Czech prime minister and businessman in ongoing EU scrutiny
Romania and the Czech Republic face funding and independence concerns as governments consider shifting public broadcasters to state financing. In the Czech case, thousands protest plans to fund Czech Television and Czech Radio from the state budget, potentially reducing funding by about 15% and risking staff layoffs and editorial independence. In Romania, caretaker governance risks a constitutional crisis as parties negotiate a minority government ahead of EU funding targets and credit ratings.
The Czech Republic’s president has secured a place in the official delegation to the NATO summit in Ankara, after a court injunction forced the government to accredit him. The move comes as Prime Minister Babiš faces scrutiny over defence spending and the separation of powers.