Czech news in brief for December 17: Wednesday's top afternoon headlines

The Czech government has joined a declaration by leaders of 10 EU countries pledging U.S. and European security guarantees and economic support for Ukraine, Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlicek said Tuesday. Prime Minister Andrej Babis voiced general support, linking the move to U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan. The statement calls for a ceasefire and includes the potential deployment of multinational forces.

Railway operators in Czechia are boosting services ahead of Christmas as demand surges and seats sell out on major routes. RegioJet said some trains are already fully booked, adding hundreds of seats on routes including Prague-Ostrava and Prague-Brno. Leo Express and Czech Railways also reinforced connections. Carriers urged passengers to buy tickets early, especially for return trips after Christmas.

Tenants living year-round in rented holiday homes are entitled to state housing benefits, the Constitutional Court ruled Tuesday. The court clarified that eligibility is not limited to owners of recreational properties, as previously interpreted. Judges did not strike down the law but said it had been misapplied. The ruling allows tenants to claim benefits retroactively. A new unified welfare benefit introduced in October also covers such housing.

Heavy ice buildup from freezing fog is snapping trees and blocking roads in parts of Czechia, prompting hundreds of firefighter callouts. The worst-hit areas are the Vysočina region and parts of South Bohemia, where ice layers up to three centimeters thick have formed. Firefighters reported more than 150 interventions by Wednesday morning. Meteorologists warned conditions could persist until Thursday.

Traditional Christmas carp is losing popularity among younger Czechs, who increasingly prefer salmon or schnitzel, a Home Credit survey found. Carp remains favored by older generations and in some regions. The survey also showed growing interest in artificial Christmas trees, cited for lower costs and convenience. Most respondents plan to spend Christmas Eve at home with family, with few traveling abroad.