Czech news in brief for August 4: Monday’s top headlines

Czechia has adopted its third national action plan to boost women’s representation in peacebuilding and security. The 2026–2030 plan supports female participation in decision-making, promotes gender equality training, and integrates a gender perspective into foreign aid. Women currently hold 14.8 percent of army posts and one-fifth of ambassador roles. The plan follows the UN resolution on women, peace, and security adopted 25 years ago.

Czechia will send CZK 4 million to Gaza through the UN World Food Programme, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský announced. It follows a CZK 2 million donation to the Order of Malta for healthcare efforts. The move comes as famine risks rise. Air drops of food aid have begun by several nations. Over 60,000 people have died since the conflict began in Gaza last October.

An estimated 45,000 people marched in Saturday’s Prague Pride parade, wrapping up the 15th annual LGBTQ+ festival. Organizers said turnout matched last year’s despite poor weather and a new entrance fee at Pride Park on Letná Plain. No incidents were reported. The event included nonprofit booths, concerts, and a performance by singer Aneta Langerová. Diplomats, politicians, and supporters joined the peaceful celebration.

The EU’s AI Act took effect Aug. 3, imposing rules on general AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini. Experts say the late rollout and vague guidelines hinder innovation. A new voluntary Code of Good Practice offers clarity on compliance, transparency, and copyright. While not binding, it may help firms avoid legal risks. Existing models have until 2027 to comply. Some experts demand stricter, enforceable standards.

Prague’s Metro line C is closed between Chodov and Muzeum until Aug. 9 due to modernization work. Over the weekend, the closure will expand to Nádraží Holešovice. Replacement buses marked XC are running between the affected stations. The closure supports the installation of new electronic interlockings. Additional bus lines have been reinforced across the network to accommodate increased demand during the temporary shutdown.

Pavel Řehůřek won Brno’s hot pepper eating contest by consuming 16 Carolina reapers—one of the world’s hottest peppers. The event, hosted at U Čápa restaurant, tested endurance with seven pepper types. Řehůřek, a CNC setter from Vysočina, credits a chili-filled diet and health benefits for his success. Despite vomiting, he reported no issues and says he competes for the adrenaline, not prizes.