State pledges CZK 1.55bn to revive former coal regions

The Czech state will provide CZK 1.55 billion to transform sites affected by coal mining in the Ústecký kraj and Karlovarský kraj. The programme, launched by the Ministerstvo životního prostředí, will combine grants with interest-free loans to support redevelopment projects. Funds can be used to convert disused industrial areas into community and cultural centres, schools, healthcare facilities, social services hubs or public spaces. Environment Minister Igor Červený said the aim is to give former coal regions a new purpose. Most funding—CZK 1.2 billion—will go to the Ústecký region, with CZK 350 million earmarked for Karlovy Vary.