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During its presidency of the European Union, the Czech Republic will seek to advance the debate on halting oil imports from Russia, Czechia’s head of diplomacy Jan Lipavský said following a meeting of Central European foreign ministers on Tuesday. The European Union should also strive towards granting Ukraine candidate status as soon as possible, Mr Lipavský said, adding that Vladimir Putin’s war is a broader challenge to the international order.

Nancy Bishop is an award-winning casting director who has worked on some of the largest Hollywood productions over the past 25 years. Although now living in London, she spent most of her career in Prague. She has recently written a new book titled: “Auditioning for Film and Television: A Post #MeToo Guide”, which provides tips for actors on how to navigate the casting process. I caught up with Nancy recently and began by asking how she ended up in Prague.

A discussion on a possible change to the definition of rape in the Czech legal system was held in the lower house of Parliament on Tuesday. Many experts have been calling for a change, arguing that the current definition doesn’t effectively protect women against sexual violence.

The Brno Expat Fair took place this Saturday. Our reporter Anna Fodor went along to see for herself what it was all about.

The minister of defence in the Prague government is set to discuss the possibility of US troops being stationed on Czech territory at high level meetings in Washington. A cabinet colleague has identified possible locations – and suggests Ukraine would not be in its present situation if it had such bases.

Pavel Klusák’s Karel Gott: A Czechoslovak Story was on Sunday named Book of the Year in the Magnesia Litera, the country’s top literary awards. The publication delves behind the myth of pop legend Gott, earning brickbats from hardcore fans but plaudits from the critics. I spoke to music writer and radio host Klusák when the book came out late last year.

As of this summer, Prague residents as well as tourists should find it easier to navigate their way around the city. Earlier this week, Prague city councillors presented a brand-new orientation system that will be launched in a pilot mode both in public transport and in the streets.

A new Center of the Roma and Sinti in Prague, the first of its kind in the Czech capital, is set to open next year. The institution will focus on Romani history, as well as on its spiritual and material culture. Organisers hope that the center will also offer an opportunity to discuss contemporary questions of Czech-Romany cohabitation.

In an effort to curb soaring fuel prices in the country, the Czech government on Wednesday approved a VAT cut on petrol and diesel by 1.50 CZK a liter from the beginning of June to the end of September. The move was made under growing pressure from producers and haulers who have been calling for a VAT cut on fuels for some time. I asked David Marek, chief economist at Deloitte Czech Republic, for his take on the decision.

Brno, Czechia's second-largest city, has long played second fiddle to the capital, Prague, in terms of attracting foreign talent. But all that may be changing.