AGP Executive Report

Rail & Industry: Europe’s biggest battery-train push got a major Czech milestone as the first Stadler FLIRT Akku unit arrived for certification at the VUZ Test Centre in Velim, a key step before Austria can phase out diesel on rural lines. Prague Transport Comfort: A new Prague website tracks how many trams run without air conditioning in real time, highlighting that on Thursday’s heat, about 71% of tracked trams lacked AC. Tech & Cyber: Prague-based Trezor says a shipping-provider breach exposed order data for 13,689 customers, warning of a rise in phishing attempts. Business & City Life: Burgermeister plans its first Prague restaurant on Wenceslas Square, targeting an early-2027 opening. Public Safety/Police: Prague police carried out two large operations, checking hundreds of people and vehicles, issuing fines, and starting deportation proceedings against three foreign nationals. Energy & Renewables: Rezolv secured final approval for a 1.2GW solar PV project in Romania, with plans for large-scale battery storage and nature restoration. International Links: Eurostat reports more than 6,000 Ukrainians left Poland in June, with the Czech Republic among the top destinations.

Crime & Courts: A 21-year-old Prague taxi driver was arrested after allegedly hiding a suitcase with CZK 3.5 million in cash that passengers left in his car; he faces up to five years. Local Governance: Brno residents say a mature street tree on Slovákova was felled during sewer works without proper notice, sparking anger over how public commitments collapse when nobody is watching. Transport & Infrastructure: Prague’s Kbelská Street will fully reopen to traffic Thursday evening, finishing about two days earlier than planned. Energy & Industry: Czech gas transmission firm Transgaz plans to seek a stake in US LNG terminal developer Argent LNG to secure long-term access to American supplies for the region. Economy & Environment: Drought is worsening across Europe, with Czechia among affected areas as farmers struggle with water limits and crop losses. Diplomacy: Iran’s foreign minister hit back at France and other states over joint condemnation of alleged protest executions, calling it hypocrisy. Public Safety: Estonia reported hundreds of narcotics-related customs violations, with postal and courier shipments increasingly used to move drugs. Culture & Tech: Prague CGI studio All Animal built the trailer for the World of Warcraft x Dungeons & Dragons crossover, highlighting Czech talent in global gaming.

Czech Foreign Policy: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš pushed for a joint European air-defence project (“Europatriot”) after talks with the “Coalition of the Willing” leaders in Paris, arguing Europe needs coordinated production and better missile protection. Diplomacy in the Balkans: In Belgrade, Babiš met Serbian leaders to boost trade and investment and backed Serbia’s EU path, while also discussing defence cooperation and Czech firms’ opportunities. EU Integration Talks: Babiš also met Montenegro’s PM Milojko Spajić, focusing on Montenegro’s EU integration and expanding defence and business ties. Energy & Food Security: Drought is forcing Czech livestock farmers to sell cattle as feed shortages bite, with the private farmers’ association criticising the agriculture ministry’s response. Prague Transport Upgrade: Prague is extending its street-light modernisation and e-mobility charging prep project to 2028, aiming to “EV-ready” selected lights and coordinate grid works to reduce disruption. Immigration Rules: The Czech Republic published which five groups of foreigners can be exempted from the permanent residence permit exam. Public Safety: Authorities are still investigating the disappearance of two Israelis in Vienna, with reports saying there’s currently “no indication of a criminal offense.”

Prague Transport: Praha-Smíchov station reconstruction is moving into a new phase: two new platforms are set to open in October, canopies are already finished, shelters and waiting rooms are being installed, and escalators for a new footbridge (linking Smíchov and Radlice) are underway; meanwhile, a planned track closure between Smíchov and Radotín starts a week earlier than planned, on Aug. 12. Ukraine & EU Policy: The number of Ukrainians under EU temporary protection hit 4.41 million by end of June; Germany hosts the most (1.28M), with Poland and the Czech Republic next (961,170 and 390,810). Drought Watch: Czech rivers and streams are at exceptionally low levels, with the Elbe near record lows and the Vltava also hitting unprecedented lows in some sections, while the Orlík Reservoir is shrinking enough to expose remains of a former hydro plant. Space Weather: A partial solar eclipse will be visible across Czechia on Wednesday, with the peak around 8:11–8:12 p.m. in the country, followed overnight by the Perseids meteor shower. Football (Czech ties): Lyon beat Sparta Prague 3-0 in France to reach the Champions League playoff round, while Fenerbahçe also advanced after a 1-0 win over Sturm Graz; the playoff tie for Fenerbahçe is set against Lyon.

Champions League Qualifier: Sparta Prague turned a 0-1 deficit into a 2-1 win over Lyon at epet ARENA, keeping their European hopes alive; Sports & Czech Connection: the match also saw Ernest Nuamah return as a late substitute after 13 months out with a knee injury; Prague Police: authorities are searching for a man who smashed a mirror in a Smíchov shopping-centre lavatory after finding the soap dispenser empty, with damage estimated at 15,000 CZK; Heat & Water Crisis: Czech rivers keep dropping, with the Elbe nearing historic lows and drought exposing old sites near the Orlík Reservoir; Ukraine Protection Numbers: Eurostat says 390,810 people from Ukraine in temporary protection are in the Czech Republic (8.9% of the EU total), up slightly in June; Mobile & Economy: T-Mobile Czech Republic reported H1 revenues of 16.122 billion CZK (+3.6% y/y) and 99.22% population coverage with 5G; Local Community Funding: T-Mobile’s 30th anniversary grant call will hand out 1.5 million CZK across 30 small-town projects via the Via Foundation.

Prague Transport Crackdown: Prague plans tougher action against unauthorised single-track electric vehicles and cars/motorbikes with illegally modified, excessively noisy exhausts. The city says new technology will give police more objective proof on the spot, helping penalties stick. Housing & Safety Net: A Czech housing crisis is pushing women into abusive relationships, while shelters face shortages—especially for domestic-violence victims—forcing some women to be turned away. EU Space Project in Prague: Prague has picked PORR to finish the unfinished Nová Palmovka Centre, to become the future headquarters of the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), with a contract price of CZK 2.161 billion (ex VAT). Health Watch: Lyme disease is surging in Czechia, with 8,108 cases reported through end of July and July alone accounting for 2,792 infections. Defence Industry Link: VTDS signed a strategic technology partnership with Czech firm DEUS Automation to boost small-calibre ammunition manufacturing in India.

Health Watch: Czechia is seeing a sharp Lyme disease rise, with 8,108 cases reported through end of July and about 90 new infections per day in July alone—officials warn the summer peak may still be ahead. Prague Development: Prague has approved preparations for the renovation of the historic Kasárna Karlín complex, with costs estimated at about CZK 1.93 billion and plans for new passages, shops/services, and possible student housing. Public Safety: A new Czech transport analysis finds many young riders are still unprotected—nearly half of injured cyclists up to 14 and over 60% of injured kick/e-scooter riders were not wearing helmets. Business & Defence Links: VTDS has signed a strategic technology partnership with Czech firm DEUS Automation to boost small-calibre ammunition manufacturing in India. Travel & Mobility: Emirates will temporarily suspend Airbus A380 flights to Prague and Glasgow, switching to Boeing 777-300ER until October. Culture: Czech Speaker Tomio Okamura named a newborn mountain gorilla “Tomáš” during a Uganda visit, calling it a symbol of Czech-Ugandan friendship.

Arts Funding & Protest: A Prague-based “Shella Radio” installation at the National Gallery is spotlighting alternative culture as Czech government arts cuts shrink this year’s culture budget by 3.9 billion crowns (about 20%). Electric Mobility: Škoda has started production of its Peaq electric flagship in Mladá Boleslav on a flexible line, with nearly 8,500 orders logged by end of July and two battery options (59 kWh and 86 kWh usable). Transport & Travel: easyJet launched four new Newcastle routes to Reus, Tenerife, Prague and Sharm el-Sheikh, while Emirates temporarily suspended A380 service to Prague (and Glasgow) during summer before restoring it from October. Astronomy: A partial solar eclipse will be visible across Czechia on Aug. 12, with Prague’s peak around 8:12 p.m. Culture & Heritage: More than 60 synagogues and Jewish cemeteries across Czechia opened for free as part of the Day of Jewish Monuments, including sites in Prague and Central Bohemia. Sports: Czech rider Filip Salač won Moto2 at the British GP in Silverstone for the first Czech World Championship win in 16 years.

Public Safety & Culture: Tens of thousands marched in Prague for the LGBTQ+ Pride parade on Saturday, with a minute of silence for Berlin’s CSD victims and hundreds of police deployed; organizers said the goal is still equal rights, and police reported no major incidents. Sports Spotlight: Czech rider Filip Salač won Moto2 at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone for his first World Championship victory in 16 years, taking the lead on the final lap. Local Economy & Transport: Emirates temporarily suspended Airbus A380 flights to Prague (and Glasgow) for summer, switching to smaller aircraft until A380 service resumes from October 1. Astronomy for Czechia: A partial solar eclipse will be visible over Czechia on Wednesday, Aug 12, with Prague seeing about 86% coverage around 8:12 p.m. Beer Trends: Non-alcoholic beer sales in Czechia are up by more than 25% year-on-year online, with non-alcoholic now nearing one-third of beer sales on Rohlík. Heritage: More than 60 synagogues and Jewish cemeteries across Czechia opened for the Day of Jewish Monuments, including newly restored sites.

Czech Car Market: New passenger car registrations in the Czech Republic rose to 149,957 in the first seven months of 2026 (+4.53% year-on-year), with electric cars driving much of the growth (10,168 BEVs, +27.42%). Defence Industry Deal: VTDS signed a strategic technology partnership with Czech firm DEUS Automation to transfer small-calibre ammunition manufacturing know-how for VTDS operations in India. Energy Watch: Croatia warns of possible natural gas trouble this autumn due to weak filling of underground storage, while drought and river-low levels are also affecting power generation in the region. Prague Pride: Tens of thousands marched through Prague for the Pride parade, with enhanced police security and a minute of silence for Berlin Pride attack victims. International Ties: Kuwait’s ambassador met Teplice officials to coordinate consular support for Kuwaiti residents and tourists, including medical care. Tech & Security Debate: A new discussion highlights how AI can speed software delivery, while security testing still often lags behind modern development pace. Sports Transfers: Czech-linked football continues abroad, including Nigerian striker Olamilekan Adams moving from Czech club SK Dynamo České Budějovice to Scotland’s Dunfermline Athletic.

Prague Pride: Tens of thousands marched through central Prague for the rainbow parade, starting at Wenceslas Square with a minute of silence for victims of the Berlin Pride attack; organizers kept the theme “Times Are Changing” and tightened security with hundreds of police and an anti-conflict team. International Cooperation: Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Lt. Gov. David Toland signed a Statement of Mutual Cooperation with the Czech Republic, aiming to expand ties in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, nanotechnologies, and agriculture/biotech. Consular Support in Teplice: Kuwait’s ambassador met Teplice officials to coordinate care and welfare for Kuwaiti citizens in the city, including medical patients and summer tourists. Sports Transfers (Czech links): Nigerian striker Olamilekan Adams left Czech club SK Dynamo České Budějovice for Scotland’s Dunfermline Athletic on a two-year deal; Genk coach Jess Thorup also confirmed winger Yira Sor is set to leave Genk this summer. Culture & Arts: A newly discovered Václav Havel play, “Warning,” will have a New York staged reading on Sept. 26, with a Czech premiere in Prague in October. Tourism & Events: Organizers say more than 70,000 attended Marek Ztracený’s Letná concert, with fireworks cancelled over concerns for nearby residents, dogs, and birds.

Tourism in Prague: Prague welcomed 3.83 million visitors in the first half of 2026, up about 1% year-on-year, with foreign guests spending more and showing growing interest in culture and higher-quality services. Public Health & Safety: Czech inspectors found hundreds of cosmetic products containing EU-banned lilial and TPO in the Vysočina Region; the items must be withdrawn and disposed of. Transport & Cities: Ostrava is set to buy up to 70 Solaris electric buses (2027–2028 timeframe) as it moves away from route chargers toward larger battery capacity. Local Economy & Business: Live Nation and PPF are expanding in Prague, with a new JV giving Live Nation a 51% stake to run and book major venues including O2 Arena and O2 Universum. Environment & Climate: Europe’s drought is worsening, with major rivers like the Danube and Rhine showing record-low water levels and visible damage across landscapes. Culture: A Czech festival released a video of Glen Hansard reconnecting with organisers in Opava after honoring a promise to bring an original samizdat book.

Ceuta Border Crisis: Spain is set to impose border controls on all travel from Italy for a month, after Italy refused to lift checks tied to the Ceuta migrant influx; Rome says controls will stay until at least 15 August, while Madrid warns of possible retaliation. Prague Tourism Disruption: Construction and transport upgrades are snarling central Prague this summer, with tram closures around Národní Divadlo hitting foot traffic and local businesses. Prague Venues Deal: Live Nation and PPF are launching a joint venture to run O2 Arena, O2 Universum and Forum Karlín day-to-day, with Live Nation taking a 51% stake and pledging upgrades. Local Incident: A Czech mother was dragged about 45 metres by a departing train after her toddler’s pram got trapped in a carriage door; she suffered bruises and abrasions, child unharmed. Culture & Lifestyle: The Italian Embassy in Prague hosts a free open house celebrating the Vespa’s 80th anniversary, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance actor Luke Dale is opening a medieval-inspired tavern in Prague. Sports: Ajax goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek’s Czech connection is in the spotlight as he aims to bring “sexy football” to Newcastle, while Ajax’s Joeri Heerkens is again blamed for a costly error for Jong Ajax.

Public Safety: Czech police recorded 236 alcohol-related offences involving bicycles and e-scooters between June 1 and Aug 4, up from 167 in the same period last year. Migration & Rights: Czechia tightened rules for new temporary protection applications for Ukrainians of military age, requiring proof of fulfilled service or legal permission to leave Ukraine (existing holders aren’t affected). Heat & Energy: Record temperatures and drought across Central Europe are straining power systems and worsening wildfire risk, with Slovakia and Austria hitting historic highs. Sports (Czech ties): Baník Ostrava extended Nigeria defender Abdullahi Bewene on a five-year deal to June 2031. Culture: Prague’s Letná Plain hosts Marek Ztracený’s biggest career concert, with organizers preparing for hot weather and extra transport. EU Football: Conference League qualifiers’ first legs delivered results including Czech side Jablonec beating RFS 2-0.

International Cooperation: Kansas and the Czech Republic signed a Statement of Mutual Cooperation to boost ties in aerospace, agriculture/biotech, advanced manufacturing and nanotechnologies, with cooperation routed through the Czech Foreign Affairs and Industry ministries. Energy Watch: Slovakia says it will hit its gas-storage target (13 TWh by September) and expects 17.5 TWh by the start of the heating season, while electricity generation rose 3% in H1 and exports grew nearly 20%—with Czech Republic a key import source. Sports (Czech Football): Nigeria defender Abdullahi Bewene has agreed a new five-year deal with Baník Ostrava, keeping him at the club until June 2031. Climate & Travel Impact: The Danube is running at historic lows due to drought and record heat, disrupting shipping and tourism across central Europe. EU Migration: In Ceuta, thousands of migrants remain after the late-July border crisis, with local leaders warning resources are still stretched. Fact-check: A viral claim that Poles and Baltic residents can only vacation in Belarus and Russia was rated false. Heatwave Reality Check: A German viral “28°C Rhine” reading was mocked for being taken in extremely shallow water, undermining trust in climate reporting.

Prague Pride Disruption: The Prague Pride Parade will run through the city centre on Saturday, Aug. 8, with road closures and public transport diversions expected mainly between about 12:00 and 16:00, including partial restrictions around the route near Hlávkův most, Těšnov and access roads to Štvanice Island. Justice & Corruption: Czech prosecutors indicted five people and one company over a CZK 160 million contract for linear accelerators for Prague’s Bulovka University Hospital, alleging bribery, embezzlement and money laundering; plea deals are planned for three parties, and former ODS MP Marek Šnajdr is among those accused. Politics & Health: A new IVF rule push is raising conflict-of-interest questions for Czech PM Andrej Babiš, as Health Minister Vojtěch advances a bill that would change access to assisted reproduction for single women. International Links: South Korea and the Czech Republic agreed to expand passenger air rights to 10 flights per week, up from seven. Public Safety/Events: A Czech-Ukrainian rally titled “Ivan, Go Home!” is set for Aug. 20 outside the Russian Embassy in Prague to mark the 1968 invasion anniversary.