Amendment provides EU citizens easier access to Czech farmland

The government has approved legislation which will make it easier for foreigners from EU countries to purchase farmland in the Czech Republic. The amendment has yet to be passed by parliament and signed by the president. The changes had earlier been criticised by Czech farmers' associations. Previously, EU citizens were required to prove they had lived in the country for three years, were able to speak Czech and were experts in the field of farming. The government says the previous legislation was not in line with EU law.