Czech news in brief for October 24: Friday’s top afternoon headlines

The Czech Republic and the EU will switch from Central European Summer Time (CEST) to Central European Time (CET) early Sunday, Oct. 26, when clocks move back one hour. The standard time will remain until March 2026. The change will affect several night trains, including Leo Express, RegioJet, and Czech Railways routes. Although the EU planned to end seasonal time changes in 2022, no final agreement has been reached.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Ukraine’s capability to strike Russia’s energy and defense sectors must be supported. Speaking via video at the Coalition of the Willing meeting in London, he urged stronger action to curb financing of Russia’s war, particularly through sanctions on its energy industry. Fiala reaffirmed the Czech Republic’s commitment to Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.

Negotiations among ANO, Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), and the Motorists’ movement are nearly complete, with 95 percent of their joint government program agreed upon, ANO vice chair Karel Havlíček said Friday. Talks this week covered culture and foreign policy, with science and digitization to follow. The policy statement will prohibit referendums on NATO or EU membership. Final adjustments are expected by Sunday evening.

The Czech crown firmed slightly Friday to CZK 24.31/EUR and CZK 20.90/USD, while the PX index rose 0.74 percent to 2,353.92 points. Gains were led by Moneta Money Bank, Doosan Škoda Power, and ČEZ, while Colt CZ slipped slightly. Over the week, the PX rose 0.6 percent, supported by strong performance from Primoco UAV shares. Investor activity remained low despite steady confidence in the Czech economy.

President Petr Pavel will honor 48 recipients with state decorations on October 28 at Prague Castle’s Vladislav Hall, marking fewer awards than last year’s 56. The Castle received about 600 nominations, a 10 percent rise. Roughly 2,000 guests were invited, including top officials, diplomats, and regional leaders. Parliamentary parties will allocate 30 seats due to recent changes in the Chamber of Deputies.