AGP Executive Report

Czech Diplomacy & Security: Czech police, Germany and Poland are jointly preparing an analysis of post-war security threats as more Ukrainian veterans settle in the EU. Defense Industry: Czech Defense Minister Jaromír Zuna tells South Korea to win European contracts by building local production and tech partnerships, citing Poland’s model with Hyundai Rotem. Tech & AI Cooperation: Poland and Czechia sign an AI cooperation pact at the CEE AI Summit, while T-Mobile Czechia rolls out the Sprinklr AI platform to speed up customer support. Telecom Services: Vodafone Czechia and Mobil Pohotovost open a joint service centre in Prague to bundle sales and repairs. Armenia–Czech Ties: Armenia discusses Czech equipment for a new Yerevan metro station and also talks spent fuel storage cooperation. Transport & Climate: Czech Railways tests fully biogenic HVO fuel on regular RegioFox services in Central Bohemia. Business & Mobility: Czechia’s presence in European EV supply chains continues as JAC Motors returns to IAA Transportation with a four-model line-up. Sports (Czech angle): China beat the Czech Republic in overtime at the Women’s Basketball World Cup, with 223cm teen Zhang Ziyu starring. Culture: Prague’s PIFF 2026 returns with independent cinema from 18–20 September.

US Open Tennis: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows, beating American Taylor Townsend 6-4, 6-3 and setting up a next match against either Marta Kostyuk or Czech Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Czech Sports Spotlight: Czech darts star Luke Littler advanced in Prague at the Czech Darts Open, while Czech tennis player Jakub Mensik’s US Open run ended after a late comeback loss to Learner Tien. Prague & Czech Society: Prague Archbishop Stanislav Přibyl said public trust in the Catholic Church has been seriously damaged by recent misconduct allegations, and called for a penitential pilgrimage. Local Culture & Events: A festival in Sokolov showcased national minority cultures, including Azerbaijani music, dance and cuisine. Sports Business/Media: Netflix has started Prague production on its new Robert Langdon thriller series, with filming underway in the Czech capital. Obituaries: Czech aristocrat Filip Sternberg died at 69, and former Canadian cabinet minister and figure skater Otto Jelinek—born in Prague—died at 86.

Prague Airport Upgrade: Prague Airport will expand and modernise passport control in Terminal 1, with construction from early September 2026 to April 2027, adding five new desks, four automated EasyGoGate lanes, a bigger waiting area and upgraded ventilation to cut peak delays after the EES rollout. Nightlife Fire Crackdown: Czech fire service and police inspections under “DISCO 2026” checked 729 venues and found 2,381 violations, with fines already topping CZK 5.5 million, after a deadly bar fire in Switzerland prompted a nationwide review of basement and hard-to-evacuate sites. Drought Pressure on Farmers: Visegrad Four agriculture representatives (including Czechia) urged the EU to act fast as extreme drought slashes fodder yields and strains livestock and food security, warning the situation is worsening daily. Sports Spotlight (US Open): Czech tennis player Jiri Lehecka faced a rules controversy at the US Open, while Qinwen Zheng staged a dramatic comeback to reach the last 16. Prague Transit: Prague trams are set to return to Muzeum six months early, with a new safety feature.

Croatia Football: Luka Modrić, turning 41 this week, has ended retirement speculation and will stay available for Croatia’s Nations League, with the squad due Monday and matches including a trip to Czechia on Sept. 26. Prague Transport: Prague trams are set to return to Muzeum six months early, with new safety features and accessibility upgrades at stops. Czech-Ukraine Migration: Eurostat data shows Ukrainians with temporary protection are increasingly leaving Poland for Germany and the Czech Republic, as nationality-based incidents in Poland rise. Armenia–Czech Links: Armenia is looking to expand cooperation with Czechia on urban rail transport, with talks also covering aviation and road ties. Prague Events & Sport: Prague Harley Days drew 800+ motorcycles and President Petr Pavel led the ride; meanwhile the Czech Darts Open continues in Prague with a major prize fund and top players in the mix. World Stage: Miss World 2026 was won by Joheirry Mola (Dominican Republic), while the U.S. opened the Women’s Basketball World Cup with a 94-61 win over China featuring Caitlin Clark.

Prague Transport: Prague’s National Museum tram link is back in service almost six months early, with lines 11 and 13 running normally via the Muzeum stop from Saturday. Ukrainian Migration: New Eurostat-based figures show fewer Ukrainians with temporary protection in Poland, while the Czech Republic is increasingly a destination (about 381,000 by end-June). Armenia–Czech Ties: Armenia’s deputy foreign minister met Czech counterparts to push cooperation in AI, water management, trade and tourism, including talks on urban rail. EU Agriculture: Visegrad countries urged the EU to act fast on drought relief, citing major crop and feed losses, including the Czech Republic’s worst harvest failure in 15 years. Culture & Music: The Dvořák Prague festival opens at Rudolfinum, and Hrzánský Palace reopens with tours focused on its artistic history. Sports (Czech angle): Beau Greaves made darts history at the Czech Darts Open, becoming the first woman to win on the European Tour, while Ladislav Krejčí’s transfer to PSV reportedly fell through and he’s expected to stay at Wolves at least until January. Media in Prague: Netflix has started filming its Dan Brown-based series in Prague, with Robert Langdon scenes planned around iconic locations.

Women’s Basketball World Cup: Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers starred on their debuts as the US crushed China 94-61 in Berlin, with Clark posting 14 points and 11 assists and China’s 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu limited to 13 points. EU Security & Visas: Germany is pushing EU partners to tighten tourist-visa rules for Russians after sabotage attacks Berlin blames on Moscow, with authorities investigating a Belarusian man holding a Russian passport over an alleged Leipzig airport drone plot. Cybersecurity: Czech authorities warn of Russia-linked attempts to take over Signal accounts via social engineering—tricking users into linking unknown devices or sharing PINs, not breaking encryption. Prague on Screen: Netflix has started production in Prague on its Dan Brown adaptation “The Secret of Secrets,” starring Morgan Spector as Robert Langdon and Rebecca Hall as Katherine Solomon. Health Tech: Czechia is rolling out a redesigned EZKarta app to expand from vaccination records into a broader digital health overview. Sports Tech/Space: ESA has agreed with ispace-Europe on the MAGPIE lunar rover mission to explore south-pole ice, with Czech partners in the consortium.

Volleyball Euro Semis (Czech link): Serbia beat Greece 3-0 in Brno to reach the 2026 women’s European Championship semis, where they’ll face defending champion Türkiye in Istanbul on Sept. 5. Prague Fire: Fire broke out on the exterior cladding of a new Oncology Centre at Motol University Hospital; about 20 people were evacuated and the hospital estimates damage at around 30 million crowns. Czech Budget Fight: Finance Minister Alena Schillerová presented next year’s draft state budget with a deficit near 400 billion crowns, drawing criticism from President Petr Pavel, opposition and even coalition partners, with talks continuing. AI Cooperation in Prague: Nine Central and Eastern European countries signed the Prague AI Declaration to coordinate AI policy, connect computing capacities and share experience. Diplomacy with Armenia: President Petr Pavel said Czechia will support Armenia in cutting dependence on Russia and diversify ties, pointing to EU tariff relief and cooperation in energy, AI and cybersecurity. Travel & Events: Prague announced a slate of free September events, including science and reuse-focused festivals. Sports (Czech angle): Naomi Osaka reached the US Open third round by beating Czech player Katerina Siniakova.

Prague Safety: A 7-year-old boy fell onto Prague metro tracks after looking at his phone. A man jumped in and, with help from passengers, pulled him to safety within seconds; the child had minor injuries and an emergency button helped prevent a tragedy. Diplomacy & Security: Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka says the Czech Republic is preparing stricter rules for Russian diplomats’ movement notifications, after assessing shortcomings and similar incidents tied to Leipzig/Halle. Russia’s ambassador Anna Ponomareva denies any Russian role in the drone incident. EU Politics: EU ministers back tighter Russian visa rules amid “hybrid threats,” while Europe also moves to shrink Russia’s diplomatic footprint. Sports (Czech angle): At the US Open, Czech player Katerina Siniakova pushed Naomi Osaka to a decider before Osaka advanced; Iga Świątek also booked her third-round spot. Travel & Business: Vodafone Czechia offers discounted mobile tariffs for teachers, valid until Oct. 31. Aviation: AirAsia and Pegasus launch a codesharing partnership, expanding connections via Istanbul and adding more European destinations including Prague. Regional Spotlight: President Petr Pavel praised Armenia’s efforts to reduce dependence on Russia during talks in Prague.

Economy & Wages: Czech Statistical Office data shows average gross monthly wage rose 6.4% year-on-year in Q2 to 51,966 CZK, with real wage growth of 4.3% as prices rose 2.0%. EU Security: EU foreign ministers broadly back tighter Russian travel rules, including an entry ban for former Russian soldiers and tougher visas, amid concerns over hybrid threats. Diplomacy & War: Putin vowed more strikes on Ukraine after talks in Bishkek, while also backing Iran, as EU and NATO push for stronger pressure on Moscow. Industry & EVs: Hyundai Mobis started mass production of power electric (PE) systems at a new plant in Novaky, Slovakia—its first PE system base in Europe—adding capacity up to 280,000 units a year and linking to Czech and Spanish EV parts operations. Culture & Prague: D-Block Europe announced autumn UK and European arena dates, including a Prague stop at SaSaZu on Nov. 1. Sports (Czech angle): In the US Open, Czech players Karolina Muchová and Linda Nosková advanced after dominant wins.

Diplomacy: Armenia’s President Vahagn Khachaturyan arrived in Prague for an official visit, with talks planned with Czech President Petr Pavel, Senate leaders and MPs. Security & foreign policy: Czech authorities are preparing tighter rules for how Russian diplomats’ movements are reported across Europe, after Germany’s Leipzig airport drone incident. Politics & rights: Iranian human rights activists Nasrin Sotoudeh and Masih Alinejad, plus Hungarian defender Márta Pardavi, are the final nominees for the 2026 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize. Economy: Volkswagen reportedly approved plans to wind down car production at four German plants, with possible shifts to lower-cost countries including the Czech Republic. Local business & culture: Prague’s Holešovice will get a second Ambiente “Pult” beer venue in mid-September, with a bigger Czech-beef-focused menu. Sports: Serbia beat Greece in Brno to reach the EuroVolley Women 2026 semis. Travel: AirAsia launched a codeshare with Pegasus, adding connections that include Prague among likely next-year routes.

Prague Transport: DPP has started construction of the new Olšanská–Habrová tram connection, a 1.9-kilometre line with six stops meant to link Žižkov/Jarov to the city centre; work is set to finish by late August 2027, with costs around CZK 599.2 million and EU co-financing. Prague Planning: Prague’s new Metropolitan Plan has come into force, replacing the 1999 framework and aiming to steer long-term development—especially housing growth on underused brownfields near rail—while protecting green space and heritage areas. National Politics & Diplomacy: Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan will visit Czechia for talks with President Petr Pavel on Sept. 2–4, his first trip in over 12 years. Security & Foreign Affairs: Czech foreign minister Petr Macinka will summon Russia’s ambassador after a drone attack near Leipzig/Halle airport, which Germany attributes to Russia. History Investigation: Police specialists are exhuming the remains of former foreign minister Jan Masaryk near Prague to clarify whether he was murdered after the 1948 death long treated as suicide. EU/Regional Politics: At the Bled forum, Czech PM Andrej Babiš urged Central European EU states to form coalitions to defend competitiveness and cohesion in the 2028–2034 budget talks.

Archaeology Breakthrough: Czech researchers near Chleby uncovered a monumental circular sanctuary about 6,500 years old—roughly 1,000 years older than Stonehenge—designed with entrances aligned to the Sun and Moon, suggesting a ritual center. Public Transport Update: Prague has approved new names for Metro Line D stations: Nusle and Ryšánka, replacing earlier working titles to improve wayfinding. Healthcare Access: Maxima pojišťovna expanded a pharmacy partnership in Prague so eligible non-EU insured people can collect prescription medicines without paying upfront, with reimbursement handled directly. International Tech Cooperation: Japan and the Visegrad Four (including Czechia) agreed to boost research and business cooperation in cutting-edge fields like AI, plus more resilient supply chains. Travel & Aviation: STARLUX Airlines’ golden Airbus A350-1000 “AIRSORAYAMA” made its first Prague landing as the airline scales its direct Prague–Taipei route. EU Politics: EU leaders voiced frustration over stalled efforts to ban trade with Israeli settlements after rising settler violence, with Czechia among states warning against a blanket ban. Sports Note: Caitlin Clark and Team USA are set for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, with Clark expected to be a key player.

Prague Running Boom: Prague’s Birell Grand Prix 2026 is set for Saturday, 5 September, with sold-out crowds—more than 9,000 runners in the Birell 10k Night Race and about 4,000 women in the adidas Women’s 5k—plus a slightly updated course around Karlín and the Vltava. City Waste Push: Prague plans two new municipal recycling centres in Zbraslav and Řepy to cut disposal distances and meet rising demand, with work in Zbraslav expected to finish by the end of 2026. Modernist City Hall Revamp (Přerov): Atelier gram is reopening Přerov City Hall as an open civic facility, keeping the 1969 steel structure while adding a glazed staircase and new public functions. Regional Diplomacy: Czech, Polish, Slovak and Hungarian foreign ministers will meet in Bratislava on 1 September for a V4+ format, the first such minister-level gathering since March 2024. EU Reform Call: Central and Eastern European leaders at the Bled Strategic Forum urged EU reform and faster enlargement, with Czech PM Petr Fiala among those pushing for competitiveness and migration management. Sports (Czech tie-in): The Czech Darts Open returns to Prague as part of the Euro Tour, featuring top seeds including Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price.

EU Politics & Courts: Czech MEP Jana Nagyová (Babiš-linked Agrofert subsidy fraud case) was found guilty again by the High Court and given a suspended three-year prison term; she says she’ll appeal to the Supreme Court. Prague Infrastructure: Prague has applied for planning permission for the long-planned Vltava Philharmonic, with construction potentially starting in early 2028 and aiming for completion in 2033. Brno Transport Disruption: Brno Dam’s crown will be fully closed from late September 2026 through December 2027 for a CZK 46.2m renovation, with pedestrian and transport bypasses. Health Research: A Prague-led PRAGUE-26 study reports catheter-directed thrombolysis can improve short-term outcomes for intermediate–high risk pulmonary embolism patients. Sports (Czech spotlight): Wimbledon champion Linda Nosková returns to the US Open after her maiden Grand Slam win, climbing to a career-best No. 6 and starting with Katie Volynets. Local Life & Culture: Brno’s “month of local products” returns in September with farmers’ markets and events, including support for school canteens using regional ingredients. Business/Defense: Czech firm FoxMarket will showcase Canadian Nanuk protective cases at Future Forces Prague in October.

AI Infrastructure Boost: Europe is expanding its publicly funded AI supercomputers with a €387.8m system from France’s Bull for the LUMI-AI project, with Czech Republic among the partner countries, aiming to close the computing gap with the US and China. Czech Economy Watch: The Czech economy grew 2.6% in 2025—faster than the EU average—but the Supreme Audit Office warns the model leans too much on consumption, with high energy intensity and rising public debt threatening longer-term competitiveness. Payments Trend: Card and smartphone payments keep climbing in Czechia: in H1 2026 there were 1.775bn cashless transactions worth about 1.012tn crowns, with online payments up roughly 20%. Defense Industry Tension: Funeral wreaths and black-ribbon photos appeared near defense firms in Lithuania and the Czech Republic, prompting arrests and suspicions of Russian-linked provocation. Sports—Prague Derby: Slavia Prague beat Sparta 3-0 at Letná to stay unbeaten and extend its lead at the top of the Czech league. Mobile Costs: Vodafone Czechia plans tariff increases averaging about 7%, with some lower-tier plans rising up to 10% and fixed internet up to 20%. COVID Vaccine Waste: Czechia spent about CZK 19bn on COVID vaccines since 2020, but fewer than half of supplied doses were used; many expired and were destroyed.

Czech Economy & Prices: Vodafone Czechia is raising mobile and fixed internet tariffs, with an average increase of about 7%, but some lower-tier plans could jump up to 10% and fixed internet may rise by as much as 20%. Health Policy: The Czech Republic spent about CZK 19 billion on COVID-19 vaccines since 2020, but used fewer than half of the 41 million doses; around 18 million expired and were destroyed, worth roughly CZK 8 billion. EU Civil Protection: The EU extended wildfire-fighting support for Serbia until Sept. 5, keeping helicopters and a ground team in place after fires strained local emergency services. Sports (Football): Slavia Prague beat Sparta 3-0 at Letná to stay unbeaten and top the Czech league, while Rangers’ Derek McInnes got a morale boost with a 1-0 win over Aberdeen after their European exit. Sports (Golf): Czech golfer Sara Kouskova finished second at the Women’s Irish Open, with Casandra Alexander winning; Leona Maguire ended tied for fifth. Security/Defense: Czech police are investigating whether intimidation incidents linked to a Belarusian suspect outside a drone maker in Lithuania connect to similar wreaths outside a Czech defense firm supplying Ukraine.