AGP Executive Report

Prague Film School Enrollment: Prague Film School opened applications for its 2026/27 cohort, pitching small-scale, hands-on training for filmmakers, actors and documentary storytellers—while Czech audiovisual incentives shift to streamlined rules and higher support for qualifying projects. Design & Markets: MINT Market Prague returns to Rašínovo nábřeží on 6 September with 130+ Czech designers, plus free entry and a family-friendly mix of fashion, ceramics, cosmetics and food. Free Culture Access: The Czech Ministry of Culture will offer free admission to permanent exhibitions at state museums and galleries on the first Sunday of each month starting 6 September (with dates through December). Film Industry Spotlight: Europa Distribution will share Nordic cinema release case studies at New Nordic Films in Haugesund, including Czech-linked participation. Science & Heritage: Czech and US researchers mapped key enzymes behind toxic wolfsbane and larkspur compounds with potential medicinal uses, adding a new chapter to Czech science’s global reach. Culture & Community: A Romany story collection is set for the Frankfurt Book Fair, spotlighting minority literature and themes of discrimination and community life.

Museum Access: Czech state museums and galleries will offer free entry to permanent exhibitions on the first Sunday of every month starting 6 September, with dates set for 4 October, 1 November and 6 December. Human Rights & Church: The Czech Archdiocese of Olomouc cancels a planned “LGBTQ+ pilgrimage” after public backlash, citing participant safety. Culture & Communities: Prague hosts the 12th Romanian Celebration on 6 September at the National Museum’s ethnographic section, featuring Romanian music, dance, food and kids’ activities. Science & Heritage: Czech and US researchers map key enzymes behind toxic yet historically medicinal wolfsbane and larkspur compounds, pointing to possible future drug uses. Lifestyle & Mobility: Czechia ranks among the world’s top relocation destinations in the Rumavi Global Relocation Index 2026, landing in the top 10. Sports (Czech angle): Slovan Liberec midfielder Ermin Mahmic is reportedly in talks over a potential transfer abroad.

Czech Science & Health: Researchers from Michigan State University and the Czech Academy of Sciences mapped six enzymes behind toxic compounds in wolfsbane and larkspur, outlining early steps in pathways that could matter for future pain, cancer, and malaria research. Prague Culture: The Romanian Celebration returns to Prague on September 6 for its 12th edition, with Romanian music, dance, food, kids’ activities, and language-focused events at the National Museum’s ethnographic section. Sports & Czech Talent Abroad: Slovan Liberec midfielder Ermin Mahmic is reportedly in transfer talks after missing a matchday squad spot, with Celtic among the clubs linked to the Bosnia and Herzegovina World Cup breakout. Community & Faith: The Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia’s Primate Metropolitan Rastislav sent a congratulatory message marking Metropolitan Onuphry’s 12th enthronement anniversary, highlighting prayer and leadership in “difficult times.” Culture in Motion: A Prague-born, Florida-raised Nashville songwriter, Leon Majcen, brought an intimate Friday-night set to Whelan’s, blending emotional lyrics with a distinctly American sound.

Ukrainian Culture Festival in Prague: Music, embroidered designs, food and kids’ workshops brought a distinctly Ukrainian spirit to the city, with organizers saying the goal is to help Ukrainians “feel at home” while inviting Czechs to learn more about today’s culture. Czech Science & Health: Researchers from Michigan State University and the Czech Academy of Sciences mapped six enzymes in wolfsbane and larkspur that produce toxic diterpenoid alkaloids—compounds with potential medicinal uses. Czech Sports & Community: The Ukrainian Culture Festival’s upbeat vibe contrasts with hard news in cycling: the Volta a Portugal tragedy involving 19-year-old Finlay Tarling has sparked renewed debate about rider safety. Arts & Architecture: The AJ Architecture Awards shortlist revealed 123 projects across 21 categories, including Czech-born architect Eva Jiřičná among the judges. Lifestyle & Youth Culture: A study on “quarter-life crisis” found over 30% of Gen Z in multiple countries—including the Czech Republic—reporting long-stretch stress and instability.

Ukrainian Culture in Prague: Prague hosted its Ukrainian Culture Festival for the third year, with embroidered designs, Ukrainian food, music and workshops, aiming to let people “forget their problems” for a while and also draw Czechs curious about contemporary Ukrainian life. Letná’s Stalin Cultural Centre: Prague City Council reinstated the Stalin Cultural Centre at Letná so it can keep operating, after it was temporarily removed from market regulations; the pedestal’s poor structural condition is still unresolved. Cycling Tragedy and Safety Debate: The Volta a Portugal continued in mourning after 19-year-old Welsh rider Finlay Tarling died in a collision; NSN Development withdrew from remaining stages, while the cycling community sharply criticized race safety measures. Belgium Wildfire Aid: A record wildfire in Belgium’s High Fens area has burned about 2,700 hectares, triggering evacuations and EU air support, including helicopters and water bombers. Czechia Relocation Ranking: Czechia placed ninth in the 2026 Rumavi Global Relocation Index, scoring strongly for safety and family factors. Sport Spotlight (Czech ties): Czechia featured in international events from swimming to 3x3 basketball, while European Championships coverage kept Czech athletes in the spotlight. Light Culture Moment: A corgi race in Vilnius drew 150 dogs from nine countries including the Czech Republic, blending costumes, scent tests and loud-bark contests.

Wildfire Crisis in Belgium: A record wildfire in eastern Belgium’s High Fens has burned about 2,700 hectares, with around 600 residents evacuated as EU firefighting aircraft and helicopters were deployed to help crews tackle smoke and difficult terrain. Czech Science & Culture: Czech Academy of Sciences and Michigan State University researchers mapped key enzymes in wolfsbane and larkspur toxin pathways, pointing to possible future medical uses. Sport & Community Mourning: Cycling’s Volta a Portugal continues in “profound mourning” after 19-year-old Finlay Tarling’s death; his NSN Development Team withdrew from the remaining stages, while the peloton held tributes and a minute of silence. Czech Sports Spotlight: AJ August won stage 3 of the Czech Tour with a late climb attack, extending his overall lead. European Athletics Buzz: Audrey Werro’s European 800m win sets up a long-term rivalry with Keely Hodgkinson, with a world-record chase in the background. Film Festival Watch: Locarno Film Festival awards included Florin Șerban’s drama “You Don’t Belong Here” taking the Pardo d’Oro.

European Aquatics Championships: David Popovici and Simona Quadarella kept the gold coming in Paris, with Popovici adding the men’s 200m freestyle and Quadarella taking the women’s 1500m freestyle title. Track rivalry: Audrey Werro’s European 800m win over Keely Hodgkinson sets up a long-running showdown, with both now eyeing the elusive world record. Cycling tragedy: The Volta a Portugal continues in mourning after 19-year-old Finlay Tarling died in a serious accident; his NSN Development Team withdrew from the remaining stages, and the peloton held tributes and a minute’s silence. Czech Tour cycling: AJ August (Netcompany-Ineos) grabbed back-to-back stage wins, taking stage 3 on the final climb to extend his overall lead. Culture & learning: A Czech-led science team mapped key enzymes behind toxic plant compounds (wolfsbane and larkspur), while Prague’s cultural scene also saw new momentum with a major Orthodox history textbook project. Film festival: Locarno Film Festival crowned Florin Șerban’s “You Don’t Belong Here” with the Pardo d’Oro.

Czech Science & Health: Researchers from Michigan State University and the Czech Academy of Sciences mapped six enzymes behind toxic diterpenoid alkaloids in wolfsbane and larkspur, a step toward understanding compounds with potential uses in pain, cancer and malaria research. Czech Culture & Travel: A new Amadeus-backed travel piece says bookings to Czechia are among Europe’s fastest-growing, nudging Brits to look beyond Prague toward Brno, Olomouc, Cesky Krumlov and Karlovy Vary. Czech Arts & Community: Gaiea Sanskrit’s “Awaken to Your Inner Joy” tour brings mantra, meditation and participatory singing to Prague (Sept 13) alongside Berlin, Warsaw, Sofia and Athens. Czech Politics & Society: The Czech government has started denying temporary protection to Ukrainian men of military age who can’t confirm their service, following an EU directive change. Sports (Czech spotlight): At the European Aquatics Championships, Czech swimmers feature in relay results as David Popovici and others headline Day 5.

Czech Culture & Science: Czech and U.S. researchers mapped six enzymes in wolfsbane and larkspur that help plants make toxic diterpenoid alkaloids—compounds with potential uses in pain, cancer and malaria research. Prague & Events: Signal Festival Prague (15–18 Oct) is expanding its Signal INSIDE zone with immersive media art, including Laurie Anderson’s “To the Moon” and a new interactive “Sound Robot.” Sports & Czech Presence: The CEV EuroVolley 2026 Women gets a title sponsor—Trendyol—while the tournament runs across Türkiye, Czechia, Azerbaijan and Sweden. Czech Travel & Lifestyle: Prague Half Marathon 2027 is moving to a ballot system after 70,000+ applications, aiming for fairer access for runners worldwide. Heritage & Memory: Czech Culture Ministry will provide CZK 9 million for restoration of the Lidice children’s memorial. Archaeology: A woman’s 2024 walk in Kutná Hora led to a major 12th-century hoard—2,150+ medieval silver coins—now being studied by Czech experts.

Czech Science & Health: Researchers from Michigan State University and the Czech Academy of Sciences mapped six enzymes behind the biosynthesis of toxic diterpenoid alkaloids in wolfsbane and larkspur—compounds with potential uses against pain, cancer, and malaria. Sports (Czech Spotlight): At the European Championships, Barbora Seemanova won the women’s 200m freestyle with a new Czech and championship record (1:54.38), while Marrit Steenbergen set a Dutch record in second. Culture & Community: Czechia’s diplomatic ties and heritage were highlighted in Kuwait as the Czech Embassy honored the Papal Nuncio and celebrated Czech State Day and St Wenceslas Day. Local Tech & Games: Brno’s Gamebaze is sending incubator-backed studios to Gamescom 2026, underlining the region’s growing game-development scene. Work & Pay Policy: Poland’s partial rollout of the EU Pay Transparency Directive is already affecting recruitment rules, with broader requirements expected soon—relevant for Czech employers watching the same EU trend.

Science & Medicine: Czech and US researchers mapped six enzymes in wolfsbane and larkspur that drive toxic diterpenoid alkaloids—work that could support future pain, cancer, and malaria treatments. Sports: Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson set up a big women’s European 800m final showdown with Swiss rival Audrey Werro after Werro’s dramatic semi-final fall and successful appeal. Culture & Film: Lithuania selected Andrius Blaževičius’ “How to Divorce During the War” for the Oscars’ Best International Feature race after its Sundance directing win. Social Policy: Czech authorities are rolling out a social-work recruitment push for 15–19-year-olds, using short videos, school events, and a new online platform. Travel & Lifestyle: Revolut premium users reportedly lost access to some WeWork offices, including Prague, after a fee renegotiation. Community & Youth: A Czech-led camp network reports 86% of parents say international camp boosts children’s confidence.

Czech Science & Health: Researchers from Michigan State University and the Czech Academy of Sciences mapped six enzymes behind toxic diterpenoid alkaloids made by wolfsbane and larkspur, opening new doors for potential pain, cancer, and malaria uses. Prague & Heritage: A two-part look at the Jewish history of Prague returns, including how the Thirty Years’ War reshaped Jewish life and privileges in the city. Culture & Community: TrutnOFF’s Vaclav Havel tribute is set for 13–16 August, with concerts, debates, and interreligious services celebrating the dissident’s legacy on the 90th anniversary of his birth. Public Safety: A UK study warns e-scooters are driving a 15x rise in child injuries, with most riders unhelmeted and many needing imaging or hospital care. Sports Spotlight: Mark English set a new European championships 800m record in Prague’s old mark’s shadow, while Czech tennis keeps scoring international momentum. Czech Policy Watch: The Czech Republic published which foreign nationals can skip the permanent residence permit exam, including age-based exemptions.

Cultural Diplomacy & Trade: Czech PM Andrej Babiš met Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade to boost trade, investment, healthcare cooperation and defence ties, backing Serbia’s EU path and Schengen involvement while pushing Czech firms at a business forum. Sports & Czech Connections: Czech swimmer Barbora Seemanová and 16-year-old Ieva Jurkunaite (Lithuania) set the tone at the European Championships with Jurkunaite’s 200m free national record; meanwhile, Czech footballer El Hadji Malick Diouf is linked with a move to Sunderland after spells including time at Slavia Prague. Public Health & Everyday Safety: A UK study finds injuries involving e-scooters and children have surged more than fifteenfold since 2019, with most riders hurt and very few wearing helmets—fueling calls for regulation and better messaging. Immigration & Residency Rules: The Czech Republic published five categories of foreigners exempt from the permanent residence permit exam, including age-based groups. Arts & Screen Culture: Seriesly Berlin expanded its premieres programme to 13 international series across 11 countries, with a German-Czech dramedy JOSSI leading the world premieres. Community & Heritage: Prague’s Jewish history coverage continues, while Czech cultural groups are calling for changes to the state cultural policy.

Athletics Spotlight: In Birmingham, Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson advanced in the women’s 800m heats, while the event’s biggest talking point remains the Czech Jarmila Kratochvilová world record from 1983—still “untouchable” after decades of debate over performance and doping-era claims. Czech Justice & Memory: The Regional Court in Hradec Králové rehabilitated Václav Trtík, a witness to the Číhošť miracle, who was imprisoned in 1950 in the communist crackdown tied to priest Josef Toufar. Board Games & Czech Creativity: Designer Vlaada Chvátil spoke about his relentless, personal process behind hits like Codenames and Through the Ages, highlighting how testing and obsession shape Czech board-game culture. Film Industry: The Institute of Documentary Film launched Docs Beyond: Audience, Impact & AI, selecting 12 Czech-based documentary teams to build outreach and impact plans for feature projects. Culture Abroad: Prague’s Jewish history gets a new spotlight in a multi-part look at the city’s early communities and medieval restrictions. Lifestyle & Travel: Europe’s heat wave is disrupting travel and public life, with warnings and closures as temperatures soar.

Documentary Industry: The Institute of Documentary Film launched “Docs Beyond: Audience, Impact & AI,” selecting 12 Czech-based documentary teams to build audience and impact strategies for feature projects, with guidance on outreach and the practical (and ethical) use of generative AI. Prague Culture & Space: Prague approved project documentation for a CZK 2 billion reconstruction of the historic Karlín Barracks, aiming to bring shops, offices, and dedicated culture-and-arts spaces into the renovated complex. Women’s Rights & Safety: A new report highlights Czechia’s housing crisis as a driver of domestic violence, with women facing limited access to shelters and beds—especially specialized services. Migration & Protection: Eurostat data shows 4.41 million Ukrainians still under temporary protection in the EU, with the Czech Republic hosting 390,810 people; meanwhile, EU countries are issuing fewer new decisions while Bulgaria (and Czechia) buck the trend. Sport & Inspiration: Czech tennis gets a spotlight through a piece on Alex Eala’s breakthrough and what it could mean for building stronger talent pathways—paired with fresh European Athletics action featuring Keely Hodgkinson and Czech athletes qualifying in Birmingham. Board Games Spotlight: Vlaada Chvátil, creator of Codenames and Through the Ages, talks about his perfectionist, all-consuming design process.

Housing & Safety: A new Czech analysis says specialized shelters for women fleeing domestic violence are dangerously short, with the worst access in border and regional “gaps,” forcing at least dozens of women to be turned away. City Renewal: Prague’s council has approved preparations to renovate the historic Kasárna Karlín complex (about CZK 1.93 billion), aiming to reopen it as a mixed cultural, community and service hub. Culture & Language: Brno’s working-class sociolect Hantec is getting fresh attention as linguists and local promoters push for wider recognition of the dialect’s roots and surviving expressions. Arts & Music Business: Live Nation is set to take a majority stake in three major Prague venues, including the O2 arena, expanding its Central and Eastern Europe footprint. Sports & Czech Talent: Cyclist Pavel Bittner has signed with Pinarello-Q36.5 for two seasons starting 2027, a major step for the Czech sprinter. Public Health: A Czech transport review finds many injured children on bikes and e-scooters still aren’t wearing helmets—nearly half of young cyclists and over 60% on scooters.