Czech news in brief for February 3: Monday's top headlines

PM: U.S. tariffs must be discussed at EU level, social media bullying video sparks outrage, Šumava sees second day of record -20°C temperatures.

Expats.cz Staff ČTK

Written by Expats.cz StaffČTK Published on 03.02.2025 08:01:00 (updated on 03.02.2025) Reading time: 3 minutes

tech Czech ForMin to discuss AI chips in US

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský will meet with U.S. tech companies in Washington from Feb. 5-8 to discuss the export of AI chips. The U.S. plans to restrict technology exports to Russia, China, Iran, and Venezuela, but Czechia faces stricter rules compared to Western EU nations. Lipavský aims to convince U.S. officials to ease restrictions for his country. The European Commission has criticized the regulations. The diplomacy head will attend the GLOBSEC Transatlantic Forum.

music AC/DC will play in Prague this year

Australian rock legends AC/DC will perform in Prague’s Letňany on June 26, marking their first appearance in the city in nine years. The concert is part of their ongoing Power Up album tour, with the band visiting 12 cities across Europe this summer. The show will feature special guest band, The Pretty Reckless. Tickets go on sale Feb. 7, starting at CZK 3,490. AC/DC drew over 60,000 fans when they last visited the Czech capital.

charity Czech food banks aided 430,000 people in 2024

Czech food banks collected 16,600 tonnes of food in 2024, a 20 percent increase from the previous year, aiding 430,000 people, the Czech Federation of Food Banks reported. Rising demand reflects that up to 10 percent of Czechs live near the poverty line. Over 60 percent of recipients were single parents, seniors, and families in need. Food banks also provided emergency aid after the September floods, distributing goods worth CZK 130 million. The number of food bank outlets grew to 201 this year, up 38 from 2024.

industry Czech manufacturing slowed in January

The Czech manufacturing sector continued its decline in January, though at a slower rate. The Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 46.6 points from 44.8 in December, indicating a slowdown in the downturn. Output and new orders fell due to weak demand, especially from European markets. However, input price inflation was historically low, helping companies negotiate better prices. Despite ongoing challenges, business optimism for the year ahead increased, and layoffs eased.

EU Fiala backs stronger EU defense spending

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said increased EU defense investments benefit the Czech Republic economically. Speaking before an EU summit in Brussels, he urged better coordination of military acquisitions and financing access. Fiala emphasized the need for higher defense spending, aligning with NATO goals. He also proposed simplifying joint arms purchases. The Czech Republic aims to raise defense spending to 2.1–2.2 percent of GDP next year. “It is clear that Europe needs to take more care of its security,” he said.

Economy PM: U.S. tariffs must be discussed at EU level

Possible U.S. tariff hikes under President Donald Trump can only be addressed at the EU level, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Sunday on Czech Television. He emphasized that the EU has tools to negotiate using existing tariffs and stressed the need for open trade. Fiala noted it’s too early to predict the impact on the Czech economy until specific tariff details are known.

Politics Foreign minister, SPD head clash over Ukraine

Ending the war in Ukraine must include guarantees that Russia will not continue its aggression, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said Sunday during a televised debate with SPD leader Tomio Okamura. Lipavský rejected Okamura’s call to negotiate peace without supporting Ukraine, accusing him of echoing Russian propaganda. He emphasized Ukraine’s role in talks and the need for accountability, including war crime investigations and reparations from Russia.

Education Online bullying video sparks outrage

A disturbing video showing the bullying of a 12-year-old girl from Hodonín has sparked widespread outrage online. The footage, shared by the victim's mother, shows the girl being slapped, kicked, and taunted by classmates, while others watch and film. The bullying reportedly escalated over weeks, with the school failing to take action. Police have launched an investigation, and criminal proceedings are expected. Authorities are focusing on the roles of the individuals involved.

Weather Šumava sees second day of -20°C temperatures

Temperatures in the Šumava Mountains dropped below minus 20°C for the second consecutive day, with the coldest reading of -20.1°C recorded in the Březník valley, meteorologists said Sunday. Other areas, like Rokytská slat and Perla near Kvilda, saw temperatures of -15.8°C and -15°C, respectively. Forecasters predict continued freezing conditions through Tuesday, with a chance of light snow on Wednesday.

History Court exonerates man arrested for long hair

The Prague 1 District Court has rehabilitated Ivan Hajnis, a musician arrested in 1966 by Communist police for having long hair, his lawyer said. Hajnis, a member of The Primitives Group, was among 139 men detained during a crackdown on long hairstyles seen as rebellious. Police forcibly cut his hair, but the court now rules his detention was unlawful. Hajnis later emigrated.

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