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Under the current law on drugs, people can possess "not more than a small amount" of marijuana, though what constitutes a "small amount" is not specified. Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Petr Mares caused divisions within the cabinet by proposing a clearer, more liberal drug law. It would make possession of less than a fixed amount (some reports said enough for 250 joints) a misdemeanour, not a crime. On the eve of Thursday's International Day Against Drug Abuse, Petr Mares explained why he was putting forward this new legislation:

Just one year after he hung up his goalie skates Czech star goaltender Dominik Hasek may soon be back in the NHL. There have been reports in the US press that the 38-year-old legend and 1998 Olympic gold medal winner has been talking to the Detroit Red Wings, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in his last season. Is Hasek still hungry for another shot at sport's oldest tournament trophy? Well, that's still a matter of speculation. But one thing is certain: a Hasek comeback would be welcomed by a great many fans, not least those in the Czech Republic.

Nove Herminovy, a village in North Moravia, which was first settled some 700 years ago, is now threatened with extinction. The reason: regional authorities are considering forcing the residents to leave their homes to make way for a flood prevention dam on the River Odra. As you might imagine, the people of Nove Herminovy are not too happy about the idea.

Farm products in an area around the infamous Czech chemical plant Spolana, north of Prague have been found to be completely inedible due to a high content of toxic substances. Experts have found chemicals such as DDT and mercury in fish and eggs and are examining other species and products. One of the possible explanations for the contamination is that massive floods that hit the Czech Republic last summer washed chemicals out into the area by the plant. A definite cause, however, has yet to be established.

The famous Czech Brewery Budweiser Budvar may be up for sale. Although the company has long been labelled as the so-called "family silver", making it exempt from privatisation after 1989, its sale now could bring billions of crowns to the state budget. Observers warn, however, that if the government does decide to privatise Budvar, the company could fall prey to US-based giant Anheuser-Busch, which has been engaged in a fierce trademark war with Budvar, a worldwide battle that has continued for over a century.

The leaders of the three ruling coalition parties on Sunday approved further details of the planned budget reform aimed at reducing the growing deficit in public finances. The proposed reform will include sweeping changes in the pension and social systems, tax adjustments as well as changes in state administration.

This autumn will see the dramatic finale in formulating the final text of the new EU constitution, which, once complete, will provide a charter guaranteeing all EU citizens their basic rights. It's the first time such a charter will unite all EU legislation though several key points of contention remain. The Czechs for instance would like to see the continuation of the current system of a rotating EU presidency by country - to ensure fair representation across the board. The Czechs, set to join the European Union in May 2004, will also have as

The Czech delegation came to Thessalonica with a clear position on all issues but one - a possible reference to the Christian tradition in the drafted EU constitution. The proposal to mention Christian roots of European culture in the preamble comes from the European People's Party. In the predominantly atheist Czech Republic, the idea, promoted by the Christian Democrats, sparked controversy in parliament. Particularly agitated were some MPs for the main opposition Civic Democrats and the ruling Social Democrats - they accused Christian Democrat

After 1989, Czechoslovak Radio, just like almost every other institution in this country had to find a new identity. Almost overnight, it ceased to be the voice of the state and changed into a broadcaster whose goal was to provide unbiased information, education and entertainment to listeners in an increasingly competitive environment. In 1991, Czechoslovak Radio became a public-service institution, independent of the state and funded by subscription fees. 1993 was another milestone for the broadcaster - the split of Czechoslovakia gave birth to

European Union leaders and representatives of the ten candidate countries slated to join the EU in 2004 are holding a three day summit in Greece. The meeting is taking place amid intense security in the luxury Greek resort of Porto Carras about 100 kilometres from Thessaloniki. Rob Cameron is with the Czech government delegation at the summit and reports on how things are going.