AGP Executive Report

World Cup Countdown: The 2026 tournament kicks off June 11 with 48 teams and 12 groups, and Opta’s supercomputer predicts which 32 will reach the knockout stage. Group A starts with Mexico vs South Africa and South Korea vs Czechia, with Czech fans watching a tough path. Czech Sports Spotlight: Czech youngster Jakub Mensik reaches the French Open men’s semi-finals and will face Alexander Zverev—another big moment for Czech sport. Local Culture & Politics: Prague’s Jiřího z Poděbrad Square reopens on 17 June after redevelopment, with a free day-long program of concerts and dance. EU Business & Tech: Cosmos Health says its Sky Premium Life is now shipped across all 27 EU member states via Skroutz, expanding access for Czech shoppers too. Energy & Mobility: The European Investment Bank backs Ireland’s EV charging rollout with a nationwide network plan. International Tensions: China sharply criticized Czech Senate President’s Taiwan trip, escalating diplomatic friction.

Czech Politics: A Prague court fined the governing SPD 3 million crowns over election posters ruled to incite hatred. SPD leader Tomio Okamura says the party will appeal, arguing the campaign targeted migration and welfare abuse rather than race. Czech Business & EU: Czech-based Allwyn, operator of the National Lottery, reported a UK sales and earnings dip in Q1 after a major tech upgrade, calling it an “inflection point.” Separately, the EU is set to push cheaper mobile roaming fees for Western Balkans countries as a pre-enlargement sweetener. Czech Sports: Jakub Mensik bounced back from cramps and a wheelchair scare to reach the French Open semifinals, where he’ll face Alexander Zverev. World Cup Focus (Czech angle): South Korea beat El Salvador 1-0 in their final warm-up; they’ll open Group A against the Czech Republic on June 11. Culture & Film: An Afghan filmmaker’s TV series project selected for development in the Czech Republic highlights stories of Afghan girls and restrictions after the Taliban return.

Energy & State Control: Shareholders of Czech power giant ČEZ have approved a restructuring that sets up a new subsidiary, a step toward government plans to nationalise production assets; ČEZ will keep a 51% stake while parts could later go public, with analysts estimating buyouts could cost around CZK 250bn, and the firm also backed a dividend of CZK 42 per share. NATO & Defence: The Czech Armed Forces will deploy AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to Poland for the first time, replacing UH-1Y Venoms and boosting NATO’s ability to detect and respond to low-altitude threats, including drones. World Cup Focus (Czech angle): Czechia’s World Cup return is tied to a playoff win over Denmark, and the tournament opener in Group A is set for June 11—Mexico vs South Africa—with Czechia facing South Korea in the same group. Culture in Prague: Prague Museum Night returns on June 20 with free or discounted entry at 60+ venues, including new participation from the National Gallery Prague and a focus on the renovated Museum of Prague main building. Society: Czech marriage rates hit a new century low in 2025, as financial pressure and changing relationship norms keep weddings declining.

French Open Czech Spotlight: Jakub Mensik reached his first Grand Slam semifinal by beating Joao Fonseca 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(3), setting up a clash with Alexander Zverev after Zverev swept Rafael Jodar 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-3. World Cup Czechia Angle: South Korea’s odds to advance look strong in Opta’s simulations (70.35% to reach the knockout stage), while Czechia is projected as its main Group A rival. Czechia in the World Cup Group: Mexico’s squad includes goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, while South Africa’s World Cup preparations were hit by visa delays before arriving in Pachuca. Sports Business/Trade: ANTA became a global strategic partner of ZXMOTO, launching co-branded sportswear and footwear as the motorcycle brand expands internationally. EU Diplomacy: EU and member states welcomed Ethiopia’s 7th general election on June 1, urging follow-up elections where voting was missed.

French Open Czech Spotlight: Jakub Mensik, 20, stunned Joao Fonseca to reach the men’s semi-finals, becoming the youngest Czech man ever to do so, while Alexander Zverev cruised past Rafael Jodar and will face the Mensik-Fonseca winner next. Women’s Semis With Czech Stakes: Marta Kostyuk beat Elina Svitolina to set up a semi-final against Mirra Andreeva, with Kostyuk dedicating her win to Ukraine after another night of attacks. World Cup Countdown (Czech angle): FIFA released full 48-team rosters (1,248 players) and the schedule starts June 11; Czechia opens Group A against South Korea in Guadalajara. Czech Cybersecurity: A report says China-linked attackers are running spear-phishing campaigns targeting Czech organizations, especially government, research, tech and finance. Czech Justice: A Czech court cleared the way for extradition of a “German trans neo-Nazi,” a case that’s now set for the next legal steps. Prague Culture: Prague Open Air returns with 20 nights of outdoor concerts across two venues, including major international names.

Embassy Festival 2026: Prague’s Victory Square (Prague 6) hosts the free Embassy Festival Food & Culture on Saturday, with food from 60+ countries prepared by embassy staff and ambassadors on site. World Cup 2026 squads: Mexico and South Africa have published their 26-man rosters for the 48-team tournament starting June 11, with Mexico led by goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and South Africa’s squad including Sparta Prague’s Hugo Sochůrek. Czech crackdown on drugs: Czech authorities stepped up the “Korund” operation, seizing thousands of high-risk synthetic cannabinoid products and illegally sold kratom amid poisoning cases. Prague 1 helps foreigners: The district office launched an intercultural worker service from June 1 to help people with temporary protection navigate Czech administration. Karlovy Vary Film Festival: The 60th KVIFF lineup and Crystal Globe jury were unveiled, including competition title “Hijamat” by Nader Saeivar with Jafar Panahi involved. Volleyball Empowerment: Czechia’s beach volleyball teams shone in FIVB Volleyball Empowerment-supported events, including Ostrava Elite medals and Cervia Futures finals. EU justice diplomacy: Ireland’s justice minister Jim O’Callaghan met Czech and Polish counterparts in Prague and Warsaw ahead of Ireland’s EU Council presidency, focusing on migration, organised crime and rule of law.

World Cup Countdown (Czechia in Group A): The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts June 11 with Czechia drawn alongside Mexico, South Africa and South Korea in Group A. Czech fans get a full squad list and key match dates, including Korea Republic vs Czechia on June 11 and Mexico vs Czechia on June 24. Local Sports & Community: Real Salt Lake is hosting free World Cup “Soccer Celebrations” in Utah for U.S. and Mexico group matches, with big-screen broadcasts and food trucks. EU & Security: A Czech court ordered the extradition of German neo-Nazi provocateur Marla-Svenja Liebich to serve a sentence in a women’s prison. EU Migration Policy: EU member states are weighing whether to exclude Ukrainian men of conscription age from future extensions of temporary protection. Business/Industry: Doosan Enerbility’s Czech unit, Doosan Škoda Power, will supply a steam turbine for a $556m Saudi cogeneration project phase. Culture & Lifestyle (Prague): June in Prague brings free outdoor events like Letni kino v Holešovické tržnici and a Japanese bonsai culture festival in the city’s botanical greenhouse.

World Cup Countdown: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are finally set to fly to Mexico on Monday after a visa fiasco delayed their departure, with the federation saying visas are now secured for players and most staff. Czech Football Spotlight: Czechia’s World Cup squad includes 17-year-old Hugo Sochůrek, and the team’s youngest-ever player is set to open against South Korea on June 11. Czech-Taiwan Tensions: Senate President Miloš Vystrčil says China can’t dictate Czech ties and has invited Taiwan’s speaker, as Beijing demands “immediate measures” to limit the impact. EU Migration Policy: EU capitals are debating whether to exclude Ukrainian men of conscription age from any future extension of temporary protection. Tech & Industry: Bull and Foxconn plan to manufacture AI and cloud infrastructure using Bull’s Angers site and Foxconn’s Pardubice factories. Health & Politics: Czech plans for tax breaks on preventative care are drawing conflict-of-interest concerns tied to PM Andrej Babiš’s clinics. Sports Elsewhere: Finland won the ice hockey world championship in overtime, with Sabres prospect Konsta Helenius scoring the winner. Road Safety: A Hungarian-registered bus crash in South Bohemia left at least 12 injured amid severe weather.

Czech World Cup Squad: Coach Miroslav Koubek named Patrik Schick to lead the Czech attack and included 17-year-old Sparta Prague midfielder Hugo Sochůrek after his Kosovo warm-up breakthrough; the final 26-man roster was cut from 29 and includes Slavia Prague players Tomáš Chorý and David Douděra despite club suspensions. Czech–China Tensions: China’s embassy condemned Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil’s Taiwan visit, saying it violates the one-China principle, while Czech officials reiterate adherence to one-China after Vystrčil’s trip. South Africa World Cup Chaos (Mexico trip): Bafana Bafana’s departure to Mexico was delayed 11 days before the opener due to visa problems, with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie calling it an “administrative bungle” and demanding accountability; the team is still set to face Mexico, Czechia and South Korea in Group A. Football Culture Moment: A South African content creator faced backlash after asking a Bafana player for a “score prediction” vs Mexico, sparking debate online about sportsmanship and “content” over substance. Sports Elsewhere: Norway beat Canada 3-2 in overtime to win bronze at the IIHF World Championship, while Canadians Humana-Paredes and Wilkerson took gold in beach volleyball in Ostrava.

Czech Spotlight: Czech police released Russian Orthodox Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev after arresting him on suspicion of drug possession, following a search after an anonymous tip in Prague. Sports in Czechia: Qatar’s beach volleyball duo Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan kept rolling at the Ostrava Elite 16, winning their Round of 16 and booking a quarterfinal spot. Culture & Travel: Ukrainian grocery chain Best Market will open its first Czech store in Prague on June 6, bringing Ukrainian food staples to Czech shelves. Diplomacy: Czech Senate president Miloš Vystrčil is set to visit Taiwan to boost bilateral cooperation, including events tied to Václav Havel’s legacy. Media Policy: The Czech cabinet will not consider a proposed new media bill by Culture Minister Oto Klempíř, with the government instead planning changes to current public broadcaster funding. World News via Czech Links: A French Open shock saw Novak Djokovic fall to Brazilian teen Joao Fonseca, reshaping the men’s title race.

Czech Senate Diplomacy: Senate President Miloš Vystrčil will visit Taiwan June 1–4 to boost Czech–Taiwan cooperation, including events tied to Václav Havel. Sports—Czech on the rise: At the Ostrava Elite16, Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan booked the Round of 16; in tennis, Iga Swiatek advanced at Roland Garros while Czech Marie Bouzkova was beaten by Mirra Andreeva. French Open shockwaves: Novak Djokovic’s French Open run ended after a five-set loss to teen Joao Fonseca, guaranteeing a first-time men’s champion. World Cup countdown: Czech footballers play Kosovo in Prague as their final warm-up before naming the 26-man squad; the Czech team opens the tournament June 11 vs South Korea. Tourism & economy: Prague topped Central Europe hotel performance in April, with strong occupancy and revenue; Czechia’s GDP growth eased to 2.2% in Q1. Public health & social policy: Addiction and social inclusion experts plan a symbolic two-hour strike over a government reshuffle that moves drug policy to the Ministry of Health. Business: Cyient agreed to buy US firm Tao Digital Solutions for $218m, including Czech operations.

French Open Shockwaves: Novak Djokovic’s record 25th Grand Slam bid ended in the third round as Brazilian teen Joao Fonseca won a five-set thriller in sweltering Paris, while the men’s draw keeps getting more unpredictable after other early exits. Czech Tennis Spotlight: Czech Marie Bouzkova was beaten by Mirra Andreeva, and Andreeva will face either Czech Karolina Muchova or Jil Teichmann next. Clay Court Momentum: Iga Swiatek advanced to the last 16 and is set to meet Marta Kostyuk, who extended her clay winning streak to 15. Czechia in International Sports: Czech forward Simon Katolicky signed with the Sarnia Sting, and Czech Marie Bouzkova’s French Open run continues to shape the women’s bracket. Ukraine War & Security: A Russian drone hit an apartment block in Romania, injuring two civilians and drawing fresh EU/NATO condemnation. Czechia-Linked Trade: Taiwan’s drone exports are surging, with shipments going to Poland and the Czech Republic as transit hubs toward Ukraine. Diplomacy: Azerbaijan marked Independence Day with an official reception in Prague attended by Czech leaders.

EU Carbon Costs: Czechia secured new allies (including Hungary and Italy) to shield heavy industry from rising EU carbon expenses, pushing to keep free emission allowances and even lobby for exemptions from the ETS for energy-intensive sectors until 2034. Security in the Region: Romania called a Russian drone strike on its territory the “most serious security incident” since the Ukraine war began, with Czech President Pavel urging a strong response so Nato’s stance is clear. Rail Travel: Czech operator Leo Express will launch a very long Poland–Germany route via Czechia from June 25, linking Przemyśl, Kraków, Prague, Dresden, Leipzig and Frankfurt. World Cup Focus (Czech Fans): South Africa named uncapped defenders Olwethu Makhanya and Bradley Cross in its 26-man squad; Group A includes Czechia, with matches in Atlanta (June 18) and Guadalajara (June 11 opener for Korea vs Czechia). Culture & Community: Churches across Czechia open for the Night of Churches event, with the theme “Courage” and hundreds of sites welcoming visitors.

EU Consumer Rules: The European Commission has launched infringement steps against 20 member states, including Czechia, over delayed transposition of consumer, health and worker-safety rules—starting with a formal notice giving two months to respond. EU Trade Scrutiny: Brussels is also probing a deal that could give Chinese retailer JD.com a stake in France’s Fnac Darty under the EU’s foreign subsidies rules. Czech Justice & Diplomacy: Czech police arrested Russian Orthodox Metropolitan Hilarion on drug-possession suspicions; he was released after protests and no charges have been filed yet. Politics Watch: Czech PM’s conflict-of-interest case remains on the agenda, with the EU reportedly set to withhold subsidies. Sports (Czech Angle): At the French Open, Czech veteran Katerina Siniakova lost in doubles action, while heat-related drama ended top seed Jannik Sinner’s run. EU Security & Markets: European stocks closed weak as investors tracked Middle East tensions and the Strait of Hormuz, with Czech markets among those ending down.

World Cup Squad Buzz (South Africa): Hugo Broos has named a 26-man Bafana Bafana squad built around a defence-and-goalkeeping core dominated by Mamelodi Sundowns and a midfield packed with Orlando Pirates players, with the team framed as underdogs aiming to frustrate opponents and pounce on mistakes. Czech Football on the World Stage: South Africa’s group includes Czechia, and the tournament schedule highlights a key match on June 18 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium (temporarily branded for the event). Czech Defence & Ukraine Ammo: Czech President Petr Pavel says donor fatigue is biting hard: the artillery-ammunition initiative that once had 18 contributors now has only nine still paying, even though it supplies up to half of large-calibre rounds for Ukraine. Nuclear Industry (Czechia): Doosan Enerbility will support Rolls-Royce SMR’s Temelín project as a strategic manufacturing partner, handling manufacturability reviews for major reactor components. Culture & Media (Prague): Prague Daily News launches “Beerland Czech Republic,” a new video series exploring breweries, beer pubs and regional brewing stories. Sports (Roland-Garros): Iga Świątek and Elina Svitolina cruised into the French Open third round with straight-sets wins over Czech teenager Sara Bejlek and Kaitlin Quevedo.

French Open Heat Fallout: Czech Jakub Mensik survived a brutal five-set win over Mariano Navone, then collapsed from cramps in front of fans and was taken off in a wheelchair; he called the conditions “insane,” as Paris heat continues to disrupt play. Czech Sports Spotlight: Mensik’s collapse and other match-day dramas underline how the tournament’s scorching weather is reshaping results and player health. World Cup Squad News (South Africa): Hugo Broos named South Africa’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Ronwen Williams as captain; the key Czechia link is Group A, where South Africa will face Czechia in Atlanta on June 18. Israel–Czech Relations: Prague’s ambassador to Israel says Czech support for Israel spans the political spectrum and that Prague aims to protect the Israel–EU relationship. Ukraine Ammo Coalition: A Czech-led artillery-shell initiative is losing contributors fast, with funding dropping from about 18 countries to around nine, raising sustainability concerns. Local Czech Connection Abroad: Ellis County in Texas officially signed a sister-county deal with the Pardubice Region, with Czech-themed events planned around World Cup base-camp ties.