Czech news in brief for July 7: Monday's top headlines

Gas and electricity consumption in the Czech Republic rose again in the second quarter of 2025, marking the third consecutive quarterly increase since the 2022 energy crisis, according to Amper Energy. After adjusting for weather, gas use was up 3.9 percent and electricity 1.8 percent year-on-year. Analysts cite cooler weather and stable gas prices as key factors. Despite the rise, consumption remains 15 percent below 2017–2021 levels, reflecting ongoing efficiency measures adopted during the crisis, noted Amper board member Martin Nádeníček.

Czech scientists are contributing to 11 proposed European Space Agency missions focused on astrophysics, solar studies and planetology, an official said Monday. Projects include research on the Sun, Venus, the Moon, and cosmic extremes. The Astronomical Institute and Czech Technical University are designing EXPO to study X-ray polarization. Other efforts involve solar flare mirrors, Venus’s atmosphere, and asteroid Cleopatra. The proposals span medium, small, and rapid missions, showcasing growing Czech expertise in space science.

Czech health officials reported 1,313 Lyme disease cases in the first half of 2025, a 6-percent rise from last year and the highest in 11 years, the National Institute of Public Health said Monday. Tick-borne encephalitis cases also remain high, with over 100 infections in June, mostly in Moravia-Silesia and South Bohemia. Both diseases, spread by ticks, peak in summer and autumn. Experts urge prompt tick removal to lower infection risk. You cannot catch Lyme disease from another person.

A massive power outage Friday in parts of the Czech Republic caused tens of millions of crowns in losses to restaurants, cafes and pubs, business groups said Monday. The Chamber of Commerce and other associations urged Industry Minister Lukáš Vlček to propose compensation and criticized him for downplaying the damage. Thousands of reservations were canceled and food spoiled during one of the sector’s busiest days. The groups also called for measures to prevent future outages. Vlček has not yet responded.

Czech industrial output grew 2.2 percent year-on-year in May, up from April’s 2 percent, analysts told ČTK. But production fell 1.6 percent month-on-month, ending three months of gains. Colder weather boosted energy demand, and rising new orders signal cautious optimism. Analysts warn second-quarter growth may weaken, with prospects hinging on US-EU trade talks. A 50 percent U.S. tariff on EU goods, if imposed, could deliver a major blow to the Czech economy, which relies heavily on industry.

Czech President Petr Pavel hosted outgoing Polish President Andrzej Duda at Prague Castle on Sunday for a farewell visit ahead of Duda’s August departure. The leaders held private talks before a joint meeting of their delegations and a press conference. Pavel said he hopes Poland will maintain its democratic, pro-Western course under President-elect Karol Nawrocki, who won against liberal candidate Rafal Trzaskowski.

Severe storms swept through South Moravia Saturday night, toppling trees and blowing off roofs. Firefighters responded to 80 incidents, especially in Hodonín and Břeclav. In Hustopeče, roof damage at a grammar school required extended intervention. In Zlín and Olomouc regions, emergency units handled dozens more calls, mainly for fallen trees and loose electrical wires. The storm front moved northeast and was expected to calm after midnight.

Grid operator ČEPS is blaming a ruptured line for the major power outage that hit central and northern Bohemia on Friday, affecting a million users. The company denies it received early overflow warnings. ANO party officials claim forecasts predicted problems days earlier. Power was restored by evening. Industry Minister Vlček called for urgent grid modernization, citing decades-old infrastructure. The outage is among the worst since 2006. The State Security Council may review the incident Monday.

Firefighters extinguished an escalator fire at Prague’s Staroměstská metro station Saturday morning. The small fire involving renovation equipment caused smoke inhalation in one transport worker. Around 80 people were evacuated. Four fire crews and transport company staff responded. No serious injuries were reported.

Daily viewership of traditional TV in Czechia fell from 94 percent in 2014 to 83 percent in 2023, while streaming and digital viewing jumped from 26 percent to 69 percent, a new Kantar survey finds. Though still dominant, linear TV is losing ground, especially among youth. The study also shows that younger viewers prefer subtitles over dubbing and shorter online formats over films.

Actress Dakota Johnson received the President's Award on Saturday at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. She presented two films: Materialists and Splitsville. Johnson greeted the audience with thanks in Czech and said she hoped her films would move viewers. She stars alongside Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans in Materialists.