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Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala met for talks with the British head of government, Liz Truss, on Thursday ahead of the European Political Community's meeting at Prague Castle. They discussed bilateral cooperation, the security situation and support for Ukraine, including possible further supplies of military equipment and training for members of the Ukrainian armed forces. “Relations between our two countries have a long tradition and are excellent. The United Kingdom is an important partner in the field of defense and security and trade," Fiala said after the talks.

The European Union has given its final approval to a new package of sanctions against Russia, including a price cap on the maritime trade of Russian oil. The eighth’s sanctions package further extends the list of restricted items which might contribute to the Russian Federation’s military and technological enhancement including a ban on imports from Russia of steel and steel products, imports of wood pulp and paper, imports of machinery and appliances not yet covered by existing sanctions, and imports of intermediate chemicals, plastics, and cigarettes. The sanctions also ban the export of EU goods used in aviation, such as tires and brakes, and extend a ban on the export of electric components, including certain semiconductors and less sophisticated components than those already banned.

Gas consumption in the Czech Republic fell by 20 percent year-on-year in the third quarter, the CTK news agency reported citing Kamil Rajdl, an analyst at Amper Meteo. According to Rajdl the drop in consumption is linked to the later start of the heating season and probably also the closure of some companies due to the energy crunch and soaring inflation. Gas became more expensive in July and August, with the price reaching an all-time high on the stock exchange in August. Electricity consumption has also dropped slightly year-on-year as interest in photovoltaics continues to grow.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has ended his visit to Czechia prematurely after Brussels didn’t approve his attendance at Thursday’s summit of the European Political Community platform. The Qatari sheik arrived for a two-day official visit to Czechia on Wednesday and held talks with President Miloš Zeman and Prime Minister Petr Fiala. On Thursday he was supposed to meet with participants of the EU summit.

According to Deník N, the sheik wanted to become an official participant in the summit and attend a gala dinner for about 50 political leaders. He reportedly left before 10 p.m. on Wednesday, after his request was turned down by EU leaders, despite efforts from the Czech side to find a compromise.

According to a source from the Castle, the Emir's early departure will not jeopardize relations with Czechia or the concluded agreements on economic cooperation.