At its meeting on Monday, the government of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš approved several key materials relating to the economy, health, climate, migration and science. A key item on the agenda was a new economic strategy called Czechia: A Country for the Future 2.0. The cabinet also approved the appointment of a government commissioner for the transformation of the backbone network of Prague hospitals and preparations for the construction of a new teaching hospital complex in the capital.
According to the government, the new economic strategy is intended to create conditions for long-term economic growth through higher value added, innovation and investment. The document responds to rising costs for companies, the energy situation and the weakening competitiveness of European industry.
The main pillars of the strategy include modernising education, a more flexible labour market, strengthening energy self-sufficiency and more stable electricity prices.
The government also wants to encourage investment in infrastructure, the involvement of domestic capital and a reduction in the administrative burden. The private sector is to be the main driver of economic growth, while the state is to ensure a stable and predictable environment.
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said the strategy builds on a document prepared by his previous government. At the same time, the cabinet approved Pavel Scholz as government commissioner for the transformation of Prague hospitals and the preparation of a new modern hospital. According to the prime minister, the state of healthcare infrastructure in the capital has long been unsatisfactory and the construction of a new complex is one of the most challenging investments the state can make. Scholz will coordinate cooperation between ministries, prepare for the implementation of the project and communicate with the professional and public sphere.
At the same time, the Government made changes in the management of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic and the Grant Agency of the Czech Republic. Štěpán Kochánek was appointed head of the State Office for Nuclear Safety after a selection procedure, effective from 18 February 2026 for a five-year term.
The Cabinet also supported a regulation allowing selected holders of temporary protection to apply for special long-term residence this year. The conditions remain the same and include economic self-sufficiency, integrity, secure housing and a sufficient level of integration.
The approved package also includes a draft law that transposes the European regulation on carbon offsetting at borders into Czech law. The mechanism is intended to ensure that imported goods carry similar carbon costs to those generated in the EU, thus preventing production from shifting to countries with less stringent environmental rules.
The ministers also discussed the modification of the rules on afforestation of agricultural land and agroforestry. The main aim is to reduce red tape and better link up with European subsidy programmes.
Minister for Sport, Prevention and Health Boris Šťastný took over negotiations on the possibility of organizing the opening stages of the Tour de France cycling race in the Czech Republic. It would be a Grand Départ, i.e. the opening ceremony of one of the most watched sporting events in the world.
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