Morning bird: EU agreement with the USA means stability and predictability for trade, claims Vlček. The Prague Pride Festival of Pride offers more than 180 events
The European Union's agreement with the United States on tariffs of 15 percent will bring fundamental stability and predictability to business, believes Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček. Economic analysts largely agree with him. The festival program of Prague Pride, which starts today in Prague and will culminate on Saturday with a rainbow pride parade, includes debates, workshops or cultural performances, community meetings and sporting activities.
Tariffs of 15 percent are good news for the Czech Republic
The trade agreement of the European Union with the United States, which includes flat-rate tariffs of 15 percent, means fundamental stability and predictability for trade. On the X network, this was written by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Lukáš Vlček (STAN). According to him, the agreed flat tariffs are the maximum that could be achieved at the moment. According to the chief economist of Trinity Bank, Lukáš Kovanda, the agreement is good news for the Czech Republic, whose car industry is fairly heavily reliant on exports to the US. The fifteen percent tariff applies to the import of most goods into the US, including cars, semiconductors, and drugs, according to Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the European Commission, reported by the server Ceskenoviny.cz.
Prague Pride, a pride festival, begins in Prague today
The 15th annual Prague Pride festival begins in Prague today, with the official opening taking place this evening on Střelecký Island. Performers at the Pride Village opening on Monday 28th July include singer Aiko, who represented the Czech Republic at the Eurovision Song Contest last year. The festival will offer over 180 events, all connected by this year's theme, Where is my home? The week-long showcase of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+) life will peak with a rainbow pride parade on Saturday, which will pass through the city centre and conclude with a music programme at Letná, reported Ceskenoviny.cz.
Taiwan rejects bid to recall lawmakers friendly to China
Taiwanese voters on Saturday rejected efforts to recall about a fifth of their lawmakers, who hailed from the opposition Nationalist party. The ruling Democratic Progressive party leans towards the independence of the country, while the nationalists, also known as the Kuomintang, are in favor of China. Another round of recall elections takes place next month. If the results again unfavorable for the ruling party it would signify, that the government of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te could continue facing strong resistance from within the legislature ahead of elections slated for 2028, reported CNN.
Astronomer Company Hires Gwyneth Paltrow as Spokesperson after Scandal
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who was married to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin for 13 years, announced that the Astronomer company hired her as a spokeswoman, according to AP. The CEO of the said firm resigned after he was caught at a Coldplay concert hugging a woman who was not his wife. When the footage spread online, it sparked a series of parodic videos and other posts. The technology company based in New York, where both worked, found itself in the center of attention because of it.
Sources: Ceskenoviny.cz, CNN, AP
