Reading time: 2 minutes 
Summary for: Czech news in brief for March 5: Thursday's top afternoon headlines
Security conference underway at Prague Castle
1️⃣
Security conference underway at Prague Castle
The top brass of the Czech defense and security apparatus is gathering at the Prague Castle for the annual conference 'Our Security is Not a Given'. President Petr Pavel said that Europe must act now to take care of its own security, while U.S. ambassador Nicholas Merrick warned that, based on the current government's budget plans, the Czech Republic might become one of the few NATO countries not to fulfill its defense spending obligations.
2️⃣
Fuel prices rise significantly in just few days
Fuel prices in the Czech Republic have risen sharply in a matter of days as a result of the war unfolding in the Middle East, insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and related supply chain disruptions. The price of diesel and gasoline has already increased by several crowns per liter. Quoted by the Czech News Agency, energy analyst Petr Lajsek warns that "the worst-case scenario has come true", and cautions that the trend could continue.
3️⃣
Half of retailers in Czechia offer fake discounts
More than half of retailers inspected last year by the Czech Trade Inspection Authority (ČOI) have been found to violate the law when offering discounts to customers, ČOI revealed. The inspections, which also looked at online stores, reveal how unfair commercial practices and fake discounts (like "sales" and other reduced prices that stay in place for months at a time) are used to mislead and trick customers into buying more.
4️⃣
Prague crime drops to lowest level in 15 years
Crime in Prague decreased by nearly 10 percent last year to reach its lowest level in 15 years, police spokesman Jan Daněk said. Nearly 35,000 criminal offenses were recorded in the Czech capital in 2025, with theft and burglary accounting for nearly half of the total. Violent crime represented less than 5 percent of offenses, and 23 murders were reported last year. Overall, just over a quarter of cases were solved.
5️⃣
DiCaprio, Lawrence spotted near Prague
Hollywood celebrities Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence were spotted on the set of Martin Scorsese's new movie at the Ratboř Castle near Kolín, the Blesk tabloid reported. Eagerly anticipated by fans, shooting of the star-studded 'What Happens at Night' also takes place in Prague and in the Barrandov studios. Danish superstar Mads Mikkelsen already posted a selfie from a Prague burger joint a week ago.
