News

Czech candidate for European Commissioner Jozef Síkela reportedly succeeded in today’s hearing in the European Parliament, with the Development Committee (DEVE) supporting his candidacy, according to the Czech Press Agency (ČTK). Following a three-hour questioning, committee members assessed his responses, with a two-thirds majority reportedly in his favor. The committee did not publicly announce its stance, and final results will be confirmed after all 26 commissioner hearings conclude.

MEPs questioned Síkela on his plans to enhance development cooperation and ensure efficient fund allocation. Additional queries addressed his role in migration and how cooperation with third countries could prevent illegal migration. Final decisions will be made by the Conference of Presidents on November 21, with the European Parliament voting on the entire commission on November 25. If approved, the new EC could commence on December 1.

Apartment prices in Prague have risen faster than anticipated, with the average price of new apartments reaching over CZK 160,000 per square meter by the end of September—up 5.4% since January and exceeding Central bank predictions for the entire year. This trend, reported by Central Group, Trigema, and Skanska Residential, shows continued price increases, now in their fourth consecutive quarter. Demand for new housing has surged, currently about 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels, despite only modest declines in mortgage rates. Older apartment prices and rental rates have also increased, with resale prices up 12% year-on-year and average rent rising by 7%.

In a speech to Swiss MPs, Czech President Petr Pavel warned that global instability is escalating, with Russian aggression against Ukraine as the leading threat. He highlighted that over 50 nations have provided military aid to Ukraine and expects Czech munitions support to continue, aiming to supply 500,000 artillery shells by year-end. Pavel also praised Switzerland’s support for EU sanctions and reconsideration of arms re-exports. The Ukraine war’s outcome, he emphasized, will shape the international order, warning that weaknesses could encourage China and other states to act on global ambitions.

The Czech Chamber of Deputies has resumed the final round of deliberations on the government’s pension reform, facing criticism from opposition MPs. Forty of them registered to speak, with right wing SPD leader Radim Fiala using his priority right to begin. Vice-Chair Olga Richterová (Pirates Party) and Christian Democratic Leader leader Aleš Dufek are also expected to speak, with Dufek possibly extending the afternoon session to allow more debate. The reform proposes a gradual increase in retirement age and adjustments to new pension calculations aimed at stabilizing the pension system’s finances. Voting is anticipated by Friday.