Czech news in brief for May 14: Thursday's top morning headlines

Border crossings between Slovakia and Ukraine reopened Wednesday evening after being shut for about two hours due to security concerns linked to Russian airstrikes in western Ukraine, Slovak authorities said. Ukraine had temporarily closed the crossings as Russia launched at least 800 drones against the country, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Slovakia shares a 98-kilometer border with Ukraine and maintains five border crossings.

The Chamber of Deputies scheduled a follow-up debate for Thursday regarding the official attendance of government representatives at the upcoming Sudeten German Days. However, opposition parties announced their intention to boycott the session, citing disagreements over the diplomatic sensitivity of the event. This dispute centers on the historical context of Czech-German relations. Without opposition presence, the coalition members will continue discussions alone to finalize the state’s formal participation strategy.

The Ministry of Finance announced on Wednesday that regulated maximum fuel prices will fluctuate starting Thursday. Under the current temporary pricing mechanism, the price ceiling for gasoline will rise, while the maximum allowed price for diesel will decrease slightly. These adjustments reflect recent shifts in global oil markets and regional refining costs. The government continues to monitor these levels to ensure market stability and protect consumers from extreme volatility.

The Czech Republic is set for a cold, rainy weekend, with the heaviest rainfall expected in eastern regions including Moravia and Silesia, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Meteorologists warned some areas near the Beskydy and Jeseníky mountains could receive up to 50 millimeters of rain Sunday, with local weekend totals reaching 70 millimeters. Daytime highs will remain between 11 and 17 degrees Celsius before warmer weather returns next week.

Lidl’s limited-edition sneakers made with Czech footwear brand Botas sold out within days in Czechia, with larger sizes disappearing first despite a reservation system in the Lidl Plus app. The retro-style shoes originally retailed for CZK 1,999, but resellers are already listing pairs online for as much as CZK 3,490. Lidl said customer interest met expectations and described reactions as positive.