Funding opportunities and policy change in migrant integration in Czechia

Interior Ministry to fund municipal integration projects

The Ministry of the Interior launched a new system for the funding of municipal projects to support the integration of temporary protection holders at the local level in 2026. Municipalities, voluntary associations of municipalities, cities or urban districts can now apply for additional funds for their own integration activities.

Supported activities include counselling, coordination of integration activities, participation of the target group and direct personal work with clients. Municipalities can apply for funding - available with a co-financing rate of 10% - until 17 February 2026; money received must be spent by the end of 2026.

EEA funds to support projects addressing integration challenges of people displaced from Ukraine

The Czech Republic signed memoranda with Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein launching the 2021-2028 EEA and Norway Grants.

The Czech Republic will receive over EUR 225 million in total. Part of the funding will support projects responding to the impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Under each financial mechanism, EUR 5.6 million is earmarked for this purpose. The EEA mechanism will focus on research, culture, and education, including inclusive education, while the Norway mechanism will support research and healthcare projects. Calls for proposals are expected in late 2026 or early 2027, with projects running until April 2031.

Government adopts Housing Support Act

The Czech government adopted the Housing Support Act , introducing systemic tools to assist people at risk of housing exclusion. The provisions will take effect gradually between January and June 2026 and apply to foreign nationals with permanent residence, asylum, or subsidiary protection, who are entitled to support on the same terms as Czech citizens. Temporary protection holders remain covered under the Lex Ukraine legislation.

The Act responds to a long-term housing crisis affecting over 150 000 people in deprivation and many more at risk. It establishes a nationwide, predictable system focused on preventing housing loss, protecting vulnerable groups, and increasing stable rental housing. Key instruments include municipal Housing Contact Points offering counselling and assistance, guarantees and compensations for landlords and municipalities to expand rental availability, and direct housing assistance to support administrative, financial, and practical needs.

Amendment to the Asylum Act

In September 2025, the Czech Republic amended the Asylum Act to align with the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. Being introduced in phases until June 2026, the changes aim to accelerate asylum procedures, strengthen oversight, and address irregular migration. Key measures include expedited rejection of abusive applications, faster return procedures, mandatory health and security screening, full asylum procedures at borders, and limits on residence permits for repeated administrative offences. The amendment also updates the Lex Ukraine regarding temporary protection. By clarifying procedures and obligations, the law seeks to provide a more structured framework for managing asylum seekers and supporting their eventual integration into Czech society.

Reassessment of the health status of refugees with disabilities

The seventh amendment to the Lex Ukraine Act , effective from 11 February 2025, revised support for refugees displaced from Ukraine with disabilities in the Czech Republic. During a transitional period until 30 June 2025, monthly humanitarian benefits were increased to CZK 11 835 for children and CZK 11 690 for adults. On 1 July 2025, a new assessment system based on five levels of self-sufficiency was introduced. Current beneficiaries were required to request reassessment by the end of September 2025, and authorities now have one year to issue a decision. Applications were submitted electronically via the Czech Social Security Administration (ČSSZ) ePortal and assessments are being conducted by the Institute for Health Status Assessment (IPZS ) in applicants' home environments.

Research on pupils with insufficient knowledge of the language of instruction in primary schools

An interim study was published for a research initiative examining how Czech primary schools support pupils with limited proficiency in the language of instruction. Based on surveys and interviews in five regions, teachers estimate that approximately 6% of pupils need language support, ranging from intensive to occasional assistance.

Under current rules, newly arrived foreign pupils are entitled to Czech language preparation, but only one third of eligible pupils qualified under the former 12-month limit. Overall, 35% of pupils with insufficient Czech participate in language classes, with large differences between designated language schools and others.

For the 2024/25 school year, eligibility was expanded to 24 months and up to 400 hours of instruction. A summary of the interim study was published online and a follow-up study is planned for 2026.

Exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of integration of foreigners in the Czech Republic

The Research Institute for Labour and Social Affairs (RILSA ) published a monograph analysing cooperation among institutions involved in the integration of foreigners across all 14 regions of the Czech Republic. Based on desk research, regional round tables, expert surveys, and SWOT analysis, the study formulates several practical recommendations.

The authors highlight the network of Centres for the Support of Integration of Foreigners as a stable platform for coordination and suggest using this existing structure as the main framework for further developing cooperation at regional level. They recommend strengthening the centres' role in information sharing, coordination, and partnership building.

For cooperation with other public authorities, municipalities, and NGOs, the study advises moving beyond informal "networking" towards clearer arrangements, with defined responsibilities and communication channels. According to the authors, this approach could support more consistent and transparent collaboration in integration policy and service delivery nationwide.