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Fuel prices in Czechia have fallen significantly over the past week. According to CCS data, a litre of Natural 95 petrol now costs an average of CZK 41.23, down CZK 1.77 from a week ago. Diesel fell by CZK 2.02 to an average of CZK 38.38 per litre. Despite the decline, fuel remains considerably more expensive than a year ago. Petrol is about CZK 7.60 per litre higher, while diesel costs roughly CZK 6.30 more than at the same time last year. Fuel prices surged after fighting erupted in the Middle East in late February.

Employees at the Czech Government Office will decide later whether to proceed with a strike after being told that a planned transfer of human rights, mental health and addiction policy agendas to ministries can no longer be reversed. Union representatives said the move had been confirmed as a political decision during talks with Government Office chief Tünde Bartha. While staff had sought changes to the plan, their requests were rejected. Bartha said most criticism of the reform was unfounded and argued the transfer would strengthen the affected agendas. The reorganisation is scheduled to take effect in July.

Transparency International (an international NGO) plans to file a complaint with the European Parliament on Friday over a possible conflict of interest involving Czech MEP Alexandr Vondra. According to Politico, Vondra did not disclose his role as honorary chairman of the Prague Centre for Transatlantic Relations in his declaration of private interests. The complaint concerns the think tank’s reported funding from Czech defence companies. Transparency International argues that questions arise because Vondra is involved in negotiating key EU defence legislation and has met representatives of the companies. Vondra and the think tank deny any wrongdoing, saying his position is honorary and does not constitute a formal relationship requiring disclosure. The European Parliament is expected to review the complaint.

President Petr Pavel will meet Lieutenant General Miroslav Hlaváč on Thursday as the latter moves closer to becoming Czechia’s next chief of the general staff. Pavel said this week that he wants to hear Hlaváč’s priorities while expecting continuity in the army’s current direction. The government approved Hlaváč’s nomination in May, and the Chamber of Deputies’ defence committee discussed it last week. Hlaváč currently serves as deputy chief of the general staff. His priorities include completing the heavy brigade, launching a medium brigade and strengthening air and anti-drone defences.