Czech Republic

Registration period for Czech expats wishing to vote by mail in the upcoming parliamentary elections has closed and first figures report over 24.000 people listed; it is the first time that citizens abroad can vote and it follows a reform passed in 2023

Geological conditions assessment has started in Dukovany for the construction of two new nuclear units; the survey covers roughly 200 hectares with 300 boreholes, some down to 140 meters, and is entrust ČEZ Energetické produkty on behalf of S. Korean KHNP

30% of Czech students ask for more integration of AI in their study methods and curricula; as they focus on AI skills rather than traditional subject knowledge; latest study by the Syri Institute says, resilience against technological threats is a must

The Chamber of Deputies' main assembly room in the Thun Palace, a national cultural monument, is being refurbished over the summer, with craftsmen working at extensive renovation going from carpets to benches

The Czech army plans to create a territorial defense battalion in every region within ten years, with new bases for logistics and air defense; the military, downsizing in the 1990s and 2000s, will grow by several new garrisons, in a reverse trend

150 years since the introduction of trams and 100 of continuous bus service have been celebrated in Prague with a ceremonial parade of buses from various eras will roll through the city; more events are scheduled for the double jubilee of local transport

25% of people aged 15-25 feel inadequately prepared for managing their finances in real life, desire more information about investments, the tax system, savings and money management according to survey by Česká spořitelna Foundation and Ipsos

Czechia has adopted postal voting for its citizens living abroad, after years of debate and determined civic effort; promoters say it’s a logistical reform and a powerful act of recognition: it’s not about who you vote for, but about the ability to vote

The Museum of Survivors in Brněnec opened to the public; it is housed in the former factory of Oskar Schindler, the businessman who saved over 1.200 Jews during World War II

A state of emergency was declared after assessing environmental damages in consequence of a train derailment occurred on 28 February that caused the world's largest benzene contamination ever recorded with approximately 350 tons leaking from 17 tankers

The Mánes Gallery in Prague is hosting an exhibition with over 100 paintings by Plzeň-born artist Jiří Kovařík, considered one of the most controversial Czech painters of the 20th century

The country has proposed to the European Commission that emission reduction targets for new passenger cars be assessed over five years instead of annually; penalties for non-compliance would also only be imposed after 2029