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In view of the heightened threat of international terrorism, the Czech prime minister has asked the interior minister for the introduction of a security threat scale that in the event of danger would enable a fast and coordinated response by the country’s security forces and better communication with the public.

Dutch politicians have this week floated the idea of a smaller area within Europe’s open Schengen zone – also including countries such as Germany and Belgium – where passport controls would be carried out at the perimeter. What would such a move mean for the Czech Republic and other states left outside such a “mini-Schengen”? That’s a question I put to Benjamin Tallis from Prague’s Institute of International Relations.

It started as a simple idea to fight corruption and strengthen democracy. But a crucial law aimed at putting all contracts signed by local and regional councils and other public institutions on the Internet now looks like it could be derailed. The Czech branch of Transparency International on Friday called an emergency press conference to raise the alarm.

The Czech military has dispatched another consignment of munitions and hand grenades to Bagdad where it is to assist the Iraqi military and Kurdish fighters in the war against the Islamic State. According to Defense Minister Martin Stropnický, the Czech Republic is likewise ready to respond to France’s need in assisting its intensified operation against IS headquarters in Raqqa.

One of the Czech Republic’s flagship antique fairs has just started in Prague’s New Town Hall. And, from a hesitant beginning and some difficult recent years, it looks like the Czech market is picking up again thanks to interest from local as well as foreign buyers.

Emotions are running high following Tuesday’ anti-Islamic demonstration at Prague’s Albertov, held on the 26th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution. Academics from Charles University have strongly criticized the fact that students were denied access to the historic site because of a political gathering.

President Miloš Zeman spoke at a rally organised by Bloc Against Islam in Prague on Tuesday, telling cheering supporters that Czechs are not racist because many people from compatible cultures have been welcomed in the country. Mr. Zeman has a reputation for fiery rhetoric on the subject. But was his public alignment with an anti-Islamist group of a piece with his previous pronouncements, or a new departure? And what is the president’s endgame?

People around the country marked the 26th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution amid heightened security on Tuesday. Overshadowed by the terrorist attacks in Paris and the migrant crisis in Europe the anniversary of the country’s return to democracy and European values took on new meaning in light of present day attitudes to migrants.

Life in the Czech metropolis came to a standstill at mid-day on Monday as Czechs joined millions of Europeans in observing a minute of silence for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris. In addition to widespread condemnation of the monstrous attacks against innocent civilians Czech officials have stressed the need for stronger coordinated action on the part of the EU.

One of the Czech Republic’s biggest music awards – the annual Český Slavík or Czech Nightingale competition, voted on by members of the public – looks like it has become embroiled in a controversy over immigration. According to the preliminary poll results, the highly controversial band Ortel is currently the front-runner in the race to be the most popular band.