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11/07/2024
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.
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11/06/2024
The Czech government has approved an additional CZK 3 billion for the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure (SFDI) to repair infrastructure damaged by September floods. The budget increase, requested by Transport Minister Martin Kupka (Civic Democratic Party), will support both investment and non-investment projects in flood-affected regions, primarily in Moravia and Olomouc. Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura (Civic Democratic Party) previously estimated flood-related state damages at CZK 25-30 billion, with additional costs anticipated for private and municipal properties. The government also raised this year’s state budget deficit by CZK 30 billion to address these and other emergency expenses.
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11/06/2024
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%.
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11/06/2024
Czech leaders extended congratulations to Donald Trump on his likely U.S. election victory, with most expressing optimism for continued strong U.S.-Czech and transatlantic relations. President Petr Pavel acknowledged Trump’s win and hopes for ongoing cooperation on global challenges but refrained from speculating on Trump’s future policies toward Ukraine, NATO, and Europe. Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party) emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level U.S.-Czech ties. Opposition leader Andrej Babiš (ANO Party) voiced hope that Trump’s victory could bring global peace, while Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (non-partisan) expressed skepticism, anticipating Trump might pressure Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense. Political analysts note Trump’s unpredictability but expect no major shifts in Czech-U.S. relations.
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11/06/2024
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.
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11/06/2024
Thursday should be mostly clear to partly cloudy, with occasional morning fog or drizzle in Bohemia. Daytime high temperatures will range from 8 to 12 °C.
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11/06/2024
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.
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11/06/2024
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party) congratulated Donald Trump following his projected win over Democrat Kamala Harris in the U.S. presidential election. Writing on the social media platform X, Fiala emphasized the importance of maintaining strong U.S.-Czech relations regardless of changes in administration, expressing a commitment to continue developing ties for the benefit of both countries. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (non-partisan) anticipates that Donald Trump will press Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense.
The Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová (TOP 09), also congratulated Donald Trump on his likely victory. In an interview with Czech Television, she acknowledged concerns among some Czechs and Europeans about Trump’s return to the White House but expressed confidence in the resilience of U.S.-Czech relations. She also voiced hope that the U.S. will continue supporting Ukraine, emphasizing that Russian aggression has a more significant impact on Europe than on the United States.
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11/06/2024
Swiss neutrality may not entirely shield the country from hybrid and cyber threats, Czech President Petr Pavel noted during his visit to Switzerland. In discussions with Swiss leaders, Pavel emphasized the importance of cooperation with EU and NATO partners, pointing to growing Swiss involvement in international consultations and participation in NATO Council meetings. Pavel also visited the Spiez Institute, which works on nuclear, biological, and chemical defense, and Armasuisse in Thun, where he observed advancements in robotic systems and defense technology. Pavel praised Switzerland's commitment to deepening its strategic relationship with the Czech Republic.
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11/06/2024
On Wednesday, Czech MPs will resume discussions on the government’s pension reform, which includes gradually raising the retirement age and adjusting pension calculations to reduce the deficit. With strong opposition criticism, a vote is unlikely. The reform has prompted 30 amendments, including setting the retirement age limit at 67. The coalition is also negotiating early retirement options for physically demanding jobs. In the evening, MPs will fast-track a construction law amendment aimed at overcoming issues in the digitalization of building permits. If passed, project documentation will be submitted digitally, and offices can continue using existing systems.
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