AGP Executive Report

Rail Upgrade: Správa železnic has officially started construction on the Prague-Ruzyně–Kladno rail expansion, a key Greater Prague project aimed at cutting the trip to about 7.5 minutes, doubling tracks, boosting capacity, and adding new bus links, park-and-ride and safer road crossings. Ukraine War Watch: Kyiv warns Belarus that it has a list of 500 targets ready if Lukashenko joins Russia’s war, as drone and strike pressure continues. Ammo Politics: Czech-led artillery supply for Ukraine is under strain: the number of contributing countries has reportedly fallen from 18 to nine, raising fears deliveries could drop by up to half, with President Pavel saying the initiative is still running but harder to replace. EU Space Economy: EUSPA published a new Market Report covering GNSS, Earth Observation, Secure SATCOM and Space Situational Awareness, pointing to sustained growth and tighter links across the EU’s space downstream sector. Czech Domestic: PM Babiš says his conflict-of-interest issue is resolved beyond legal requirements, after EU scrutiny over earlier responses.

EU Oversight: The European Commission has asked the Czech government for more details on how it will prevent conflicts of interest tied to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s business empire when EU subsidies are involved, after reports that his Agrofert shares could be moved into a special trust and concerns that related firms (including a fertility-clinic investment fund) might still receive EU money. Politics in Motion: Babiš says he has already resolved the issue beyond Czech and EU rules, while the Commission says it is seeking assurances and has sent a letter on May 20. Business & Expansion: Krispy Kreme is reportedly weighing a first Prague outlet, with a possible launch later this year or early 2027. Transport: Leo Express plans a new long rail link from Poland to Germany via Czech stops including Prague, aiming to start June 25. Culture & City Life: Kraftwerk is set for Prague’s Forum Karlín on July 15, and Prague’s commuter rail disruptions begin June 1 around Masaryk Railway Station upgrades.

Energy Security Pivot: Azerbaijan is set to play a bigger role in Europe’s next phase of gas resilience, with Baku signaling it will be ready again as Russia’s supply exit deadlines loom and Hormuz risks keep pressure on markets. Defense & Tech: Lithuania is pushing a “win-win” deepening of South Korea ties, reviewing Korean systems for ammo, counter-drone, air defense and maritime security, while Taiwan’s drone exports keep surging as firms scale “non-red” supply chains. Czech Watch: Prague has introduced a citywide bonfire ban amid heatwave wildfire risk, and the Czech government has approved tighter rules for Ukrainians under temporary protection, including limits tied to time spent in the Schengen area and residency-linked humanitarian support. Security Flashpoint: Czech police detained a Russian Orthodox bishop over a “white substance” claim, sparking Moscow’s immediate protest. World Cup Logistics: FIFA confirmed base-camp locations for all 48 teams across the US, Mexico and Canada, as the tournament schedule locks in.

Shareholder revolt brewing at WAG Payment Solutions: London-listed “Uber of trucking” WAG Payment Solutions is facing a potential embarrassment at its annual meeting after proxy advisers ISS and Glass Lewis urged investors to reject the company’s remuneration report, saying bosses boosted bonuses despite weaker performance. Prague fire-safety clampdown: With heatwave risk rising, Prague has banned bonfires citywide and restricted smoking, pyrotechnics and open fires in parks, forests and within 50 metres of wooded areas. Baltic security alarm: Finland warned of Russian-linked GPS jamming spreading farther west, while Czech intelligence chief cautioned a limited attack could be used to test NATO resolve. EU climate money for industry: The European Commission approved €400m for 65 industrial heat decarbonisation projects, including Czech sites. Czech business pulse: Czech economic sentiment slipped to a near-year low in May, with business confidence also weakening.

GLOBSEC Trade Pivot: The UAE says the Iran-war shock is forcing it to fast-track alternative trade and logistics projects already in the pipeline, compressing “a decade of Gulf logistics redesign into years” to protect supply chains and keep the country a global trade hub. Energy & Industry Deal: Aggreko and Czech firm InoWatti have signed an Oman framework to turn flare and stranded gas into power using modular gas-to-power units, pairing Aggreko’s generation know-how with InoWatti’s flexible computing-linked infrastructure. Defence Supply Chain in Slovakia: Reunert and Czech partner CSG are setting up a European electronic artillery fuse manufacturing capability in Slovakia, with Reunert taking 51% and citing strong defence-cluster momentum. Czech Business Watch: Prague’s Vinohradská 8 (former Transgas site) construction has started, with builders working above railway tunnels and near Czech Radio facilities. Sports & Culture: Embraer hints Greece could order the C-390 after a maintenance MoU with HAI; and Czech football news is dominated by West Ham’s relegation fallout.

Prague Construction Watch: Work has started on Vinohradská 8, the former Transgas site near Wenceslas Square, with Penta Real Estate and PSN building apartments, offices and retail directly above the Vinohrady railway tunnels—plus tight rules to avoid disrupting Czech Radio broadcasts. Cybersecurity: ESET says the top Windows malware threat in Czechia in April was CloudEyE, used to pull in other harmful software, often via phishing that targets passwords. Diplomacy at GLOBSEC: UAE officials wrapped up their Prague forum programme with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed hosting European talks, while NATO’s future and Europe’s reliance on US weapons stayed front and centre. Regional Security: Czech President Petr Pavel urged NATO to “show its teeth” and prepare asymmetric responses to Russia. Business & City Life: A new Prague hotel made a “most beautiful” list, and Prague’s former Transgas land is now moving from controversy to a new urban chapter.

Civil Defence Exports: Finland’s Merihaka underground shelter in Helsinki—built in 2003, 25 metres down, holding up to 6,000—has become a live showroom for companies selling resilience tech abroad, with visiting Ukrainian mayors among the latest groups touring it and officials highlighting rapid conversion in 72 hours. NATO Pressure: Czech President Petr Pavel urged NATO to “show its teeth” after Russian-linked provocations near allied airspace, arguing for decisive and even asymmetric responses. Ukraine Funding Fight: Lithuania pressed the EU to revisit using frozen Russian assets to back Ukraine, saying the issue is “not closed” as legal challenges continue. Gulf Stability, Global Trade: GCC chief Jasem Albudaiwi told GLOBSEC that Gulf stability underpins global energy and maritime security, warning that disruptions like threats around Hormuz hit Europe too. Ebola Update: In the DRC, attackers burned an Ebola treatment tent in Mongbwalu, while WHO reported Uganda added three cases, bringing its total to five. Czech Angle: A Czech doctor was injured in a Negril gun attack, and the incident is being treated as robbery-related.

Ebola Escalation: Uganda confirmed three new Ebola cases, bringing infections to five as WHO warns the Bundibugyo strain is spreading and risk remains “very high” in the wider region. Czech Foreign Policy: President Petr Pavel urged NATO to “show its teeth” against Russian provocations, floating asymmetric steps from shooting down violators to cutting Russia off from internet and banking. GLOBSEC Security Talks: GCC chief Jassim Albudaiwi told the Prague forum that Gulf stability is now tied to Europe’s energy, supply chains and maritime security. Ukraine-NATO Debate: Sweden’s defence minister said Ukraine should get a long-term Euro-Atlantic path and no veto should block NATO membership once requirements are met. EU Funds Watch (Hungary): Hungary’s FM Anita Orbán says investigations into alleged misuse of EU money could start “within days,” after claiming about €2bn in funding was lost. Business & Mobility: Prague Airport announced Vietjet Air will launch the first regular Prague–Hanoi route from Oct 2026.

Aviation & Trade Boost: Prague gets its first regular direct link to Hanoi: Vietjet Air launches twice-weekly flights from 10 October 2026 (Tuesdays and Saturdays), with an Almaty stop at launch—an opening expected to lift tourism and freight ties. Security & Diplomacy: Czech President Petr Pavel urges NATO to “show its teeth” against Russia, floating options from shutting down Russian internet access to shooting down aircraft that violate allied airspace, as Ukraine’s war briefing turns on fresh drone strikes and retaliation vows. Middle East Watch: UAE officials say US-Iran talks have only a “50-50” chance, warning a ceasefire without a wider political fix could restart conflict—while oil markets react to Hormuz risk. Business & Justice: A new report scrutinises Czech billionaire Radovan Vítek’s €52m payment to his son via shell-company deals tied to CPI Property Group. Tech & Cyber: Researchers flag GraphWorm malware using Microsoft OneDrive for covert command traffic. Local Economy: Bohemians 1905 plans a fan-run “C team” in the ninth tier, and Prague’s tourism push continues with new routes and congress rankings.

Ebola Escalation: WHO says the Congo outbreak has climbed to 750 suspected cases and 177 suspected deaths, with Uganda “stable” but new fire-related incidents at a treatment centre raising alarm; one American is being treated in Germany and another high-risk contact has been transferred to the Czech Republic. Middle East Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Pakistan is the “primary interlocutor” in US-Iran talks as Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir heads to Tehran, while UAE’s adviser calls a deal “50-50” but warns any ceasefire must tackle root instability. Czech Business & Industry: Nova Post launches its own courier service in multiple Czech regions with same-day pickup and 24-hour delivery to 16 cities, while CSG and Reunert plan Slovakia production of electronic fuzes for 155mm shells via a new JV. Aviation & Travel: American Airlines resumes Philadelphia–Prague flights, and Prague Airport expects 57,000+ passengers this summer. EU Politics: Roberta Metsola urges faster EU accession for Moldova and Ukraine at GLOBSEC in Prague.

Human Rights Diplomacy: More than 150 officials and scholars from China and Europe met in Paris for the 2026 China-Europe Seminar on Human Rights, debating how to keep human-rights governance moving amid a shifting international order. Telecom & Travel Costs: Truecaller is pushing into eSIMs, offering travel data plans in dozens of countries including the Czech Republic—aimed at cutting the pain of roaming fees that travellers say still hit hard in 2026. Czech Infrastructure: The Czech Transport Ministry has picked the winning design for the new Vltava bridge on the Prague Ring Road, moving the Suchdolský most project closer to reality. Ebola Alarm: A Paris–Detroit flight was diverted to Canada after Ebola-related entry restrictions, while in Congo arsonists reportedly attacked an Ebola treatment centre—raising fears the outbreak is spreading faster than official figures show. Prague Business & Tourism: Prague strengthened its global meetings position in the ICCA rankings and is rolling out a unified tourism brand to pull business and leisure together. Culture in Prague: The Bonsai and Japanese Culture Festival returns to Prague Botanical Garden in June, with international exhibits and workshops.

NATO & Security: Prime Minister Andrej Babiš met NATO chief Mark Rutte in Prague, with defence spending and preparations for the Ankara summit on the agenda, as Rutte again warned that many allies are not paying enough for Ukraine. EU Budget Clash: At an informal European Council meeting, Babiš pushed back hard against cuts to Czech funding in the 2028–2034 EU budget talks, calling the proposals unacceptable. Energy Diplomacy: Babiš wrapped up a Central Asia trip focused on securing gas and oil supplies, holding talks in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with business forums and deals in the spotlight. Industry & Tech: He also visited Siemens Healthineers in Germany, touring healthcare and imaging tech development. Public Health Shock: A separate but fast-moving story: a possible Ebola exposure triggered a diversion of a US-bound flight, and another American doctor exposed in Africa is set to be treated in Prague under strict isolation. Business & Trade: Czech-linked headlines also included a Kazakhstan court move that could let Naftogaz pursue Gazprom assets over a $1.4bn award.

Czech-Israel Standoff: Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka says Prague will block any further EU trade sanctions against Israel, even unilaterally, and rejects any suspension or freezing of the EU–Israel association deal after talks with Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar in Prague. EU Politics: The Czech line is backed by a push to form coalitions inside the EU to stop new measures that need qualified-majority votes. Markets Mood: European shares closed near two-week highs, led by defence and tech as investors awaited Nvidia’s results and tracked tight semiconductor supply. Health Crisis: WHO warns the rare Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo may have been spreading for months, with health workers in the region still underprotected and undertrained. Local Life: Prague’s Beer on Náplavka festival returns June 19–20 with about 40 microbreweries, live music and free entry. Security & Crime: Prague police have a taxi-driver rape suspect in custody and are checking whether there were more victims.

EU-Israel Trade Standoff: Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka says Prague will block any further EU trade sanctions on Israel and won’t sign off on suspending the EU–Israel Association Agreement, after talks with Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar and amid a new EU compromise focused on West Bank settlers. Diplomacy & Business: The same visit opened a Czech–Israeli business forum with 50+ Israeli firms and about 150 Czech participants, with defence, cybersecurity and healthcare in the spotlight. Western Balkans EU Path: Austria, Czechia, Italy, Slovakia and Slovenia back a “step-by-step” single-market access model for Balkan candidates, with sector-by-sector entry and possible rollback if reforms slip. Security: EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen called Russia’s Baltic threats “unacceptable,” warning that attacks on one member are threats to the whole bloc. Health Watch: Czech authorities prepared to host one Ebola-exposed doctor in strict isolation at Prague’s Bulovka Hospital, while others go to Germany. Local Economy & Mobility: Škoda unveiled the budget electric Epiq, and Lime is switching Prague from scooters to shared e-bikes with a 49 CZK monthly plan.

Public Health & Travel: Germany is preparing to treat a US citizen infected with Ebola in the DRC at Berlin’s Charité, while high-risk contacts are heading to Europe for quarantine monitoring. Czech Mobility & Tourism: Prague Airport won Overall Winner at the Routes Europe 2026 Awards and took the 5–20 million passengers category, while Prague’s Metronome Festival moves to Letňany Airport for its 10th anniversary with Sting and Nick Cave and expected doubled attendance. Energy & Industry: Skoda confirmed the Octavia’s move to full-hybrid power, and Energo-Pro completed Turkey’s Alpaslan 2 upgrade into a hybrid hydropower-plus-solar plant. Refugee Policy: Czech authorities propose tightening temporary protection for Ukrainians, including limits on leaving Schengen and conditions tied to work and economic activity. Business & Investment: JIC Ventures made its first CEE startup investment via a $5m Series A into Czech compliance SaaS FaceUp. Society: A study highlights wide poverty-risk gaps across Europe, with Czechia among the lowest.

Europol Crackdown: Europol says it has dismantled an IRGC-linked online propaganda network across 19 countries, taking down 14,200 posts/accounts and restricting the group’s main X presence. Czech Diplomacy: Prague is hosting Ibero-American Week, with a flagship conference at Czernin Palace on May 21 focused on new Czech–Ibero-America cooperation. Startups & Capital: Brno’s JIC Ventures backs FaceUp in its first deal, joining a $5m Series A and targeting up to 20 early-stage tech bets across CEE. Auto Industry: Skoda unveiled the Epiq, its smallest EV, aiming for price parity with the Kamiq and starting in the UK at £24,950. Business & Trade: A Czech–Israeli business forum is on the agenda as Israel’s foreign minister visits Prague, building on a planned joint commission for healthcare and cybersecurity. EU Finance: The Commission says talks are progressing “very well” to release the first €90bn Ukraine loan payment soon. Prague Tourism: ICCA ranks Prague 6th globally for congress destinations, with 2025 events and delegates both up.