• 07/17/2026

    Prolonged drought is now affecting even older vineyards in South Moravia, whose deep root systems have until now helped them withstand dry conditions. Wine experts say grape berries are becoming smaller in the hardest-hit areas unless vines can be irrigated. The impact varies depending on soil type, with limestone retaining water far better than sandy soils. Many growers have expanded irrigation systems beyond newly planted vines to protect older vineyards as well. Despite the dry weather, experts say this year's harvest still looks promising, although an early grape harvest could begin as soon as August.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 07/17/2026

    Maximum fuel prices set by the Czech government will increase again over the weekend in their final adjustment before price controls end. The ceiling for petrol will rise by 57 hellers to CZK 43.41 per litre, while diesel will increase by 95 hellers to CZK 42.13. From Monday, fuel prices will be determined solely by market forces. Analysts expect prices, particularly for diesel, to rise further once the cap is removed. Average pump prices remain below the government ceilings, with petrol selling for about 40.20 crowns a litre and diesel for 37.60 crowns on Thursday.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 07/17/2026

    The European Commission says Czechia has made insufficient progress in strengthening conflict-of-interest rules, particularly regarding transparency over beneficial ownership. In its annual rule of law report, the Commission also raises concerns about media legislation, noting that a government proposal to abolish licence fees for public service broadcasters has sparked worries about the future financing and independence of Czech Television and Czech Radio. The report further says no additional progress has been made on reforms aimed at improving transparency in media ownership. The Commission publishes its rule of law assessment for all EU member states each year.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 07/17/2026

    The leadership of the opposition Civic Democratic Party (ODS) has ordered its Prague 1 branch to remove former mayor Filip Dvořák from its candidate list for this autumn's local elections, saying he failed to adequately explain the origins of his wealth. If the local branch refuses, the party's Prague leadership will replace the list itself. The move highlights tensions between the national leadership and local party organisations. Civic Democrats have long sought to distance themselves from reputational damage linked to Prague politics in the 1990s, when some local party figures were accused of benefiting from controversial privatisation deals, although Dvořák has never been charged with any offence.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 07/17/2026

    Czechia had the European Union's second-lowest inflation rate in June, according to new data from Eurostat. Annual inflation fell to 1.1 percent under the EU's harmonised methodology, down from 1.8 percent in May. Only Sweden recorded a lower rate, at 1.0 percent, while Denmark ranked third with 1.8 percent. Across the EU, annual inflation eased to 2.9 percent from 3.3 percent in May, while inflation in the eurozone fell to 2.8 percent. Eurostat's figures differ from Czech national data because they use a harmonised methodology for comparing inflation across member states.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 07/17/2026

    Cloudy skies will prevail across most of Czechia, with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected during the day, especially in the mountains. Conditions will gradually improve in the evening as cloud cover decreases. Daytime highs will range from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, reaching up to 30 degrees in southeastern Moravia.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 07/17/2026

    Czech carmakers produced about 780,000 passenger cars in the first half of the year, around four percent more than a year earlier, according to the Automotive Industry Association. About 40 percent of all vehicles manufactured were electric or hybrid models, including roughly 130,000 fully electric cars. Market leader Škoda Auto increased production by nearly 10 percent, while Hyundai's output fell by about 10 percent. Toyota's production edged up slightly, with all cars built at its Czech plant powered by hybrid drivetrains. Bus, truck and motorcycle production also increased during the first six months of the year.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 07/17/2026

    Czech industrial producer prices rose 1.3 percent year-on-year in June, although the pace of growth slowed from May, according to the Czech Statistical Office. Agricultural producer prices continued to fall, dropping 13.5 percent from a year earlier, with lower prices for milk, pork, cereals and vegetables. Meanwhile, construction work became 4.1 percent more expensive and business service prices increased by 3.2 percent. Compared with May, producer prices declined in both agriculture and industry but edged up in construction and services. Producer prices are considered an important indicator of future consumer inflation.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 07/17/2026

    Health authorities have banned swimming at Prague's Džbán reservoir after detecting high levels of blue-green algae and algal bloom. Lower concentrations were also found at the nearby Šeberák pond, where children, allergy sufferers and other vulnerable people are advised not to swim. Water quality has also deteriorated slightly at Motol pond, Hostivař reservoir and the Braník beach on the Vltava River, although swimming remains permitted there. Prague's public health authority regularly monitors bathing sites during the summer, testing for harmful bacteria, blue-green algae and overall water quality.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 07/17/2026

    An amateur archaeologist has discovered a rare 2,000-year-old Celtic bronze duck near Tučín in Moravia in the east of the country. The tiny figurine, just 23 millimetres long and weighing less than 10 grams, was found on the surface of a field along the ancient Amber Road. Archaeologists describe it as an exceptional find and one of the finest Celtic bronze artifacts discovered in the Moravian Gate region. Experts believe it may have served as a symbolic object, a toy or part of a larger item. The unique discovery will become part of a new local heritage trail showcasing the area's archaeological past.

    Author: Vít Pohanka

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