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The Czech Defence Ministry has approved a CZK 5.33 billion (around EUR 213 million, excluding VAT) modernisation of the air base in Čáslav, which is expected to host future F-35 fighter jets. The decision was taken by the minister’s board led by Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna of the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and still needs cabinet approval. The upgrade will include a new runway and taxiways and is planned to last two years. The ministry also approved construction of a new vehicle depot at the Jince base, worth CZK 848 million (around EUR 34 million, excluding VAT), to house modern artillery and other heavy equipment.

Czech President Petr Pavel has begun a visit to Lviv, opening his third trip to Ukraine since taking office. In the western Ukrainian city, Pavel met regional officials and discussed defence cooperation, including anti-drone protection, with representatives of the Ukrainian foreign ministry. He also paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers at Lychakiv Cemetery. During the trip, Pavel is expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The visit is meant to reaffirm Czech support for Ukraine, highlight the war’s humanitarian impact and underline the need for post-war reconstruction. It follows a recent visit by Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, who confirmed that the Czech ammunition initiative will continue under the new government led by ANO party leader Andrej Babiš.

The lower house of the Czech parliament continued its debate on Thursday ahead of a crucial vote of confidence in the new cabinet led by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, the ANO party leader. During the session, Babiš told the Chamber of Deputies that he will not consent to being released for criminal prosecution in the long-running Stork Nest subsidy case. Babiš said he does not question the judiciary as a whole but argued that some judges make politically motivated decisions. The case, involving a subsidy for the Stork Nest complex, has returned to court after higher judges overturned two acquittals. Parliament’s mandate and immunity committee is due to examine the request next week, alongside a separate case concerning Tomio Okamura of the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, the ANO party leader, told the Chamber of Deputies he will not consent to being prosecuted over the long-running Stork Nest subsidy case. While saying he does not question the judiciary as a whole, Babiš argued that some judges act politically. Babiš and MEP Jana Nagyová face charges over a €2 million subsidy for the Stork Nest recreation and conference complex in Central Bohemia. Lower courts acquitted them twice, but the Prague High Court overturned both rulings and ordered a guilty verdict. The parliamentary immunity committee will review the request next week. It will also consider a case involving Tomio Okamura of the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party. Opposition figures label the ANO-SPD-Motorists' party alliance a “non-extradition coalition,” expecting neither politician to be surrendered for prosecution.