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The world of Czech culture is in mourning following the death of the renowned architect Jan Kaplický, who passed away on Wednesday evening. The loss is not just a major one for the Czech Republic, but a deep personal one for his family – Mr Kaplický died just three hours after his wife gave birth to a daughter in Prague.

The dust is still settling from the controversial art installation that’s appeared at the European Union Council building in Brussels. The piece was commissioned by the Czech EU Presidency, who asked sculptor and well-known provocateur David Černý to bring together 27 European artists for the work. However David Černý has now admitted duping the government, which has been left trying to explain some highly offensive depictions to its EU partners.

The former Czech president Václav Havel is in hospital, in what doctors are calling a serious condition, following an operation on his throat on Sunday. He was admitted to hospital after suffering from breathing difficulties. Following on from the surgery, there were further complications, though physicians are saying that Mr Havel’s condition remains stable.

Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek set forward his government’s vision for the Czech EU presidency today, in front of a session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Mr Topolánek used the speech to underline key Czech goals during the six-month long EU presidency, which began this month.

Makers of glass, one of the Czech Republic’s best known exports, have been facing serious problems in recent months. One week ago, the biggest Czech glassmaker, Bohemia Crystalex Trading, was forced to close down another factory due to severe financial difficulties. Now, the Finance Ministry has for the first time suggested it would be willing to help the glassmakers financially.

German scientists have reportedly discovered deposits of the rare metallic element indium in the Krušné Hory mountains on the north-eastern Czech border. In fact, it could turn out to be the world’s biggest deposit. But what does this discovery mean for the Czech Republic and what exactly is indium?

Nearly three months after promising a cabinet reshuffle, the Czech prime minister, Mirek Topolánek, has finally announced which members of his cabinet are to be removed. Making the announcement on Monday, Mr Topolánek said the replacement of four ministers would give his government a “new dynamic”, and improve communication with the public.

A piece of public art commissioned by the Czech Republic to mark the country’s EU presidency has set tongues wagging in Brussels. ‘Entropa’ sees each of the EU’s 27 member states represented in all of their clichés and stereotypes as part of a larger piece assembled by Czech artist David Černý. Some in Brussels are praising the sculpture as thought-provoking, while others are dismissing it as downright crass.

A new right-wing political party was unveiled on Monday by a close ally of Czech president Vaclav Klaus. Petr Mach, who heads Mr Klaus's think-tank the Centre for Economics and Politics, told journalists the Free Citizens Party would fight ratification of the EU's Lisbon Treaty, push for a referendum on the euro and may cooperate with Declan Ganley's Libertas group ahead of this year's elections to the European Parliament. Supporters of the new party include both of Mr Klaus's sons, three MPs, and a senator. And also Benjamin Kuras, a journalist

An agreement brokered by the Czech prime minister on the resumption of Russian natural gas supplies to Europe appears to be back on track, after an unexpected snag on Sunday night brought further delays. The worst-ever gas crisis in Europe’s history, which has left thousands struggling to keep warm, has given fresh urgency to plans aimed at increasing the continent’s energy security.