military Czechia saves on armored vehicle deal
The Czech Republic will save CZK 505 million in its purchase of Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles through a joint acquisition with Slovakia, Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová said today. Czechia signed a 2022 agreement to collaborate on the deal, strengthening military ties despite recent political differences over foreign policy, including Ukraine. Černochová said in Bratislava that Czechia and Slovakia were bound to cooperate by their shared history and close relations between their peoples.
religion Czechia approves Vatican treaty ratification
The Czech Chamber of Deputies approved the ratification of a treaty with the Vatican on Thursday, despite concerns over the seal of confession. The Senate backed the treaty in January. Some lawmakers sought a delay pending a court review, but the motion failed. A group of senators plans to challenge the treaty’s constitutionality before President Petr Pavel considers signing it into law. The Czech Republic and the Catholic Church are also to cooperate in the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.
economy Czech average wage nears CZK 50,000
The average wage in the Czech Republic increased by 7.2 percent year-on-year to CZK 49,229 in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the Czech Statistical Office. Real wages, adjusted for inflation, grew by 4.2 percent, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of wage growth. For the entire year, the average wage rose to CZK 46,165. Analysts attribute the rise to high-income earners driving growth, aided by the abolition of the super gross wage in 2021.
SOCIETY Czechia's poverty rate dips slightly
The share of people below the poverty line in the Czech Republic fell from 9.8 percent to 9.5 percent last year, totaling 998,200 individuals, according to the Czech Statistical Office. Household incomes rose 7.2 percent, with pensioners seeing the biggest gains. However, 36 percent of single-parent families remain in poverty. The share of income that Czech households have from earnings is gradually decreasing. In 2020, it was 63.4 percent of the total amount and last year it was 60.2 percent.
defense Most Czechs oppose Trump halting Ukraine aid
More than half of Czechs disagree with former President Donald Trump's suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, according to an NMS Market Research poll released Thursday. The survey found 52 percent opposed the decision, while 34 percent supported it. Support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rose by 11 percentage points following Trump’s dispute with him. Younger voters and ruling party supporters were more likely to oppose the aid halt.
Security Czechia to raise defense spend to 3pc of GDP
The Czech government will gradually increase defense spending by 0.2 percent of GDP annually, reaching 3 percent by 2030, Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced. The move follows growing European security concerns after the U.S. cut military aid to Ukraine. Defense Minister Jana Černochová said future budgets will focus on air defense and tanks rather than large modernization projects like F-35s.
Intelligence Defense minister warns of US intel freeze impact
Cutting Ukraine off from U.S. intelligence could have severe consequences, Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová warned ahead of a cabinet meeting. The U.S. halted intelligence sharing after tensions between Presidents Trump and Zelenskiy. Černochová urged Europe to mediate, stressing Ukraine's need for military aid and information to resist Russian aggression, as the war enters its third year.
Safety Tank accident poses no threat to drinking water
A tanker accident in Hustopeče contaminated groundwater and threatens surface water, but local drinking water and air remain unaffected, Environment Minister Petr Hladík said. Authorities are working to contain the contamination and restore rail service, which may resume in April. The accident, involving 1,000 tonnes of benzene, caused damages exceeding CZK 250 million. Firefighters warn of ongoing risks at the site.
🌓 Mercury, Venus, and eclipses to light up March sky Mercury will be at its best visibility this month, peaking on March 8, making it easier to observe even from cities, astronomer Petr Horálek said. On March 11–12, Mercury and Venus will form a close pair in the evening sky. A partial lunar eclipse will occur on March 14, and a solar eclipse will be visible in Czechia and Slovakia on March 29.
crime Prague police shoot knife attacker, suspect dies
Police in Prague’s Vršovice district shot a man who attacked them with a knife while responding to a fight between two men. The suspect later died in the hospital, while the other man remains in critical condition. The incident follows a similar attack last week. The General Inspectorate of Security Forces (GIBS) will investigate the police’s use of force.
Wildlife Critically endangered antelope born in Czechia
A critically endangered mountain bongo antelope was born Friday at Safari Park Dvůr Králové, marking the zoo’s 109th bongo birth. The female calf, born to Kari and Demba, will stay with her mother before joining the herd. With only 90–100 bongos left in the wild, the zoo plays a key role in conservation efforts, including reintroduction programs in Kenya.
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