News

The start of 2026 has brought changes to unemployment benefits, pensions and the minimum wage.

In the initial months of unemployment, benefits will increase from 65 to 80 percent of previous earnings, with a maximum of about 38,500 crowns. For longer periods, the benefit rate will decrease from the current 45 to 40 percent of income. People who leave their jobs voluntarily will no longer face reduced benefits and will receive the same amount as those who are dismissed. Support during retraining will also rise, from 60 to 80 percent of the national average wage.

The minimum wage has been upped by 1,600 crowns to 22,400 crowns a month. Guaranteed wages in the public sector will rise according to skill level, responsibility and job complexity.

All old-age, disability and survivor pensions will increase by 240 crowns, with most also seeing a 2.6 percent rise in the earnings-related component.

Base salary tariffs for police officers, firefighters and other security force members will increase by five percent as of January 1st.

The Three Kings Collection, the country’s largest and oldest charity fundraising campaign, will kick off on January 1st around the country. Groups of carol singers dressed as the Three Kings will visit towns and villages, offering blessings and collecting donations for those in need. Proceeds from the collection are used to support social services and charitable projects run by the Caritas Czech Republic network. Ten percent of the funds raised will be allocated to assistance for the poorest communities abroad. Czech Radio has long supported the Three Kings Collection through its broadcasting and through the direct involvement of its staff.

The Czech Republic’s junior ice hockey team will conclude the group stage of the World Championship today with a match against Latvia. The game starts at 21:30 CET in Minneapolis.

Coach Patrik Augusta’s team has already secured a place in the playoffs. In Group B, the Czechs can finish no higher than second. Canada is out of reach, as although the teams could end level on points, the Czechs lost their head-to-head match 5–7.

Special measures, including bans on traffic and parking, will apply on New Year’s Eve in the busiest parts of Prague’s historic centre, such as Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square and the embankment near Charles Bridge. The metro will run for up to two hours after midnight.

Police and municipal wardens will fine unauthorized use of fireworks. Hundreds of officers from the ranks of municipal and traffic police will oversee safety and compliance with fireworks regulations, police spokesman Jan Rybanský said.

Under an amendment to the law, people must now keep a distance of at least 250 metres when setting off fireworks near certain sites, including hospitals, care homes, shelters, rescue stations, zoos and beehives. Prague’s municipal ordinance goes further, banning fireworks entirely in the historic centre. The city has launched an information campaign in Czech and English posted in public spaces including metro stations.