News

The Czech Labor Office is set to close 83 of its 369 branches, primarily small offices, impacting over a fifth of its network. Around 400 employees will be relocated to larger branches, with no layoffs planned, according to spokesperson Michal Kovařík. The restructuring, which began last year, is part of a network optimization strategy based on a recent analysis. Labor Minister Marian Jurečka announced the plan last summer, citing digitalization as a key factor enabling the consolidation. The Labor Office currently operates 369 branches across 256 cities and towns with nearly 10,500 staff positions.

The Czech government’s website received a fresh design overhaul last week, replacing a 15-year-old layout. The redesign, costing nearly CZK 160,000, emerged from a public tender initiated last year. Government spokesperson Lucie Ješátková stated that the update aims to enhance clarity and user-friendliness to meet public expectations for transparent communication. The revamped site is visually modern, accessible, and functional. Additionally, state authorities have launched a competition to establish a unified visual style across central government bodies, aiming to build trust in state communication, improve national representation, and reduce costs.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (without party affiliation) has commended Moldovan citizens for their commitment to countering Russian disinformation and influence, following the re-election of pro-European President Maia Sandu. Posting on X, Lipavský highlighted the election as evidence of Moldovans’ desire to continue on a European path. In Sunday’s runoff, Sandu secured a ten-point lead over her opponent Alexandr Stoianoglo, with diaspora votes proving decisive. The first round, held on October 20, coincided with a referendum in which Moldovans narrowly approved a constitutional commitment to EU integration.

The seventh annual Czech Space Week festival begins on Monday at Prague’s main train station, inaugurated by President Petr Pavel and Transport and Environment Ministers Martin Kupka (Civic Democratic Party) and Petr Hladík (Christian Democrats). Running through November 10, the festival includes events for industry experts and the public, promoting science, space technology, and Earth observation. Highlights include the Copernicus and Earth Observation Forum and the Space2Business conference, focusing on partnerships in the space sector. The Space4Women event at Brno University of Technology aims to inspire women in space industries. Public events include open days at the Astronomical Institute and educational activities at various Czech venues.