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Czech nominee for EU Commissioner, Jozef Síkela, is set for a hearing Wednesday afternoon with the European Parliament's Development Committee (DEVE). He is expected to primarily address questions regarding his role in overseeing international partnerships. Síkela, a former Czech Minister of Industry and Trade, has prepared intensively, meeting with committee members and heads of associated committees who will also be present. He is likely to address concerns about the EU's Global Gateway strategy, which aims to compete with China’s Belt and Road Initiative through investments in infrastructure in emerging regions. DEVE committee members have previously criticized the strategy’s transparency and implementation.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský voiced strong support for North Macedonia’s efforts to advance its EU accession talks, following his meeting in Prague with North Macedonian Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski. Lipavský emphasized that the journey to EU membership will require considerable effort from North Macedonia. Mucunski expressed optimism, suggesting that with mutual commitment, EU accession by 2030 could be achievable.

Negotiations for EU membership with North Macedonia and neighboring Albania began in 2022, with the initial "screening" phase concluding at the end of 2023. This phase, conducted with the European Commission, involves reviewing national laws to identify areas requiring alignment with EU standards. Lipavský reaffirmed his full support for North Macedonia’s progress in these negotiations.

The 17th Juniorfest International Film Festival for children and young audiences will feature a diverse program including around 60 feature and short films, workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions. Running from November 8 to 13, the festival will take place in Pilsen, Dobřany, Přeštice, Klatovy, Horšovský Týn, and Domažlice. This year’s festival will also mark the 40th anniversary of the German fantasy film The NeverEnding Story.

The festival’s lineup showcases films from nearly 20 countries, including six Czech premieres, spanning genres like comedy, drama, nature documentaries, and science fiction.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala voiced opposition to establishing an EU-wide intelligence service during a discussion on common security challenges facing the European Union, describing the idea as unrealistic.

Fiala’s comments came in response to a recent report by former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, which included this proposal. At the same time, Fiala expressed support for strengthening cooperation between the intelligence services of the 27 EU member states.

The Czech civilian counterintelligence agency, BIS, is also skeptical of the proposal. BIS spokesperson Ladislav Sticha noted that EU member states' intelligence services already collaborate closely through joint projects. He stressed that national security remains a national responsibility, making the formation of an EU-level intelligence agency particularly challenging.