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Summary for: Czech news in brief for December 13: Saturday's top morning headlines
Czech ammo plan brings Ukraine 1.8 million rounds
1️⃣ Czech ammo plan brings Ukraine 1.8 million rounds
Ukraine received 1.8 million rounds of large-caliber ammunition in 2024 under the Czech-led initiative, meeting its annual target, outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala said. The program, funded by Western partners and backed by Czechia, the Netherlands and Denmark, aims to support Ukraine against Russia. Prime Minister-designate Andrej Babiš has questioned the initiative and called for a review.
2️⃣ New H3N2 K flu variant spreading toward Czechia
Czech health authorities have confirmed the arrival of the H3N2 K flu variant, already causing hospital surges in England and Spain. Experts warn it spreads more easily and partially evades immunity from previous infections and vaccinations. The variant is expected to dominate in Czechia within two weeks, coinciding with the Christmas period, while low vaccination rates could increase the risk of hospitalizations.
3️⃣ Prague Stock Exchange hits new record high
The Czech crown weakened to 24.30 CZK/EUR and 20.69 CZK/USD Friday, while the Prague Stock Exchange PX index closed at a record 2,568.94 points. Gains were led by insurer VIG, up nearly 6 percent, while banks and ČEZ declined. Analysts cited upcoming central bank meetings and pre-Christmas trading as factors. Weekly PX gains totaled 1.7 percent, driven by VIG shares, with Photon Energy seeing the largest drop.
4️⃣ Young orangutan dies at Prague Zoo
A five-year-old Sumatran orangutan drowned at Prague Zoo after falling into a water ditch while swinging on a rope before opening hours, the zoo said. A keeper attempted resuscitation but failed. Zoo officials said the animal misjudged his abilities during play. Born in 2020, Kawi was a popular resident of the Indonesian Jungle Pavilion.
5️⃣ Poland reimburses Czechia for illegal waste dump
Poland reimbursed CZK 11 million to the Moravia-Silesia Region for removing illegally dumped hazardous waste in Bohumín, Environment Minister Petr Hladík said. The region paid for the cleanup after waste from Poland remained stored for years. Flood damage last autumn increased risks, prompting removal. Authorities said the case, involving organised crime, has now been resolved.
📊 POLL RESULTS: After Czechia received its first restaurant with two Michelin stars, we asked readers if they would travel outside Prague to visit a Michelin-starred restaurant like Papilio. Most, 72 percent, said no, 15 percent said most certainly, and 13 percent said they’d need to think about it. Have your say in our poll.
