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The Czech Republic ranks as the 29th most economically free country out of 165 surveyed, according to the newly released Economic Freedom of the World Index from Canada’s Fraser Institute.

Compared to last year’s revised ranking, the Czech Republic dropped four places, although its absolute level of economic freedom showed a slight improvement. This marks a continued downward trend: the country also fell four spots in last year’s ranking.

Hong Kong and Singapore remain the world’s most economically free nations, while Venezuela ranks last.

The Czech men’s volleyball team has reached the semifinals of the World Championship after defeating Iran 3–1, with set scores of 22–25, 27–25, 25–20, 25–21. At the weekend, they will play for a medal against either the United States or Bulgaria.

By advancing to the quarterfinals, the Czech team had already secured their best World Championship result since the split of Czechoslovakia. The last time the national side finished at least fourth was in 1970, when Czechoslovakia placed fourth. Previously, Czechoslovakia had won six World Championship medals, including two golds.

Police are investigating a suspected criminal offense of spreading a false alarm, targeting the National Museum in Prague. A security inspection took place earlier this week after the museum itself alerted authorities. The warning came from Taiwan’s National Palace Museum, which had received a threatening email from an unknown sender. The message warned that unless the Prague exhibition "100 Treasures, 100 Stories" showcasing Taiwan's Imperial Chinese treasures—which opened less than two weeks ago—was closed, the National Museum could become the target of an attack. Nothing suspicious was found during the inspection. Police are investigating the matter as a suspected case of spreading a false alarm and are searching for the perpetrator.

During a debate with students at Harvard University, Czech President Petr Pavel acknowledged the possibility that Czechia could take a populist turn after elections, similar to Slovakia or Hungary. At the same time, he stressed that major changes in foreign policy are unlikely. “The ANO party, which is expected to win the elections, is not against the EU or NATO and understands that the only way Czechia can guarantee its security and prosperity is within these organizations,” Pavel said, while noting that the potential coalition partners of ANO do pose a risk. He said he hoped voters would understand what is at stake and that Czechia cannot afford to risk its security with a referendum that could end like Brexit, which left many Britons frustrated.