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Czech employers expect the economy to grow by between two and three percent in 2026, with inflation remaining below 2.5 percent. The Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic forecasts GDP growth of 2.3 percent, driven not only by household consumption but increasingly by business investment. The Confederation of Industry also expects moderate growth, warning of weaker foreign demand, especially from the EU. Business groups cite high energy costs, excessive regulation and a lack of skilled workers as the main obstacles. Small and medium-sized firms are slightly more optimistic, predicting growth of up to three percent.

Czech mountains will see heavy snowfall this week, with snow also spreading to lower elevations, where precipitation may turn mixed or rainy. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, temperatures will hover around freezing even during the day, while nights will remain frosty. Stronger winds are forecast from Tuesday, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h on Wednesday, leading to snowdrifts in the mountains and snow tongues elsewhere. Icy conditions may form overnight, especially in lower areas. By the end of the week, up to 20 centimetres of new snow could fall, with more than half a metre expected in the mountains.

Czechia will see a raft of legislative and economic changes in 2026, affecting households, workers and employers alike, According to Czech Radio summary, pensions will rise, with the minimum old-age pension increasing sharply, while the minimum wage will climb to 22,400 crowns, pushing up average pay and related levies. Divorces will become cheaper and faster for couples who reach an agreement, as courts will no longer examine the causes of a split. Unemployment benefits will be more generous at the start, a reform backed by former labour minister Marian Jurečka. Healthcare prevention and digital services will expand, while self-employed workers face higher minimum insurance payments. Some rates may still be revised by the new government led by ANO party leader Andrej Babiš.

Bird flu has been confirmed at another poultry farm belonging to the Xaverov company in the Havlíčkův Brod region, affecting around 30,000 laying hens. The farm is located several hundred metres from another Xaverov facility where about 35,000 hens were culled last Tuesday due to the virus.

Poultry at the newly affected site will also be culled, with the operation expected to take place next Tuesday, according to the State Veterinary Administration. It is the 11th outbreak of avian influenza in a commercial poultry farm in the Czech Republic this year.

Extraordinary veterinary measures are in force in all affected areas, including restrictions on poultry transport, mandatory registration of all poultry holdings and a ban on mass events such as bird markets or exhibitions.