AGP Executive Report

IRGC Crackdown: Europol says it disrupted an IRGC-linked online propaganda network across 19 countries, taking down 14,200 posts/accounts/links and restricting the group’s main X account. Czech Startup Spotlight: JIC Ventures, backed by the Brno innovation agency, just made its first investment—$5M into FaceUp—aiming to back up to 20 early tech startups across CEE. Film Buzz: Samuel L. Jackson’s Cannes thriller “Just Play Dead” has locked major international distribution, including Czech Republic/Slovakia. Local Culture: Brno is hosting a Day of Argentine Culture on May 30, while Czech TV and radio supporters have been marching in recent days. Entertainment on the Move: “The Black Demon: Atlantis” is now filming with Jack Kesy leading, and the 35th Kolache Klobase Festival is set for June 13.

EU Crackdown on Iran’s IRGC Propaganda: Europol says 14,200 IRGC-linked posts were targeted in a coordinated online takedown, with 19 countries joining forces to disrupt propaganda, recruitment and fundraising. Fake Medicines Hit: Europol also backed an operation against a €240m counterfeit medicines network across Eastern Europe, including call centres and warehouses. Czech Court Update: The Czech Constitutional Court rejected an appeal by Nela Lisková, upholding a conviction tied to hate speech online. Eurovision Buzz: Eurovision 2026’s behind-the-scenes drama still lingers after tech mishaps and fan outrage, while Bulgaria’s Dara’s “Bangaranga” win remains the headline moment. Sports—World Cup Build-Up: World Cup 2026 squad news keeps rolling, with Croatia naming Luka Modrić as captain and Brazil recalling Neymar after nearly three years. Tennis & Hockey: Ben Shelton and Alex de Minaur advanced in Hamburg; UND landed defenseman Carson Carels, and Finland routed the USA 6-2 at the hockey worlds.

EU Crackdown: The EU and Europol hit 14,200 Iran’s IRGC-linked posts in a coordinated online takedown, with 19 countries including Czechia joining referrals to platforms. Czech Court: The Constitutional Court rejected activist Nela Lisková’s appeal over hate-speech convictions, backing lower courts that said her posts were targeted and not protected speech. Eurovision Afterglow: Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” while fans and media keep dissecting the chaos, tech mishaps, and the meaning behind the catchphrase. World Cup Build-Up: Croatia named Luka Modrić as captain for a 26-man squad, and Czechia’s Eurovision and sports calendar stays packed. Culture & Media: Czech public broadcasters face fresh pressure as the coalition debates a public media funding overhaul, sparking marches in Brno. Film/Industry: Europa Cinemas backs 9 collaborative projects with €947,000, and the CEE Animation Forum in Pilsen adds a Council of Europe co-production award.

Eurovision Aftershock: Bulgaria just won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna for the first time ever, with DARA’s “Bangaranga” scoring 516 points and overtaking Israel at the end—while a major boycott over Israel’s participation reshaped the night. Czech Spotlight: Czech Republic’s jury and televote support helped Ukraine’s LELÉKA score big totals, and Czech fans also kept buzzing about the contest’s tech drama and running-order chaos. Streaming Buzz: Markiplier’s horror hit “Iron Lung” is set for a YouTube exclusive release on May 31 after a surprise box-office run. Crime & Health: A Europe-wide operation dismantled a fake-medicine network, shutting down 196 websites and hitting suspects across multiple countries. Sports (Local Angle): Leylah Fernandez advanced in Strasbourg; and Czech-linked tennis coverage continues as players set up next-round matchups. Culture Calendar: Metronome Prague marks its 10th anniversary with bigger names like Sting and Nick Cave returning.

Eurovision Aftershock: Bulgaria’s DARA wins Eurovision 2026 with “Bangaranga” (516 points), beating Israel into second and sparking a wave of debate over boycotts and staging chaos. Czechia Spotlight: Czech singer Daniel Žižka’s “Crossroads” drama is back in focus after reports of a technical mishap and a complaint being denied—fans are still buzzing. Public Media Fight: Czech PM Andrej Babiš says the coalition will discuss the public service media bill on May 25, shifting Czech Radio/TV funding from licence fees to state budget money—critics warn it could curb independence. Football & Culture: AC Sparta Praha plans a new 5,000-seat campus in Prague-Krč. Streaming Buzz: Channel 4 adds Slovak political thriller “Ultimatum,” an eight-part hospital hostage story. World News Spillover: Zelensky calls Kyiv’s Moscow drone attack “entirely justified,” while Russia accuses Ukraine of civilian targeting.

Eurovision Shock Finish: Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision 2026 in Vienna with “Bangaranga,” scoring 516 points and beating Israel’s Noam Bettan (343) in a tense final vote. Czechia in the Spotlight: Czech singer Daniel Žižka’s “Crossroads” was marred by on-screen glitches and a visible cameraman stumble during the mirrored staging, and fans are furious that Czechia wasn’t allowed to repeat the performance. Local Culture Abroad: In the U.S., Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village hosted the 48th annual Houby Days, a mushroom-and-music celebration meant to keep Czech/Slovak traditions alive. Sports & Entertainment Mix: Elsewhere in the week’s buzz, UFC 327 and the Newcastle vs West Ham Premier League clash both drew attention, but Eurovision dominated the headlines.

Eurovision Grand Final: The 2026 Eurovision showpiece is tonight in Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle, with Greece’s Akylas (“Ferto”) and Cyprus’s Antigoni Buxton (“Jalla”) among the finalists, and the running order already stirring debate and last-minute nerves. Czech Spotlight: Czechia is in the final lineup too, and the week’s buzz has been loud enough to keep Czech viewers glued—plus there’s fresh attention on Czech police recovering the stolen relic of St. Zdislava’s skull, a case that shocked Czech Catholics. Sports Drama: In Scotland, Celtic’s title win over Hearts sparked “abandoned game” rumors after chaotic pitch scenes, but former referees say the match wasn’t actually abandoned. Tech/Global Culture: DeepSeek’s big funding push is making AI headlines worldwide, while craft-beer travel guides and festival coverage keep the entertainment feed busy.

Eurovision Countdown: The 2026 final is set for Saturday in Vienna, with the running order now out and fans already arguing over who got “ruined” by placement—plus the fallout from a record boycott over Israel’s inclusion still hangs over the glitter. Czech Spotlight: Czech entry Daniel Žižka is in the final, and the week’s biggest Czech headline is darker: police say they’ve recovered the 800-year-old skull of St. Zdislava, stolen from a basilica and found encased in concrete, with restorers now working to remove it safely. Streaming Buzz: Channel 4 has added the Czech/Slovak thriller Ultimátum to Walter Presents—an eight-part hospital hostage drama built for binge-watchers. Sports Pulse: Czechia opened the IIHF worlds campaign with a 4-1 win over Denmark, while hockey and Eurovision both keep Czech audiences glued to screens. Culture & Community: Prague’s Kampa Island hosts a remembrance-focused exhibition discussion on Roma and Sinti genocide, tying culture to how societies remember.

Eurovision Countdown: The Grand Final lineup is locked for Vienna after Semi-Final 2 sent Bulgaria’s DARA (“Bangaranga”) and Czechia’s Daniel Žižka (“Crossroads”) through—plus Cyprus, Greece, Ukraine, Denmark, Malta, Norway, Romania and Albania. Czech Spotlight: Žižka advances to the final, while the Czech ruling coalition also approved a parliamentary resolution against a Sudetengerman summit in Brno, reigniting post-war tensions. Streaming Buzz: Czech/Slovak hostage thriller “Ultimátum” (8 episodes) is now streaming in the UK on Channel 4’s Walter Presents. Sports & Culture: Prague Spring’s Son Se-hyeok wins the piano prize; Czechia opens the IIHF Ice Hockey Worlds against Denmark. Big World News: 36 countries back a special tribunal to prosecute Putin for aggression—“the point of no return,” Ukraine’s FM says.

Eurovision Fallout (Vienna): The second semi-final is done and the final lineup is locked—Australia’s Delta Goodrem stormed through with “Eclipse,” while Cyprus booked its place with Antigoni Buxton’s “Jalla” and Czechia’s Daniel Žižka also qualified; meanwhile the UK’s “Look Mum No Computer” (Sam Battle) split fans with “Eins, Zwei, Drei,” with online backlash already buzzing. Music & Tech Crossover: Deep Purple teamed up with Swiss audio brand Revox for a pricey limited hi-fi run tied to their “Splat!” era. Czech Spotlight: Czech police are still hunting the thief who stole an 800-year-old skull of Saint Zdislava from a northern basilica, with CCTV footage released as the manhunt continues. Sports (Czechia-linked): A teenage Hull Jets player, Ethan Daintith, earned a senior Great Britain ball hockey call-up and is set to head to Czechia for the next big stage. Health Tech: Apple expanded AirPods and Apple Watch wellness features to new regions, including Czechia.

Manhunt & Sacred Relic Theft: Czech police are still hunting the thief who stole an 800-year-old skull of Saint Zdislava from a basilica in Jablonné v Podještědí, releasing CCTV of a blurry dark-clothed suspect after the reliquary’s protective glass was smashed during a service window. Eurovision Tonight: Semi-final 2 is live in Vienna with 15 countries chasing the last 10 spots, including Czech entry Daniel Žižka (“Crossroads”) and a big spotlight on Australia’s Delta Goodrem (“Eclipse”), while boycotts and political tensions keep hovering over the show. Czech Culture Spotlight: Maxipes Fík, the beloved Czech bedtime dog, turns 50—an anniversary for generations of Večerníček fans. Health & Safety in the News: A Eurojust-led operation helped dismantle a €240m fake medicines network across 15 countries. Business Watch: Europe’s licensed cannabis market is accelerating, with the Czech Republic named among key players.

Eurovision Buzz in Vienna: Czechia’s Daniel Zizka is set for Semi-Final 2 after Look Mum No Computer (UK) takes the stage, with the rehearsal already drawing attention and fans still split over Eurovision’s latest format shake-ups. World Cup Countdown: With the tournament now about a month away, Korea’s attack is under pressure as key forwards struggle for goals—while Mexico’s Chucky Lozano has been left out of the provisional World Cup roster. Sports Spotlight: Phoenix Mercury’s season opener didn’t go their way, but the bigger story is the title goal and the roster still finding its rhythm. Prague Tech & Business: HostColor announced new RDP server hosting locations, including Prague—another sign that Czechia keeps pulling in international digital services. BDS & Politics: A BDS co-coordinator discussed the movement’s rapid growth across Europe, including in Slovenia and Croatia.

Eurovision Buzz in Vienna: Czechia’s Daniel Zizka takes the stage in Semi-Final 2’s first dress rehearsal, with press-only access setting up what viewers will see next. EU Rights Push: The European Commission is moving to ban gay conversion therapy across the bloc after a petition topped a million signatures. Prague Culture: Signal Festival’s history is getting a spotlight in a new Signal Space exhibition, tracing how the open-air event grew into a Prague staple since 2013. Entertainment on the Move: Circus Vazquez lands at Quaker Bridge Mall May 15–25, while Prague’s ARENA festival is set to take over Štvanice Island June 4–25. Czech Sports Spotlight: A fundraiser has already topped £35,000 for NW200 racer Kamil Holan’s family after his fatal crash. Czech Economy Mood: Czech beer consumption hit a “historic” low in 2025, dragging brewery output and exports.

Eurovision Backlash: Fans are furious after BBC changed the on-screen results graphics in Semi-Final 1, swapping performers’ reaction shots for the country name—sparking posts calling it “abysmal” and “ugly.” Czech & Slovak Spotlight: Czech Republic is pushing tighter temporary protection rules for Ukrainians, while Czechia and Slovakia are also back in the Venice Biennale with a joint contemporary art project. Sports & Culture Mix: Deep Purple dropped the first single “Arrogant Boy” from the studio album SPLAT! ahead of a big 2026 tour. Regional Diplomacy: Czech President Petr Pavel met Austria’s Alexander Van der Bellen and Slovakia’s Peter Pellegrini in the Slavkov/Austerlitz Format summit in Bratislava, focusing on security and energy. Local Entertainment: Munich’s Expats Join Hands dance festival is set to feature a record 120 groups and solo performers.

Prague Derby Fallout: Slavia Prague have been hit with a 0-3 default loss, a record 10 million CZK fine, and four home matches behind closed doors after the Eden Stadium pitch invasion and attacks during the abandoned “S” derby—Sparta also received sanctions. Eurovision 2026 Buzz: Vienna is bracing for protests as the first semi-final kicks off tonight, with the full running order out and security measures tightened amid heightened political tension. Tech & Media: T-Mobile Czech Republic launched “Birthday Cinema,” a special Magenta TV VOD channel marking 10 years of the service. Entertainment & Culture: Wolfgang Beltracchi’s Prague exhibition returns to the spotlight on art forgery, while Prague Spring’s 81st edition begins with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra opening the festival. Sports Spotlight: Tottenham’s Antonin Kinsky is being hailed for a season-defining reflex save in a dramatic Leeds draw. Global Human Stories: Auschwitz survivor and psychologist Edith Eger has died at 98.

Eurovision Fallout: Eurovision 2026 kicks off in Vienna with a record boycott—five countries (Ireland, Spain, Netherlands, Iceland, Slovenia) stay away over Israel’s presence amid the Gaza war, turning the contest’s “apolitical” brand into a live political flashpoint. Czech-Slovak Art Spotlight: Czechia and Slovakia return to the Venice Biennale with the joint project “The Silence of the Mole,” built around a fictional mole character and a metaphor for how both countries see themselves. Prague Derby Aftermath: Police keep digging into the abandoned Slavia–Sparta match after pitch invasions and attacks, with criminal proceedings tied to disorderly conduct and stadium damage. Music & Culture: Prague Spring Festival starts today with a Czech Radio Symphony Orchestra opening concert at Municipal House, plus competitions and major orchestral highlights across the week. Sports Czech Thread: Tottenham’s Czech keeper Antonín Kinský produced a dramatic late save in a Leeds draw, while Prague’s football chaos continues to dominate headlines.