Reading time: 2 minutes 
Summary for: Czech news in brief for December 12: Friday's top morning headlines
Pavel fears defense spending will miss target
1️⃣ Pavel fears defense spending will miss target
President Petr Pavel warned Thursday that the Czech Republic may fail to meet NATO’s goal of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense this year, citing rising GDP and slow budget absorption. Outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala insisted the target remains within reach, projecting between 1.95 and 2.01 percent. Pavel urged long-term increases toward 3.5 percent, saying security threats demand stronger capabilities. He continued a two-day visit to the Liberec Region.
PARTNER ARTICLE
2️⃣ Papilio earns Czechia’s first two Michelin stars
Papilio in Vysoké Újezd has become the first Czech restaurant to earn two Michelin stars, organizers announced at the launch of the country’s new Michelin Guide. Eight restaurants received one star, including five in Prague and others in Olomouc, Zlín, and Hlohovec. The expanded guide, backed by a CzechTourism contract, marks the first nationwide evaluation. Officials say the recognition will boost regional gastronomy and tourism.
3️⃣ Mortgage volume dips 4 percent in November
Mortgage lending in the Czech Republic fell 4 percent in November to 37.1 billion crowns, according to the Czech Banking Association’s Hypomonitor. New loans dropped to CZK 28.1 billion as average rates held at 4.48 percent. Economists say demand remains solid amid rising wages and property prices. If current momentum continues, new mortgages could reach CZK 322 billion this year, more than 40 percent above 2024 despite expectations of no near-term rate cuts.
4️⃣ Czech study links alcohol to DNA damage, cancer
Alcohol damages human DNA and can trigger cancer, according to new research from the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. Scientists found the toxic metabolite acetaldehyde harms DNA, with some people less able to repair the damage due to genetic differences. The study, published in Communications Biology, examined repair enzymes and Fanconi anemia models. Researchers warn that even small alcohol intake raises cancer risk for those with impaired DNA-repair pathways.
5️⃣ Pilsen to build country’s largest jellyfish hall
The Pilsen Zoo plans to build the nation’s largest jellyfish aquarium under a 2026 city budget approved this week. The new pavilion will span nearly 200 square meters and feature tanks up to 7,000 liters, showcasing hundreds of species and highlighting marine conservation. The project, expected to cost tens of millions of crowns, is one of more than 100 planned city investments, including redeveloping Republic Square and restoring the Peklo cultural center.
