Traditional extremist movements weakened in Czechia last year. But the Czech Interior Ministry in its new report warns that online radicalisation is becoming a growing security threat. The document has also sparked political debate by omitting the governing Freedom and Direct Democracy party, which featured in previous editions.

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.

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.

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.

The Czech foreign minister says the detention of a Czech citizen in China is unconnected to the case of a Chinese man being held in Prague on spying charges. But opposition voices say that if Beijing does aim to stage a prisoner swap, any Czech visiting China could become a hostage.

The present Czech government is seeking to tighten the country's migration laws, including conditions for Ukrainians under temporary protection. The proposals are still making their way through parliament, where the governing coalition has a comfortable majority. Czech Radio analyst Viktor Daněk says the political rhetoric and the reality of the new rules are often two very different things.

The Czech government plans to redirect existing funding towards NATO's PURL (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List) initiative, which finances US-made weapons for Ukraine. According to security analyst and former senior military officer František Mičánek, the move strengthens Czech credibility within the Alliance while reflecting a broader shift in Europe's security environment.

The row over who should represent the Czech Republic at the NATO summit in Ankara is over. Both the prime minister and president are attending the high-profile event. Attention has now turned to what is expected to be the main issue facing the Czech delegation - explaining why the country has failed to meet NATO's defense spending target.

Lieutenant General Miroslav Hlaváč has officially become the new Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces. Defence reporter Kateřina Gruntová of Seznam Zprávy says his appointment promises continuity in military priorities while opening a new chapter in relations between the army and the country's political leadership.