Sep 23, 2026, 08:30 PM UTC

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš confirmed intelligence reports indicating heightened risks of Russian hybrid attacks targeting allies supporting Ukraine, mirroring recent warnings issued by Poland.

In diplomatic developments, Czech Deputy Speaker Barbora Urbanová visited Kyiv to meet Ukrainian parliamentary leadership despite a prior rejection of her trip by the parliamentary steering committee. Meanwhile, Chief of General Staff Miroslav Hlaváč awaits defence ministry authorization to attend an upcoming summit of European military leaders in Ukraine.

On policy and security, updated European Union regulations extend temporary protection for displaced Ukrainians until March 2028, while conditioning status on fulfilling military duties to their homeland. Concurrently, Czech authorities launched "Kobra 26," a specialized police unit targeting fraudulent employment agency networks exploiting Ukrainian laborers and depriving the state of tax revenue.

Sources: Deník N, Ekonomický deník, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy

Czech child protection authorities reported a twenty-year high of over 10,000 child abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases last year, resulting in the removal of 3,616 children from their homes. Officials and social experts caution that figures represent an underestimate, pointing to absent evaluation guidelines and a shortage of specialized family support services.

Parallelly, the Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs is finalizing a seven-billion-koruna expansion of preschool groups under the EU National Recovery Plan, drawing scrutiny over lacking quality frameworks. On the European level, the European Commission introduced the "EU KIDS Act", proposing a social media ban for children under 13 and stricter access rules for minors under 15 across member states.

Sources: Deník N, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy

US President Donald Trump has warned the European Union that Washington could impose steep tariffs or restrict bilateral trade if Brussels pursues formal associate membership for Canada. The warning follows comments by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposing associate status for Ottawa, an idea originally floated by Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

Trump described the proposal as "ridiculous" and stated that Washington's reaction would depend on the bloc's underlying motives. He noted that while constructive intentions would be acceptable, any perceived hostile intent would draw severe retaliatory measures, including halting trade across selected economic sectors.

The proposed alignment highlights growing diplomatic and commercial friction between North American neighbours, prompting European leaders to seek deeper ties.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex.

Hungarian Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy announced that the state has recovered 2.3 billion forints (€5.7 million) following an audit of an electronic toll system contract negotiated under former minister János Lázár. The original deal was valued at 64.5 billion forints.

The reimbursed sum was returned by a private equity fund associated with businessman Lőrinc Mészáros. Following the recovery, government scrutiny has turned toward IT entrepreneur Gábor Emőri, who managed software development and operational components of Hungary's tolling infrastructure for twelve years. Investigators are reviewing past agreements to evaluate whether additional public funds can be retrieved for the treasury.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex.

United States forces have conducted a second round of airstrikes against Iranian positions within 48 hours, according to US Central Command, following heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and strikes on American bases. Concurrently, Tehran appointed a hardline official to lead its Supreme National Security Council. Inside Iran, civil disobedience persists four years after Mahsa Amini's death, with women increasingly defying mandatory hijab laws despite official enforcement efforts.

Elsewhere in the region, violence flared in Yemen as Houthi attacks on the port of Moca killed 18 people, triggering military retaliations in Marib province. Farther east, Afghanistan experiences relative security under Taliban rule, though strict social bans and widespread poverty remain critical challenges.

Sources: Canarias7, El Día, El Mundo, La Provincia, La Vanguardia