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The Czech government wants to open a debate in the European Union on changing the conditions of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees, Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar (ANO) said after talks in Berlin with his German counterpart Alexander Dobrindt. According to the Czech Interior Ministry, Prague believes it is necessary to consider limiting the scope of protection, for example based on geographical origin or other criteria. Nearly 398,000 Ukrainians currently hold temporary protection in Czechia, with around 6,000 more arriving each month. Metnar also discussed migration policy, calling for tougher measures against illegal migration, faster returns and the possibility of establishing return centres outside the EU. Both ministers addressed border controls within the Schengen area.

American actor Leonardo DiCaprio is expected to arrive in Prague later this week to join the cast of What Happens at Night, a new feature directed by Martin Scorsese. The 83-year-old filmmaker reportedly reached the Czech capital in mid-February. The production also stars Jennifer Lawrence, Mads Mikkelsen and Patricia Clarkson. The Apple-backed film is based on a novel by American writer Peter Cameron. It follows an American couple seeking to adopt a child in a snowy European city, where strange hotel guests blur the boundaries between reality and illusion.

Czechia is the eighth most advanced economy in the European Union, according to the latest Prosperity Index compiled by analysts at Česká spořitelna and the Europe in Data portal. The ranking compares quality of life and economic performance across the bloc, with Sweden, Germany and Denmark topping the list. After slipping in the wake of post-invasion inflation in 2022 and 2023, Czechia has climbed back up the table. Analysts note that the country invests heavily, but often in machinery rather than intangible assets such as patents or software. While its economy is complex and highly robotised, experts say future prosperity will depend on shifting towards higher value-added production and innovation.

Police investigators probing crimes committed under the communist regime identified 68 suspects last year, 12 more than in 2024. Of those, 23 were formally charged, according to the annual report of the Office for the Documentation and Investigation of the Crimes of Communism. In one case prosecution was time-barred, in two it was deemed purposeless, and in 42 cases the suspects had already died. The specialised police unit focuses on unresolved crimes from 1948 to 1989, including abuse of power, murder and crimes against humanity.

Last year the office opened 101 new cases. Among those charged were dozens of former officers and senior officials of the communist secret police, the StB. Investigators also continued examining the 1948 death of former foreign minister Jan Masaryk.