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President Petr Pavel says Czechia is continuing its support for Ukraine, though “in a clever way.” Speaking at the Faculty of Science of Charles University, he noted that the Czech-led ammunition initiative now operates without direct Czech funding. The government of Andrej Babiš (ANO), together with SPD and the Motorists, has kept a coordinating role but provides no money. Pavel stressed that Czech know-how and logistics remain vital. He also backed the EU’s €90 billion loan for Kyiv, championed by Ursula von der Leyen, warning that Czechia must choose between a constructive European role and isolation alongside Hungary and Slovakia.

Czech breweries are struggling to fill positions for brewmasters and technical staff, the Czech Beer and Malt Association (Český svaz pivovarů a sladoven) has warned. According to a recent survey of brewing schools and 15 breweries, the biggest shortages are among maintenance workers and mechanics, cited by 87 percent of respondents. Technologists and machine operators are also in short supply. While interest in brewing studies remains stable, many students are unaware they can specialise in beer production. Around 130 students enrol in related secondary programmes each year, with about 50 continuing at university level. Growing automation has further increased demand for skilled technicians across the sector.

Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka says defence spending must rise not because of political percentage targets, but to ensure the army’s real capabilities. Addressing a command assembly on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he warned that Czechia must never again allow its armed forces to deteriorate. At the same event, Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna (nominated by SPD Party) said security cannot be measured solely by defence spending as a share of GDP. He insisted that proposed budget cuts under the government of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO Party) would not jeopardise key modernisation projects.

Former Czech national team captain Vladimír Darida has accepted an offer to return to the squad ahead of the World Cup qualification play-offs at the end of March. The 35-year-old midfielder from Hradec Králové made the decision after talks with new head coach Miroslav Koubek and general manager Pavel Nedvěd. Darida said he wants to do his utmost to help the team secure a place at the upcoming championship. He returns after nearly five years, having originally retired from international football following the 2021 European Championship. Over his career with the senior national side, he earned 76 caps and scored eight goals.