News

Prague authorities have banned the lighting of fires in parks, forests, gardens and other natural areas across the Czech capital because of an increased wildfire risk. The measure took effect at 11 a.m. on Saturday and remains in place until further notice. The restrictions follow a warning from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute after prolonged hot, dry weather. Smoking, discarding cigarette butts and using pyrotechnics are also banned in designated high-risk areas. Meteorologists expect temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius in the coming days, with little chance of rain.

The most common malware threat targeting Windows computers in Czechia in April was CloudEyE, a malicious program used to download other harmful software, according to cybersecurity company ESET. It accounted for more than one in five detected Windows alware cases, despite its activity dropping from the previous month. The program typically spreads through phishing emails disguised as official documents, often in convincing Czech. Security experts warn that such tools are increasingly easy to obtain on cybercriminal marketplaces, allowing even less experienced attackers to launch data-stealing campaigns aimed at passwords and other sensitive information.

Housing costs in Czechia have risen far faster than wages over the past 15 years, making home ownership less affordable, according to a new analysis based on Eurostat data. Property prices rose by 158 percent between 2010 and 2025, compared with a 106 percent increase in average wages. That rise in housing costs is nearly three times the EU average. Rents also climbed sharply, up 69 percent over the same period. Analysts point to limited housing supply, strong demand, demographic pessures and investor interest as key drivers behind the long-term affordability crisis.

Czechia beat Slovakia 3–2 in a closely fought game at the ice hockey world championship in Switzerland. David Voženílek gave the Czechs an early lead, but Slovakia turned the game around in the second period through Michal Hrivík and Martin Chromiak. The Czechs responded in time, with Martin Kaut levelling before veteran captain Roman Červenka scored the winner midway through the third period.