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Czechia will meet its goal of delivering 500,000 rounds of large-caliber ammunition to Ukraine by the end of this year as part of its initiative, Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party) said in an interview with Czech Press Agency. He emphasized the need for continuous military support for Ukraine, including energy assistance through the winter, as Russia deliberately targets energy infrastructure. Fiala condemned the potential involvement of North Korean soldiers in the Ukraine conflict, calling it unacceptable and highlighting the global threat posed by regimes like North Korea and Iran.

The Czech Parliament is today (Wednesday) holding its first round of debate on the proposed state budget for next year. The government’s proposal includes a deficit of CZK 241 billion, which is CZK 41 billion less than the revised budget for this year. Opposition party ANO, as well as the Pirates, are calling for the budget to be sent back to the government for revision. The main priorities include public finance consolidation, boosting investments, and addressing the aftermath of recent floods. This year’s budget was adjusted in October to cover an additional CZK 30 billion in flood damage.

The Czech Chamber of Deputies will be able to debate laws overnight once again, a measure pushed through by the coalition. The decision was made to ensure as many laws as possible can be discussed, particularly if extended speeches by opposition members delay proceedings. Leader of the government Civic Democratic Party MP group Marek Benda proposed the extended hours, citing concerns over potential delays due to opposition delaying tactics. The Chamber also unanimously agreed to fast-track government aid for those affected by recent floods in Moravian-Silesian and Olomouc regions. Additionally, lawmakers may debate a bill to abolish lay judges, which President Pavel vetoed, citing the need for more thorough analysis.

Car production in Czechia rose by 7.8 percent in the first three quarters of the year, reaching nearly 1,1 million vehicles. Of these, a little more than 100 thousand were electric vehicles, with their share in total production falling to 9.7 percent, a decrease of 3.5 percentage points. A total of about 75,000 vehicles were sold domestically, while over a million were exported, marking an 8.8 percent increase in exports. Car production results are typically a strong factor in the overall growth of the Czech economy.