Czech news in brief for February 9: Monday's top afternoon headlines

The Czech government has moved to abolish the National Economic Advisory Council (NERV), stating the cabinet will rely on its own ministerial advisors. During Monday’s session, ministers also supported expanding the definition of human trafficking within the Penal Code. Other discussions focused on the ongoing implementation of the criminal justice reform, which aims to increase use of alternative punishments like home confinement to ease prison overcrowding.

The Police Presidium has confirmed that Czech authorities are evaluating information from public records regarding potential local links to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Recently released US documents suggest the late financier may have visited Prague and allegedly arranged for underage girls to be transported from the Czech Republic. Investigators are currently determining which specialized unit will handle the case as they verify the credibility of these reports.

President Petr Pavel is scheduled to visit Prague 5 this Wednesday to engage with local officials and the community. His itinerary includes a visit to the Tyršova Primary School to meet with students and a stop at the Smíchov Digital Hub. Key discussions with district leadership will focus on local security concerns, specifically the drug-related issues around the Anděl transport hub and the impact of the current refugee situation on the district.

Czech meat production grew by 2.6 percent year-on-year in 2021, totaling 466,856 tonnes. According to the Czech Statistical Office, poultry saw the highest increase at 3.8 percent. However, pork production faced challenges as farmers reduced pig stocks due to long-term low market prices. While beef production remained stable, prices for cattle and poultry rose, while pork prices significantly declined compared to the previous year.

Scientists from the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences have documented a rare emerald green ice phenomenon at the Lipno reservoir. The unusual coloration was caused by a high accumulation of cyanobacteria (Woronichinia naegeliana) trapped under the ice. While cyanobacteria typically disappear in autumn, Lipno’s specific conditions and nutrient levels allowed them to persist. The phenomenon was visible from space before being covered by recent snowfall.