Czech news in brief for February 18: Wednesday's top afternoon headlines

Czech citizens and organizations have raised 3.4 billion CZK in humanitarian aid for Ukraine since the start of the 2022 invasion. Last year alone, Czech-led initiatives provided essential assistance to approximately 880,000 Ukrainians. The funding supports medical supplies, food security, and temporary housing programs. NGOs report that while the initial surge of donations has stabilized, consistent public support remains vital for ongoing reconstruction and frontline humanitarian efforts.

EU citizens may be required to register in Czechia under a draft amendment submitted by the Interior Ministry, Minister Lubomir Metnar said Tuesday. The reform aims to digitize residence procedures, tighten penalties for illegal stays and crime, and strengthen monitoring. Foreigners make up 10.4 percent of the population. Metnar also backed lowering criminal responsibility and boosting cyber security and police salaries.

President Petr Pavel and Prague officials discussed addressing the city’s addiction crisis through the implementation of modular container-based centers. These temporary structures would provide hygiene services and medical supervision for drug users, particularly in areas with high addiction rates. The initiative aims to reduce public nuisance while increasing contact between social workers and vulnerable populations. Officials believe this flexible infrastructure can bridge the gap until permanent facilities are established.

Prague Zoo is investigating the deaths of several more birds following confirmed cases of avian influenza. The facility has implemented strict biosecurity measures, including the closure of certain walk-through exhibits and restricted access to vulnerable enclosures. Veterinary experts are conducting laboratory tests to determine if the new fatalities are linked to the H5N1 virus. The zoo remains open to the public, though visitors must follow specific safety protocols to prevent further spread.

Czech hospitality representatives are advocating for the legalization of service charges to modernize the gastronomy sector. The proposal aims to clarify the tax status of gratuities, ensuring tips can be legally distributed among staff via digital payments. Proponents argue this move will increase transparency, boost employee earnings, and help professionalize the industry. The initiative seeks to align Czech regulations with standard practices found in other European Union countries.