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02/16/2026
At its session on Monday, the coalition government approved maintaining special long-term residence permits for Ukrainian refugees, despite opposition from the SPD party.
The scheme is intended for self-sufficient and economically active refugees who meet strict eligibility criteria. Those granted the status are assured five years of residence in the Czech Republic and may subsequently apply for permanent residency.
Ministers from the SPD party opposed the move on the argument that it would give Ukrainians preferential treatment over other foreigners.
According to Interior Ministry statistics, more than 398,000 Ukrainian refugees are currently living in the Czech Republic. The vast majority hold temporary protection status, which is extended annually under a European Union framework. However, self-supporting refugees have been able to apply for the special long-term residence permit, offering greater stability and a path toward permanent settlement.
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02/16/2026
The Motorists’ party has nominated MP Igor Červený as its new candidate for environment minister, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced after Monday’s cabinet meeting. He said the proposal had already been submitted to President Petr Pavel and that he hoped the head of state would comply. Babiš further said he appreciated the Motorists’ constructive approach to resolving the situation.
Igor Červený told journalists that he opposes what he described as “mindless green ideology” and spoke out against the closure of coal-fired power plants as well as what he called disproportionately high costs of the green transition. “Let us protect nature and safeguard our industry,” the ministerial nominee said.
The government’s Commissioner for Climate Policy Filip Turek (Motorists) said that he and the new minister would work side-by-side and form a strong team at the Environment Ministry.
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02/16/2026
Almost 90 percent of people in the Czech Republic agree with a European Parliament recommendation to restrict young people’s access to social media, according to a February survey conducted by the NMS agency.
More than two-fifths of Czechs would allow access to social networks from the age of 15, while 14 percent believe entry should only be permitted upon reaching adulthood, at 18.
Respondents said an age limit would primarily protect children from inappropriate content and reduce the risk of social media addiction.
At the same time, many acknowledged potential drawbacks to introducing such restrictions. The most frequently cited concerns were the difficulty of enforcing a ban and the ease with which it could be circumvented.
The Czech government has announced it is seriously considering a ban on social media for under 15s.
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02/16/2026
Historic locomotives and carriages featured in films such as Dark Blue World will no longer be managed directly by the national rail operator České dráhy, Czech Television reported, citing Czech Railways.
Starting in March, Czech Railways will transfer administration of its historic fleet to the Svět železnice foundation fund. The move is intended to ensure self-sustaining financing of the collection.
The annual costs are expected to run into tens of millions of crowns. Czech Railways will contribute part of the funding, while the foundation plans to secure the majority through public events and private-sector support.
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02/16/2026
Germany will extend border controls with its neighbours for another six months over illegal migration concerns, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told the tabloid Bild. He said the European Commission had already been informed about the decision.
Random checks at all of Germany’s borders will thus remain in place at least until 15 September.
Although Germany is part of the Schengen free movement zone, which in principle allows passport-free travel across internal borders, it has maintained checks on its border with Austria since 2015.
Controls were extended to the Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland in October 2023.
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02/16/2026
Ministers from the Freedom and Direct Democracy party will vote against a government regulation that would allow Ukrainian refugees to apply for special long-term residency in the Czech Republic this year. Speaking ahead of a coalition council meeting of ANO, SPD and the Motorists, SPD leader and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Tomio Okamura said the party opposes what it sees as preferential treatment for some foreigners.
“No foreign nationals should have simplified conditions for obtaining long-term residence permits in the Czech Republic compared to others,” Okamura said. “Everyone must meet the standard requirements. There should be no exceptions.”
He added that the coalition is working on tightening residency rules for all foreign nationals in the country. Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar is expected to submit the relevant legislation by May at the latest.
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02/16/2026
Heavy snow has been complicating traffic in parts of Czechia since the early hours of Monday. According to reports from the Hydrometeorological Office, five to ten centimetres of fresh snow fell overnight in parts of western Czechia and Moravia and Silesia had 10 to 15 centimetres of fresh snow. More snow is expected in the next 48 hours.
Meteorologists warn that in addition to traffic complications wet snow may also break tree branches or damage power lines.
Drivers are advised to follow traffic updates, ensure their vehicles are equipped for winter conditions and carry snow chains when heading to the mountains. In mountainous areas, people should also follow instructions issued by the Mountain Rescue Service.
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02/16/2026
Czech biathlete Markéta Davidová will end her season after the Olympic Games in Italy. She remains in Antholz-Anterselva as a reserve for Wednesday’s relay but will undergo medical examinations for a herniated disc following the Games and will not compete in the remaining three World Cup events in Kontiolahti, Otepää and Oslo.
The 29-year-old underwent surgery for a herniated disc last year. Back pain returned in January, forcing the 2021 world champion in the individual race to skip the January World Cup rounds in Ruhpolding and Nové Město na Moravě. She competed in the mixed relay at the Olympic Games, and also in Saturday’s sprint, but her performance was hindered by renewed back pain and she came in 81st.
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02/16/2026
The Motorists’ party will unveil a new nominee for the post of environment minister, the party’s honorary chairman and the government’s Commissioner for the Climate Policy Filip Turek announced on Instagram on Sunday.
According to Turek, he and the new minister will work side-by-side and form a strong team at the Environment Ministry.
President Petr Pavel earlier declined to appoint Turek as environment minister in the coalition government of ANO, SPD and the Motorists, citing, among other things, some of his views and public statements.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) confirmed that the name of the new candidate will be announced at a government press briefing on Monday.
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02/15/2026
The Czech national ice hockey team lost 3:4 in overtime to Switzerland in their third game at the Milan Olympic Games, placing third in Group A with four points.
Defenceman Dean Kukan decided the match in the 62nd minute, sealing victory for the Swiss side.
The team will next face either Germany, Latvia or Denmark in Tuesday’s qualification round for the playoffs. Their next opponent will be determined by the remaining games scheduled for later today.
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