News

Vamberk lace has become the first Czech craft product to receive European protected geographical indication status. The designation is intended to boost the prestige of the traditional lace-making craft and guarantee the product’s origin and quality.

The recognition comes under new EU legislation that extends geographical protection beyond food products to include craft and industrial goods. Lace-making in the Vamberk region dates back to the 17th century.

The label can be used by lace makers in the Orlické Mountains and surrounding areas who preserve the region’s traditional techniques. Officials say the designation highlights the cultural and artistic significance of Vamberk lace while helping consumers identify authentic products.

A 91-year-old Czech man was seriously injured after falling on Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, Austrian news agency APA reported on Friday.

The accident happened on Thursday near the village of Kals in East Tyrol. Police said the man fell around 25 metres down a steep slope above a mountain hut, suffering suspected serious head injuries.

After receiving initial treatment at the scene, he was airlifted to a hospital in Innsbruck with suspected severe head injuries.

The European Union should admit Montenegro and Albania by 2028, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said on Friday ahead of a summit of EU and Western Balkan leaders in the Montenegrin coastal city of Tivat.

Babiš said the accession process for Western Balkan countries has taken far too long. The region includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia.

While the EU accelerated enlargement efforts after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, some Balkan leaders remain frustrated by the slow pace of negotiations and fear Ukraine could be prioritised in the accession process.

The Czech government will decide on June 22 who will represent the country at July’s NATO summit, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced on Friday.

President Petr Pavel, who has attended every NATO summit since taking office, insists on being part of the delegation. Babiš argues that defence spending should be presented by the government and has previously said the president should not attend. Pavel is due to join a cabinet meeting on June 8 to discuss coordination at major international summits.

Pavel says both he and the prime minister could attend, each focusing on different aspects of the summit. He is reportedly prepared to file a constitutional complaint if he is excluded.