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Debt levels among Czech residents increased by 8.2% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2024, reaching 3.53 trillion CZK, according to data from the Banking and Non-Banking Client Information Registers. Consumer debt rose to 605 billion CZK, up 6.9%, with unpaid consumer loans increasing by 15% to 27.9 billion CZK. Younger borrowers face growing difficulties, with 14% of those under 24 unable to meet their obligations. Housing debt climbed to 2.92 trillion CZK, largely due to high property prices, while the average housing loan per borrower increased by 36% to 4.54 million CZK.

The European Court of Justice ruled today that Czechia and Poland violated EU law by preventing EU nationals from joining their political parties. The court stressed that EU citizens residing in a member state other than their own must have equal access to resources needed to exercise their electoral rights.

The court ordered both countries to comply immediately, warning that failure to do so could lead to financial penalties at the European Commission's request.

The European Commission began addressing Czechia's restrictions in 2012 by opening formal proceedings for breaching EU rules. Despite repeated criticism, Czechia has maintained that its laws comply with EU regulations.

In Nalžovské Hory, located in the Klatovy region, the culling of approximately 18,000 ducks, partridges, and pheasants at the Klatovy Fishery farm began today. This follows the confirmation of a highly pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak on Friday, which has already resulted in the deaths of around 4,500 birds, primarily domestic ducks.

All remaining live birds—13,500 in total—must be culled. According to Marek Svoboda, head of the animal welfare department at the Regional Veterinary Administration for the Pilsen Region (KVS), the operation, initially planned to take two days, could be completed by this evening if no complications arise due to extensive preparation.

The operation involves 16 farm workers handling the culling, 18 firefighters—three working directly in the infection zone and the remainder serving as support staff—and three state veterinarians.

Gas imports from Russia to Czechia have surged in recent weeks. While most of the year saw the majority of gas entering the country from Germany, in November, over 95% of the supply came through Slovakia. Experts attribute this shift to the predominant flow of Russian gas in that direction.

Analysts explain that the primary driver of this trend is the lower market price of Russian gas, as imports through Germany have become more expensive due to transportation fees.

Statistics from the Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) reveal that Russian gas supplies to Czechia dropped sharply following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and were nearly negligible for most of last year. However, since last autumn, the share of Russian gas has been gradually increasing, though it remains a minority portion of the overall supply.