Czech news in brief for October 22: Wednesday’s top morning headlines

Czech European Affairs Minister Martin Dvořák said there is rising frustration among EU countries over Hungary’s ongoing rule-of-law issues, as ministers met in Luxembourg for Hungary’s ninth hearing on the matter since 2018. Dvořák noted “no improvement” and said pressure on Budapest may increase. Hungary remains the only EU state facing restricted access to funds over democratic concerns. The meeting also touched on Ukraine and the next EU seven-year budget.

Czech police detained 112 people for transit migration in the first nine months of 2025 (down 64 percent year-on-year), while total detections of foreigners staying illegally rose 14 percent to 7,832. Most transiting migrants were Syrians, Turks, and Iraqis en route to Germany. Authorities say stronger border cooperation and lower Balkan-route pressure explain the decline. The government has not reinstated border checks with Slovakia.

Child obesity in Czechia has jumped by over 50 percent since 2010, and is most common among kids from low-income families and small towns, a new WHO-backed study shows. About 10 percent of boys and 4 percent of girls are obese, while one in six thin girls wrongly believes she is overweight — a major mental health risk, experts warn. Researchers link weight issues to poor diet, low exercise, and screen overuse.

A pack of ten eggs now costs an average CZK 67.19 — up 5.4 percent month-on-month and 36 percent year-on-year, the Czech Statistical Office reports. Prices are likely to rise further as the 2027 cage-farming ban nears. Milk and yogurt are also up slightly, while butter and pork prices have fallen. Analysts cite bird flu, energy costs, and farm conversions as key drivers of higher egg prices.

On Tuesday, Czech hockey legend Jaromír Jágr unveiled his third book, Já68, in Prague. Co-written with journalists Lukáš Tomek and Zdeněk Janda, the book blends memoir and philosophy, reflecting on Jágr’s faith, career, and outlook on life. NHL stars, including David Pastrňák and Gary Bettman sent messages of support. “I hope everyone who reads it takes something away,” Jágr said at the launch.