Czech news in brief for February 6: Thursday's top headlines

Hundreds of thousands of apartments in the Czech Republic will change hands in the next decade due to inheritance, potentially lowering or slowing price growth in smaller towns, analysts say. Cities with aging owners, especially in eastern Bohemia and northern Moravia, may see a supply surge. However, prices in Prague and Brno are expected to keep rising due to strong demand and limited new construction.

The Czech National Bank lowered its base interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.75 percent on Thursday, the lowest since January 2022. The move, expected by financial markets, resumes the bank’s monetary easing after a December pause. Governor Aleš Michl will explain the decision at a press conference, where he will also present the central bank’s updated macroeconomic forecast influencing the rate cut.

Czech President Petr Pavel signed an amendment extending protections for Ukrainian refugees, tightening asylum rules, and imposing new restrictions on Russian citizenship applicants. The law, effective upon publication, introduces penalties for unauthorized activity on behalf of foreign powers, sparking criticism over vague wording. Opponents plan a constitutional challenge, while supporters argue it aligns with existing criminal laws. The amendment also facilitates long-term residency for Ukrainian refugees.

The Czech Republic’s first specialized center for sexual violence victims, has assisted over 1,000 clients in its first year, officials said Tuesday. Located in Prague, the center offers crisis support, therapy, legal aid, and emergency housing. Demand remains high, with calls for nationwide expansion. Officials stress the need for stable state funding to sustain operations amid rising cases and underreporting concerns.

Consumer prices in the Czech Republic rose 2.8 percent year-on-year in January, down from 3 percent in December, according to a preliminary estimate by the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO). Analysts had forecast a 2.6 percent increase. Food prices surged 4.8 percent, while energy costs fell 2.4 percent. The CZSO introduced the estimate to aid financial markets, with the Czech National Bank set to decide on interest rates today.

U.S. control of Gaza would be difficult to implement, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Monday. He stressed Washington's key role in Middle East stability but emphasized weakening Iran as a priority. Experts suggested Trump's statement aimed to pressure Hamas. Czech lawmakers voiced skepticism, with some calling for adherence to international law. Others noted Trump's stance aligns with Israeli hardliners.

Czech scientists have discovered the world’s largest underground thermal lake in Albania’s Vromoner area. Named Neuron, the lake measures 138.3 meters long and holds 83,350 hectoliters of thermal mineral water. The Neuron Foundation funded the 2024 expedition, led by speleologist Marek Audy, with nearly one million CZK for mapping equipment. The discovery highlights the importance of field research in advancing scientific knowledge.

The EU reaffirms support for Denmark’s territorial integrity, including Greenland, amid past U.S. interest in acquiring the island. Czech PM Petr Fiala emphasizes cooperation over dispute, stressing the need to counter Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic. President Petr Pavel highlights adherence to international law. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa notes Greenland's security significance for Europe and the U.S. Greenland remains a self-governing part of Denmark.

Temperatures in Czechia will drop slightly below freezing at night this weekend, with daytime highs reaching 5–7°C, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Light snow is expected Friday, but skies will gradually clear. A high-pressure system will bring sunnier conditions with occasional fog. Weekend highs will reach 6–7°C, with no precipitation expected. Similar conditions will continue next week, with fog keeping temperatures near freezing.

The People in Need NGO will receive part of its U.S. funding despite the suspension of foreign aid, according to financial director Jan Kamenicky. An exemption for life-saving projects will allow the organization to recover 70-80% of the expected aid this year. The NGO, which receives 20-30 percent of its budget from the U.S., operates in over 40 countries, with Ukraine, Syria, Congo, and Armenia most impacted by the cuts.

Brno councilors have approved an architectural and artistic competition for celebrated author Milan Kundera’s tombstone, open until April 28. The city seeks French participation due to Kundera’s ties to France. His and his wife Věra’s remains will be buried in Brno’s Central Cemetery. A jury of experts and officials will select the winning design in May. The tombstone, set for completion by July 2025, has a 1.25 million CZK budget.