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The European Commission has successfully overturned a previous ruling that had partially favored the Czech Republic in a dispute over a 40 million CZK fine for illegally imported lighters. In 2022, the EU court reduced the fine by 18 million CZK, but the Commission appealed the decision. The latest ruling confirms that the Czech Republic will not receive any reimbursement. The case, originating from 2007, involved unclaimed antidumping duties on lighters misrepresented as being from Laos, but actually made in China.

In August 2024, the Czech Republic saw a 20% increase in train accidents, totaling 100 incidents. Fatalities also rose, with 15 deaths compared to 13 last year. Despite this, the number of accidents from January to August dropped slightly to 701, with 144 fatalities, the same as in 2023. Injuries doubled in August, reaching 13, while accidents on tram and metro lines decreased. Additionally, train-pedestrian collisions increased to 19, and there were more railway crossing accidents. Train drivers made 14 signal errors in August, compared to 12 in the same period last year.

The grape harvest in South Moravia has been sped up due to ongoing high temperatures, with heatwaves continuing into September. Grapes are drying out, reducing vineyard yields, especially in late-ripening varieties, according to experts. Harvesting began earlier than usual, about two to three weeks ahead of schedule. While the smaller fruit size may result in lower yields, with some vineyards expecting losses of up to 30%, the quality of the harvested grapes remains excellent, especially for red wine varieties. Wineries are facing challenges in organizing the harvest as multiple grape varieties are ripening simultaneously.

Firefighters remain at the Český Krumlov swimming pool, which was severely damaged by a large fire yesterday. Using heavy machinery, they will begin dismantling the damaged structure today. The fire was brought under control after a 12-hour effort, with no injuries reported. The damage is estimated at 20 million CZK. The pool is beyond repair, and the city plans to construct a new facility. The fire is believed to have started due to improper handling of fire during the removal of a wasp nest.