Czech news in brief for April 29: Tuesday's top headlines

The Czech Republic continues to struggle with media ownership transparency, according to a media freedom report released by Civil Liberties Union for Europe ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3. The Berlin-based NGO warned that press freedom is deteriorating across the EU due to rising authoritarian influence. The report, compiled with 43 rights groups, highlights government funding biases, threats to journalists, and opaque ownership structures that limit media pluralism. It also notes women journalists face disproportionate attacks and that broader democratic safeguards are weakening.

The Czech Republic is falling short of its HIV reduction goals, with 269 new cases reported in 2024, a 6 percent rise from the previous year, officials said Tuesday. Experts at a Chamber of Deputies seminar blamed insufficient funding for prevention, including education, testing, and medication for at-risk groups. The country pledged to cut HIV spread by 75 percent by 2025 compared to 2010 levels, aiming for about 50 new cases annually. However, 68 infections were already recorded in the first quarter, according to national health data.

About 1.4 million people in the Czech Republic face economic and social hardship, costing the state an estimated CZK 279 billion annually, representatives of the Invisible project said Tuesday. The initiative, unveiled at a press conference, highlights growing challenges among disadvantaged groups who lack access to state aid or affordable loans. The project is backed by the Center for Economic and Market Analysis, Provident Financial, the Consumer Forum and others. Experts also warned that an aging population is worsening the situation for many.

Hepatitis A cases in the Czech Republic have surged, with 424 infections and six deaths reported so far in 2025, health officials said Monday. The virus, often spread through poor hygiene, is hitting vulnerable groups hardest, including people with liver disease. Officials say the outbreak, centered in Prague and other regions, remains under control. Authorities are urging renewed hygiene efforts, likening the importance of handwashing to the early Covid-19 era.

Czech President Petr Pavel urged European self-reliance Tuesday at the Three Seas Initiative summit in Warsaw, citing pressure from Russia and U.S. trade policy. Addressing regional leaders, Pavel warned Europe risks global irrelevance without unity. The forum, including nations from the Baltic to the Adriatic, focuses on boosting transport and military mobility. The initiative, launched in 2015, aims to modernize infrastructure in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe long neglected under communist regimes.

The Czech Ministry of Agriculture has lifted border checks with Austria, imposed due to a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. Restrictions on entering fields in three Czech regions also ended. However, controls and bans on imports of live animals remain for Slovakia and Hungary. Some food import rules are easing, but origin certificates are still required. The Makov crossing will reopen for trucks, except those carrying animal products.

Nearly 2.2 million Czechs watched the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday via domestic TV platforms. Czech Television’s ČT24 and ČT2 broadcasts drew hundreds of thousands of viewers, while CNN Prima NEWS and Nova also reported strong numbers. The turnout was lower than for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. Pope Francis died on April 21 and was buried in Rome following a public Mass and private ceremony.

A fire at a paint shop in Chodová Planá caused damages of around CZK 50 million, leaving one dead and two critically injured. The cause remains under investigation. About 60 firefighters battled the blaze, and 40 workers were evacuated. The incident is being treated as public endangerment through negligence. The affected company, Schmelzer s.r.o., produces large metal pipes and steel structures.

Experts report that climate change is causing ticks to spread to higher altitudes and urban areas in the Czech Republic. A new version of the Tick App now includes city data and lets users report tick sightings. Researchers warn that ticks in city parks show higher infection rates with pathogens like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. Experts also note that ticks are active almost year-round, with increased populations recorded in 2024.

Czech residents have until Friday, May 2, to file their electronic income tax returns and pay owed taxes. The Financial Administration urges taxpayers not to wait until the last minute, warning that the system may become overloaded. The deadline for paper submissions passed in March. Filing late may result in penalties, and officials stress that electronic submissions are mandatory for most individuals under current tax laws.