Czech news in brief for January 23: Thursday's top headlines

Trump tariff threats drive Czech firms abroad, Pirates push for regulated cannabis market, and Langweil's model returning to Prague museum.

Expats.cz Staff ČTK

Written by Expats.cz StaffČTK Published on 23.01.2025 07:55:00 (updated on 24.01.2025) Reading time: 3 minutes

environment Air quality in Ostrava improved last year

The closure of Liberty Ostrava’s steelworks last year led to a marked improvement in air quality in Ostrava’s Radvanice and Bartovice districts, previously among the most polluted in the Czech Republic, according to a 2024 report by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Pollution levels dropped significantly after production halted. While air quality nationwide was generally good, a spring dust event from the Sahara caused a brief smog situation.

politics Senate approves Vatican treaty

The Czech Senate voted Tuesday to ratify a treaty with the Vatican, despite objections from critics over provisions concerning the seal of confession. Of the 73 senators present, 52 supported the treaty, while 32 backed a rejected proposal to seek a Constitutional Court review of its compatibility with the Czech constitution. The treaty must now receive the president’s signature to become binding. The Czech Republic and the Catholic Church are also to cooperate in the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.

trends More Czechs feel pro-EU than before

According to a survey from research agency STEM, Czechs have become more pro-European, with a majority satisfied with the country's EU membership and willing to vote for remaining in the union in a possible referendum. Additionally, a quarter of citizens now support adopting the euro, a number not seen in 11 years. Despite skepticism about domestic developments, the number of anti-EU individuals has decreased.

DIPLOMACY Pavel begins Bosnia visit

Czech President Petr Pavel began his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina by meeting with the country's tripartite Presidency, represented by Denis Becirović, Željka Cvijanović, and Željko Komšić. This is the first visit by a Czech president to Bosnia in 30 years. During his trip, Pavel will also meet with representatives of both houses of parliament and deliver a speech on European and NATO integration.

diplomacy ForMin defends Czech-Vatican treaty

The Czech-Vatican Treaty, recently discussed by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, has been met with concerns about its impact on victims of abuse in the Church. However, Lipavský reassured that the treaty aims to improve the situation, not worsen it. Some critics have raised concerns about the seal of confession passage, but Lipavský dismissed these fears and stated that the treaty will not hinder criminal investigations.

Economy Trump tariff threats drive Czech firms abroad

With President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on European imports, Czech firms are considering shifting production to the U.S. to stay competitive, reports Seznám Zpravy. The American Chamber of Commerce in Czechia advises businesses to prepare for tariffs ranging from 10 percent to 25 percent. Arms manufacturers and medical bed producers are among those planning or expanding U.S. operations. Czech investments in the U.S. hit record levels in 2023, reaching nearly USD 1 billion.

legislation Senate sends Lex Ukraine to president unchanged

The Czech Senate has approved the controversial amendments to the "Lex Ukraine" law, which extends temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees, without any changes. The bill will now go to President Petr Pavel for signing after the Senate’s deadline expires on Jan. 29. Key provisions include stricter citizenship rules for Russians and the introduction of a new crime related to unauthorized activity for foreign powers.

politics Pirates push for regulated cannabis market

The opposition Pirate Party is pushing for a regulated cannabis market in Czechia, proposing personal cultivation, cannabis associations, and licensed establishments. They argue that current repressive policies have failed and claim legalization could generate up to CZK 3 billion annually. The government previously approved limited cultivation and possession, but broader regulation faces opposition from the coalition's People's Party. The Pirates plan to submit amendments in parliament.

EU Czech MEPs back Tusk’s call to review Green Deal

Czech MEPs welcomed Polish PM Donald Tusk's proposal to reassess the European Green Deal, citing concerns over high energy costs. Czech PM Petr Fiala supported the plan, emphasizing Europe's need for economic and security strength. MEPs from ANO and ODS agreed with the reassessment, linking it to U.S. trade policies under Trump. Meanwhile, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed her commitment to the green transition at Davos.

Culture Langweil's model returning to Prague museum

Langweil's historic 3D paper model of Prague will return to the reconstructed Museum of Prague in mid-2025 after five years in storage. Experts have cleaned and repaired the model, which will be displayed in eleven cylindrical cases allowing visitors to view it from all angles. The exhibit aims to provide an immersive experience, thematically connecting different parts of the model to showcase Prague’s historical layout.

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