Ivan Jukl appointed director of Czech Centres

From 1 August, former Czech ambassador to Egypt Ivan Jukl will take over as general director of the Czech Centres, replacing Jitka Pánek Jurková. The appointment was announced by Foreign Minister Petr Macinka, who said the ministry will not close any centre but aims to expand the network through cooperation with civic associations.

Macinka said the new director will focus on reducing the high share of expenses absorbed by the Prague headquarters – up to 30‑40 % of total costs – and on creating a slimmer central office while maintaining a wide network. Jukl, who served in Egypt since 2022 and previously in Finland, also previously led the state trade promotion agency CzechTrade. The ministry highlighted the need for a new financial concept for the centres, especially after budget pressures linked to the Czech pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka.