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The head of the Czech Doctors' Trade Union called on the government on Friday to stop reforms by Health Minister Tomáš Julínek which aim to see health insurance companies and teaching hospitals transformed into joint-stock companies. On Thursday, the leadership of the Czech Doctor's Chamber made a similar appeal. The Doctors’ Union chairman Martin Engel revealed that union leaders on Friday had also called on doctors to support a one-hour strike planned for June 24, which would limit the operation of medical facilities but would not prevent acute treatment.

Czech Cardinal Miloslav Vlk was released from hospital on Friday, where he had spent two weeks recovering. He was admitted after suffering heavy exhaustion. He will continue his recovery now at a spa town in southern Bohemia. Last Saturday the cardinal celebrated his 76th birthday. He was recently actively involved in the talks on the government bill on a property settlement between the Church and state, as well as in the court dispute over the ownership of the Prague St Vitus’ Cathedral.

Czech Unions have warned that public transport will grind to a halt in many Czech towns during a one-hour strike to be staged in June in protest of government reforms. The head of the Bohemian and Moravian Transport Workers' Union Jan Rejský made the announcement on Thursday. He stressed there are around 10,000 union members in public transport, half of whom are expected to take part in the strike. It is unclear whether the protest will also be staged in the Czech capital. The trade unions have accused the government of taking measures that, given current inflation has led to the fall in real wages in education, health care, and the public sector.

The president of the European Commission, Jose Barroso, has praised the Czech Republic’s preparations for its presidency of the European Union in the first half of next year. Speaking after talks in Prague with the Czech prime minister, Mirek Topolánek, Mr Barroso said Mr Topolánek had very clear ideas about the main priorities for the Czech presidency. The Commission president said the Czech Republic would be heading the EU in a key period when it was forming new rules on its operation under the Treaty of Lisbon. Mr Topolánek said he was confident all 27 members would have ratified the reform document by the end of this year, paving the way for its implementation during the Czech presidency.

The Portuguese Commission president and Mr Topolánek also discussed the upcoming Euro 2008 football tournament, where their two countries will meet in the group stage. Mr Barroso said the game would feature the two best teams in the world.