV near demonstrations could face legal consequences. Protests in Georgia, ongoing for 236 days, began after the government suspended EU integration efforts. Czech officials also recommend steering clear of government buildings and following embassy guidance for safety.

The Czech Republic now has more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations than traditional gas stations, with over 3,180 units nationwide—double the number from three years ago. Operators like ČEZ and PRE report record usage, with charging activity and electricity consumption surging. EV registration is also climbing, with nearly 7,000 new vehicles this year, reflecting growing interest in electric mobility across the country.

Slovak director Tereza Nvotová’s new film Father, inspired by real events, will premiere in the Horizons section of the Venice Film Festival. A Slovak-Czech-Polish co-production, the film stars Milan Ondrík as a loving father whose life is upended by tragedy. Nvotová describes it as a story of “deep and tested love.” The Slovak premiere is set for Sept. 11, with the Czech debut following on Sept. 18.