The Czech Republic is preparing a bill on the registration of individuals and organizations with “foreign connections”—an equivalent to the Russian “foreign agent” status.
According to European media, the Czech Ministry of the Interior is drafting a new law that will require individuals and legal entities to register in a special registry if they act in the interests of foreign entities. “Foreign connections” are defined as actions in favor of another state, including advisory, analytical, informational, or other activities financed or directed from abroad.
The bill evokes associations with Russian and Hungarian “foreign agent” legislation. Its supporters claim the measure is aimed at increasing transparency regarding the influence of foreign forces on domestic politics, media, NGOs, and public campaigns in the Czech Republic. Critics are already calling the initiative a threat to freedom of speech, civil society, and independent media.
Official details are still limited, the text of the bill is still being drafted and discussed by the government. It is expected to be submitted to parliament in the coming weeks or months.
Experts note that the Czech Republic has previously actively criticized similar laws in Russia, Hungary, and Georgia, considering them a tool for pressuring the opposition and independent organizations. Now, the country is moving in a similar direction, which has already sparked discussions about possible conflicts with EU principles.
It is not yet known whether the measures will be as stringent as those in Russia (labeling of materials, fines, criminal liability), or whether they will be limited to registration and reporting.