Czech news in brief for February 11: Wednesday's top morning headlines

Czech MPs are set to approve the fundamental parameters of the state budget, including a proposed deficit of 310 billion CZK. The debate focuses on balancing essential infrastructure investment with the need for fiscal responsibility. While the government defends the spending as necessary for economic growth and social stability, opposition members criticize the high debt levels. The vote is a critical step in finalizing the country’s financial framework for the coming year, affecting public services and national investment.

The prime ministers of Czechia, Slovakia, and Austria have called on the European Union to urgently address high electricity prices at this week’s summit. Meeting in Bratislava under the Slavkov format, Andrej Babiš, Robert Fico, and Christian Stocker signed a joint declaration targeting energy speculation and carbon emission allowance costs. The leaders warned that current pricing threatens European industrial competitiveness, particularly in the automotive sector, against global rivals like China and India.

The German pilots' union has called for a nationwide strike at Lufthansa this Thursday, leading to widespread flight cancellations. The labor action follows a breakdown in collective bargaining negotiations regarding pay and working conditions. Travelers flying between Prague and German hubs such as Frankfurt and Munich should expect significant disruptions or grounding of flights. Passengers are advised to check their flight status and contact the airline for rebooking options as the carrier attempts to minimize the impact.

A new survey by the Safer Internet Centre and Palacký University reveals that Czech children frequently post sensitive personal information online, including home addresses and passwords. Nearly 40 percent of minors share photos of their faces or swimwear. The data highlights a high prevalence of "sexting" and risky behavior, with many respondents willing to meet strangers from the internet. Experts warn that these habits leave adolescents highly vulnerable to manipulation and online predators.

A recent monitoring project by the Nature Conservation Agency confirmed the presence of at least 13 wolves in the Orlické hory mountains. Tracking data suggests two packs, a northern and a southern group, operate across the Czech-Polish border. While wolf activity has increased near Uhřínov and Liberk, experts have not yet confirmed local breeding. Wolves returned to the region in 2018 and are now established members of the local ecosystem.