Czech President Petr Pavel has vetoed a controversial amendment to the country's budget rules that would allow the government to exceed the approved state spending framework by up to CZK 200 billion. The ruling coalition is determined to override the veto, arguing that the lack of extra funds planned would put at risk the country’s economic growth, defense capabilities and health care.

Graphic designer Pavel Fuksa has worked with some of the world’s top brands, including Nike, Lego and Google. Now Fuksa has turned his skills to a different field, designing the 2026–2027 strip collection for reigning Czech football champions Slavia Prague, the club he has followed all his life. I spoke to him ahead of the start of the new top flight season this weekend.

The 22-year-old Miss Czech Republic, Sophia Osako, will represent the country at Miss Universe in Puerto Rico this November. Born to a Moravian mother and a Japanese father, and raised speaking mostly English, she spoke to me about how the competition has deepened her connection to Czech culture, why beauty pageants still matter, and how she hopes to showcase Czechia on the world stage.

The monument to Field Marshal Josef Václav Radetzky is set to return to Prague's Malá Strana after more than a century. While the decision has broad political backing, some history minded members of the public still question whether the location is appropriate.

Czech lower house speaker Tomio Okamura has headed to Beijing for the last part of a visit to China. His trip comes against the backdrop of the arrest of a Czech citizen in China – and amid suggestions China could seek to exchange him for a Chinese national accused of spying in Prague. I discussed the matter with Kateřina Procházková of China-watchers Sinospis.

The Czech government has approved a proposal to ban the use of mobile phones in schools. Starting in 2027, the ban would apply to children in nursery, primary schools, grammar schools and conservatories. The opposition and the Children's Ombudsman oppose the proposal, arguing that it is unnecessary.

The future of the Václav Havel Library has become uncertain amid disputes over its leadership, governance and the use of Václav Havel's name. Former director Milan Babík, who led the institution for less than a year, says many of today's problems were already apparent during his tenure. In an interview with Radio Prague International, he reflects on his brief experience and on what he believes the library should represent.

A monumental concrete sculpture that stood beside Prague's Barrandov Bridge for more than three decades collapsed late last week, sending tons of debris onto a nearby road and cycle path. No one was injured, but the incident has sparked  debate over the state of public art in the Czech capital.

Czech President Petr Pavel has defended his stance in the dispute over the NATO summit in Ankara, warned against "war fatigue" over Ukraine and called for more political dialogue. In an exclusive, hour-long interview for Czech Radio recorded at the Colours of Ostrava festival, he also spoke about social media, culture and the importance of constitutional principles.

In the latest episode of Czechast, Marie Kinsky looks back on more than twenty-five years spent in Czechia after moving from her native France. She discusses how the historic Kinsky estate at Žďár nad Sázavou has evolved into a centre for culture, creativity and international exchange, while also reflecting on identity, roots and the remarkable changes she has witnessed in Czech society.