AGP Executive Report

Nuclear Industry: Rolls-Royce SMR is set to supply three small modular reactors for Sweden’s first new nuclear plant in four decades, with operations targeted for the mid-2030s—another sign that nuclear is becoming a serious industrial race in Europe. Czech Energy & Industry: Sweden’s SMR choice follows Czech selection of Rolls-Royce SMR technology, keeping Czech nuclear know-how tied to wider European capacity building. Defense & Manufacturing: CSG showcased its Trident multi-layer air-defence system at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, underlining demand for integrated short-, medium- and long-range protection. Czech-Linked Mobility: New sleeper train links are planned to connect Prague and Dresden with wider European night-rail routes, aiming to revive cross-border rail travel. Prague Infrastructure: Jiřího z Poděbrad Square (“Jiřák”) reopened after major renovation with permeable paving, new trees and updated infrastructure. EU Policy Watch: Austria is pushing to cut EU administration costs in the next budget cycle, arguing bureaucracy spending should shrink as governments digitise and do more with fewer staff.

Nuclear Trade & Diplomacy: Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe signed an MoU with the Czech Republic during a European defence and security trip, aiming to deepen EU trade and specifically boost nuclear-related exports such as nuclear fuel. SMR Momentum: Rolls-Royce SMR won a major Sweden contract for three small modular reactors on the Värö Peninsula, with first production targeted for the mid-2030s; the company also flags plans for a Czech SMR fleet (up to ~3 GW) still further off. Czech Energy Security Context: A broad international joint statement condemned a May 17 drone attack on electrical infrastructure outside the Barakah nuclear plant, underscoring the geopolitical risk backdrop for nuclear projects. Czech Business & Services: VIG Re appointed Wilfrid Goh as Chief Representative for its proposed APAC office in Singapore, linking the new presence to Prague and covering treaty underwriting across property, engineering, marine and casualty. Aviation & Logistics: AVIAREPS was named general sales agent for Jazeera Airways across Germany, the UK, Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland, supporting ticket sales and network growth. Czech Sports Governance: The Czech Football Association relegated Cup winners MFK Karviná from the top flight and fined them after a match-fixing scandal tied to 2024 relegation games.

Nuclear Deal in Focus: Rolls-Royce SMR, co-owned with Czech power group ČEZ, won a major multi-billion-pound contract to build Sweden’s first new small modular reactors in 40 years, boosting the nuclear supply chain and jobs. Aviation Procurement: Greece approved €600m to buy three Embraer C-390 cargo aircraft via Portugal, aiming to replace aging C-130s with first deliveries targeted for 2027. Prague Mobility & Investment: Prague’s public transit operator DPP closed 2025 with ~CZK 690m profit, higher ridership and record capex of CZK 11.7bn, including Metro Line D works and station upgrades. EU Trade Watch: Eurostat data show the eurozone swung to a goods trade deficit in April 2026, driven by a larger energy deficit and weaker machinery/vehicle exports. AI Governance Gap: A survey finds European firms are racing to scale AI in customer service, but only 38% have clear governance, raising compliance and trust risks. Czech Industry Talent: Brno University of Technology professor Milan Horáček received the Robert Smart Award for contributions to investment casting and industry education. Logistics/Trade Security: Georgian customs seized 433,840 packs of undeclared cigarettes hidden inside metal doors shipped from Belarus to the Czech Republic. Market Expansion: Kaufland will launch its online marketplace in Spain and the Netherlands by summer 2026, adding millions of third-party products and local payments.

Rail & Mobility: The Berlin–Hamburg line has reopened, cutting Prague–Hamburg travel by about 40 minutes to roughly six hours and restoring direct services to Hamburg, Kiel and Berlin, with summer Copenhagen links also back on the timetable. Czech Industry & Energy: Czechia is preparing three small modular reactor sites—Temelín, Dětmarovice and Tušimice—with the goal of plugging Czech firms into the Rolls-Royce SMR supply chain and targeting around 10% of global SMR deliveries. Nuclear Supply Chain: Škoda JS (ČEZ group) is positioned as a key supplier for reactor pressure vessels and internal parts, as the government frames SMRs as a pan-European industrial push, not just domestic power. Automotive: Škoda unveiled the Peaq seven-seat EV, aiming to undercut rivals with a starting price around €50,000–€55,000, up to 600km range, and bidirectional charging. Green Policy Watch: A report warns first movers in EU decarbonisation could lose out if Brussels waters down green targets under competitiveness pressure. Social Friction at Events: A viral World Cup incident led to a Mexican engineering-guild leader’s dismissal after an alleged racist “slant-eye” gesture toward a South Korean influencer.

Nuclear Supply Chain Push: Czechia is preparing three small modular reactor sites—Temelín, Dětmarovice and Tušimice—with the goal of plugging Czech industry into the Rolls-Royce SMR supply chain and aiming for components worth about 10% of global SMR deliveries. EV Market Pressure: Škoda unveiled the Peaq, a seven-seat electric SUV built in Mladá Boleslav on VW’s MEB platform, targeting a €50,000–€55,000 starting price and up to 600km range, with up to 200kW fast charging and bidirectional charging. Refugee Policy Shift: Czech politics is moving to tighten temporary protection welfare access for Ukrainians, with stricter eligibility rules planned for 2028 and expanded oversight to curb “benefit tourism.” AI Credibility Clash: KPMG’s AI report is being pulled after claims were flagged as hallucinations, including references that appear mismatched or dated—an embarrassment that’s already echoed in Czech media. Sports Meets Czech Spotlight: A racist “slant-eye” gesture by a Mexican engineering guild leader during the Korea–Czech Republic match led to an apology and removal from office, keeping Czech teams in the global spotlight. Energy Storage Upgrade: ČEZ plans to expand pumped-storage capacity, including a new 154MW/750MWh project tied to hydropower modernisation.

Czech-Linked Trade & Diplomacy: A Czech embassy and Amman Chamber of Commerce meeting focused on boosting Jordan–Czech economic ties, with attention on the Czech private sector’s role in a planned Jordan–EU investment conference and a Czech-Jordan business forum. EU–Industry Finance: At TXF Global in Prague, Etihad Credit Insurance highlighted the UAE’s growing role in reshaping global trade and sustainable finance, stressing how geopolitics is changing export-credit risk models. Czech Defense & NATO Logistics: Czech Army foreign-activities chief Colonel Jan Husák is set to move to NATO’s Joint Support and Enabling Command in Germany, coordinating logistics and rapid force movement. Energy Infrastructure: ČEZ plans to expand its EV charging network by year-end, while a Czech hydropower site is set to be converted into a pumped-storage project (154MW/750MWh). Nuclear Pipeline: Geological work is complete for new Dukovany nuclear units, keeping the Czech nuclear buildout on track. Health & Biotech: Genmab reported new epcoritamab trial results for elderly, newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients, with data presented at EHA. World Cup Noise With Czech Angle: South Korea’s comeback win over Czechia in Guadalajara put the spotlight on the match, while a separate viral incident in Mexico saw a Mexican engineering guild leader removed after a racist gesture caught on camera.

Czech-Saskatchewan Trade Deal: Premier Scott Moe signed an MoU with Czech officials (Industry and Trade) to deepen cooperation in trade, energy and innovation, with a special focus on clean energy and nuclear know-how, including small modular and micro modular reactors, renewables and carbon capture. Defense & Logistics: Colonel Jan Husák is set to move into a senior NATO role at JSEC in Germany, coordinating alliance logistics and rapid movement support across member states. NATO Air Modernisation: Poland welcomed its first three F-35A “Husarz” stealth fighters, a major step for NATO’s eastern flank and regional interoperability. Czech Science for Pandemic Prep: Czech and international teams recreated key COVID-19 evolutionary steps in a test tube, aiming to better predict how viruses may evolve and when new waves could emerge. Industry & Infrastructure Debate: Czechia’s “infrastructure spring” push leans on public-private partnerships to close an investment gap, with the big question being long-term operational resilience, not just new construction. Prague Summer Economy: Holešovice Market Hall keeps drawing crowds with seasonal regional produce and a growing food scene, reinforcing Prague’s local supply chains.

Industrial RFID Expansion: UID has completed the acquisition of AEG ID, adding manufacturing in the Czech Republic and expanding industrial RFID solutions across Europe and North America, with a focus on automation, traceability and real-time tracking. Nuclear & Grid Investment: Czech energy plans include building a fourth major pumped-storage hydropower plant and a separate push to expand charging infrastructure, while a geological report is completed for new Dukovany nuclear units and Czechia is also looking at small modular reactors as part of the wider European nuclear push. Rare Disease Funding Pressure: At a Prague conference, experts said Europe’s rare-disease bottleneck is less about science and more about funding and regulatory complexity, with diagnosis delays still averaging around five years. Czech Tech & Consumer Electronics: Samsung Czechia has listed the Galaxy A27 5G with a new display and updated processor details ahead of launch. Automotive Product News: Škoda’s new Epiq is profiled as an entry-level electric model with UK pricing and specs confirmed, while Škoda also starts Epiq production in Spain. Local Industry Culture: Prague’s Holešovice Market Hall keeps drawing crowds with regional producers and a growing food scene, reflecting demand for local supply chains.

Energy Infrastructure: ČEZ plans to expand its EV charging network by adding 180 new charging stations in Czechia by year-end, lifting the total to over 1,200, with a focus on ultra-fast capacity and better availability. Power Storage & Grid Flexibility: ČEZ is moving ahead with a major pumped-storage upgrade at Orlík, transforming part of the hydropower site into a 154MW/750MWh facility, with construction starting in 2027 and completion targeted for 2033. Nuclear Pipeline: Czechia is also preparing three small modular reactors as part of a broader European nuclear push. Export Finance Cooperation: Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI) and Czech EGAP renewed a strategic MoU at TXF Global 2026 in Prague to strengthen export credit insurance, risk protection, and support for SMEs. AI Governance in Business: A KPMG report on “agentic AI” was pulled after claims were flagged as AI hallucinations, including false case studies involving UBS and the UK NHS. Retail & Logistics: Amazon opened a new fulfillment center in Northamptonshire (over £1bn total investment in the region) and is planning a second large cross-dock site in Kettering; separately, L’Oréal outsources logistics in Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary to GXO.

Czech Construction & Housing Reform: Czech MPs advanced a government-backed Building Act amendment aimed at speeding up permits, including a central state building authority and a “public interest” status for large housing projects, though opposition warns the parliamentary route and substance may be problematic. Energy Infrastructure: ČEZ is set to build the fourth major Czech pumped-storage hydropower plant, adding to the country’s push for flexible power capacity. Nuclear Roadmap: Czechia plans three small modular reactors and wants to supply European projects, signaling a bid to scale advanced nuclear beyond domestic use. EU Consumer Greenwashing Rules: The European Commission has started infringement steps against 20 EU states for missing the deadline to transpose the EmpCo Directive on environmental claims, putting pressure on member countries—including those still lagging—to tighten rules against greenwashing. Defense & Tech: Embraer confirmed KC-390 deliveries to new customers including the Czech Republic (two aircraft), while a Czech-developed passive acoustic drone defense system (“Sound Shield”) is highlighted as a low-cost way to detect threats without emitting signals. AI Governance: A probe into KPMG’s agentic AI report found most citations and references were flawed or fake, raising fresh questions about professional-services AI outputs. World Cup Logistics for Czech Fans: Czechia’s World Cup opener vs South Korea delivered a tight Group A start, with the match’s outcome and red-card fallout shaping next fixtures.

Nuclear & Energy Security: Czechia plans three small modular reactors at Temelín, Dětmarovice and Tušimice, aiming to join Europe’s SMR supply chain; Škoda JS will make key components for Rolls-Royce SMR projects in Wales, with Czech operation targeted around 2036. Grid Flexibility Upgrade: ČEZ will build the Czech Republic’s fourth large pumped-storage plant by 2033 by modernising Orlík, adding reversible turbine tech and up to 750 MWh storage to support daily demand. EU Carbon Cost Shield: EU co-legislators struck a deal to strengthen the ETS2 Market Stability Reserve from 2028, boosting intervention capacity to curb energy price spikes for households. Czech Inflation Watch: Czech consumer prices rose 2.1% y/y in May, with food easing but fuel and transport lifting the overall figure. Czech Industry & Exports: EGAP and UAE’s ECI renewed cooperation on export credit insurance and trade support, signed in Prague. Construction & Retail Tech: SKYX will supply smart building systems for the Mozart Prague hotel renovation. Heavy Equipment: Bobcat showcased upgraded R-series and a new tracked M-series model at Demo Days in Dobříš. World Cup Logistics (Czech angle): South Korea coach says his team is ready for the opener vs Czechia, while the tournament begins with Mexico–South Africa and South Korea–Czechia in Group A.

World Cup Kickoff (Czech focus): South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo says his team is “fully ready” for the Group A opener against Czechia in Guadalajara, highlighting preparations including acclimating to high altitude. EU Carbon Pricing: EU co-legislators agreed stronger controls for the new ETS2 carbon market: if permit prices exceed €45/ton, 40 million allowances will be released from the stability reserve (triggerable twice a year), with the mechanism extended beyond 2030 to protect households’ fuel and heating costs. Czech Energy & Industry: Litostroj was selected as general contractor for Orlík hydropower modernisation, while ČEZ plans a pumped-storage hydropower plant at the Orlík reservoir—another step in Czech grid flexibility. Czech–Ukraine Defence Ties: Czech President Petr Pavel met the commander of Ukraine’s Rugby Team unmanned systems battalion, discussing support for Ukraine and cooperation on European security. Czech Tech/Connectivity: Starlink expanded its new 100Mbps/200Mbps residential tiers to include the Czech Republic, signaling tougher competition for local fixed broadband providers. Logistics in the region: GXO signed a multi-year agreement with L’Oréal for logistics support across Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary.

Czech Inflation Watch: Czechia’s consumer prices cooled to 2.1% year-on-year in May, keeping the country among Europe’s lowest-inflation economies. Energy Storage & Grid Flexibility: ČEZ will build a pumped-storage hydropower plant at the Orlík reservoir, a CZK 8bn upgrade aimed at adding up to 750 MWh of storage capacity by 2033. Logistics for Industry: GXO signed a multi-year deal with L’Oréal to manage logistics across Czechia, Slovakia and Hungary, supporting both retail and e-commerce growth. M&A & Media Competition: The UK’s CMA formally started investigating Paramount’s $110bn Warner Bros. Discovery merger, with the EU also probing the deal under foreign-subsidies rules tied to Middle Eastern sovereign funds. Cybersecurity Procurement: AISLE launched “AISLE Snapshot,” bringing frontier-class vulnerability detection into customers’ own environments for regulated and security-sensitive firms. Trade Finance: Etihad Credit Insurance and Export Finance Australia signed an MoU in Prague to expand financing cooperation across energy, infrastructure and digital transformation. EU Climate Policy: EU states and industry are gearing up for a carbon market reform fight ahead of the Commission’s July 15 proposal.

Space & Industry: The Czech government unveiled progress on “Česká cesta do vesmíru” at the Prague Planetarium, announcing an ESA–Vast Space agreement to enable Czech participation in a commercial ISS crew mission, with the possible role of mission pilot linked to ESA reserve astronaut Aleš Svoboda. Defense Supply Chain: Germany will add €300m to the Czech initiative for ammunition purchases for Ukraine, targeting roughly 50,000 artillery shells, as Prague reports over 4m large-caliber munitions already delivered. AI Software Localization: Microshare expanded its EverSmart™ Pest and Clean suites with 31 new languages (including Czech), aiming to speed adoption for multilingual technicians, cleaners and compliance teams across Europe and Asia. Mobility & Infrastructure: Prague Airport increased profit in 2025 and plans major modernization investments, while Prague Metro Line D advances into its second phase. Manufacturing & Energy: Škoda has started Epiq production in Spain, signaling continued ramp-up for its electric SUV lineup. Public Safety & Health: EU drug reporting warns of more potent synthetic opioids and shifting trafficking routes, with overdose deaths still driven by opioid combinations.

Automotive & Industry: Škoda has started series production of the all-electric Epiq at Volkswagen Navarra in Pamplona, its first Czech-brand vehicle made in Spain—part of a wider shift toward mixed EV and combustion output across European plants. Aviation & Trade: Prague Airport reported 2025 growth with 17.8m passengers and CZK 5.1bn EBITDA, while investing billions in infrastructure and expansion. Transport Policy: EU Transport Council backed an EU Maritime Industrial Strategy and an EU Ports Strategy aimed at boosting shipbuilding, shipping, port resilience and sustainability. Public Media Funding: Czech PM Andrej Babiš says a bill will abolish TV and radio licence fees, moving public media funding to the state budget with a predictable formula. Subsidy & Justice: Prosecutors seek charges in an €4m Agrofert subsidy case tied to an innovative toast bread production line. Startups & Retail Tech: Prague e-commerce automation startup Merchantee closed a €1.8m round to expand marketplace integrations and automate pricing and promotions across Europe. Energy & Security: Germany is weighing options after the FCAS fighter-jet project collapsed, with talks continuing on a next-generation program. Space: Czech Army pilot Aleš Svoboda is set for an ISS mission in the second half of 2027 under an ESA-Vast agreement.

Czech Energy & Industry: The European Commission has dropped an in-depth foreign-subsidy probe into Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power’s Dukovany nuclear project, clearing the way for the planned new units near the existing plant. Czech Economy & Trade: A new Czech macro read points to solid 2025 growth (2.6%) and low unemployment, but flags a structural industrial shift and weaker external demand signals, especially tied to Germany’s competitiveness. Transport & Automation: EU transport ministers backed a push for a more competitive, resilient and decarbonised transport sector, including work on clean corporate vehicles, ports strategy and post-2030 climate policy. Tech & Mobility: Europe is moving toward large-scale cross-border autonomous vehicle testing, with Czechia among the signatories aiming to standardise approvals for public transport and freight/logistics trials. Agriculture & Machinery: Zetor will debut its new Series 6 at the UK’s Cereals arable event, pitching higher power, operator comfort and efficiency for demanding field work. Space for Czechia: ESA, on behalf of the Czech Republic, has signed with Vast for a Czech astronaut mission to the ISS, with Aleš Svoboda set to become the first Czech to fly there.