politics Pavel: EU, NATO vital to Czech security
President Petr Pavel said after meeting Czech party leaders that there is a broad political consensus that EU and NATO membership is key to national security and prosperity. All parliamentary parties, including the opposition, agreed that the outcome of the Ukraine war will impact Czech security. Discussions also covered increasing defense spending and improving crisis preparedness. Pavel emphasized avoiding political divisions over security before elections, calling for responsible leadership.
sports Czechs trounce Hungary 6–1 at hockey worlds
Czechia defeated Hungary 6–1 in the Ice Hockey World Championship in Herning, Denmark, marking its fourth win and topping Group B. Star forward David Pastrňák scored twice, bringing his tournament tally to four goals and nine points. Jakub Flek, Petr Kodýtek, Ondřej Beránek and Lukáš Sedlák also scored. Hungary managed one goal in the second period, but the Czechs dominated overall. Czechia next faces Kazakhstan on Saturday.
Healthcare Health union: 1 in 6 staff may quit
Unions warned that about one in six Czech health care workers is considering leaving the system, citing unmet pay and reform promises. They criticized the government for failing to unify wages despite agreements made in 2023 that ended a doctor overtime strike. The Health Ministry insists that agreements were met and draft laws were submitted. Union head Dagmar Zitniková said they won’t protest before elections but will push for post-election reforms.
Nature Likely poisoning kills four wolves in Jeseníky
Four young wolves found dead in the Rychlebské Mountains were likely poisoned, experts from Brno’s Veterinary University say. Autopsies ruled out injuries or illness. Other dead animals in the area suggest toxic bait was used. Conservationists filed a criminal complaint and warn the poison also threatens pets. Wolves have been returning to Czech nature since 2022 and play a key role in controlling wildlife populations.
Culture ADONXS fails to reach Eurovision final
Slovak singer ADONXS, representing Czechia, did not qualify for the Eurovision final after finishing 12th in the second semifinal in Basel. His song “Kiss Kiss Goodbye” didn’t earn enough public votes. Finalists include Israel’s Yuval Raphael, Lithuania, Armenia, and others. Sweden’s KAJ, a Finnish-Swedish trio, is favored to win. Switzerland hosts the 69th edition after Nemo’s 2024 win with “The Code,” a song about non-binary identity.