Czech news in brief for May 7: Wednesday's top headlines

EU member states agreed Wednesday to ease CO2 emission standards for new cars and vans, granting automakers—including Czech manufacturers like Škoda Auto—more time to meet strict targets. Under the plan, companies can now average emissions over three years instead of annually, potentially avoiding hefty fines. The proposal, part of a broader EU automotive support package, still requires final approval from the European Parliament and EU Council before becoming law. This is intended to prevent the disruption of production planning.

The Czech National Bank lowered its base interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.5 percent on Thursday, the lowest rate since December 2021. The decision, backed by six of seven board members, reflects ongoing efforts to support economic stability amid persistent inflation risks. Central bank head Aleš Michl said future cuts depend on easing inflation pressures, while analysts expect the move to lower deposit rates but have a limited impact on mortgage costs.

The Czech Foreign Ministry has released a brochure, Information Manipulation by the Kremlin, detailing Russian propaganda tactics and offering guidance on verifying information, the ministry announced Wednesday. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said the booklet is part of ongoing efforts to shield Czech society from foreign influence. The ministry claims Russia spends at least USD 1.5 billion (CZK 32.9 billion) annually on manipulative content that erodes trust in democratic institutions and undermines national sovereignty.

The Zlin Design Week festival has kicked off in Zlín, running through May 13. This year’s theme, “Dialogue,” emphasizes connection between the public, experts, and the city. The event features exhibitions, lectures, fashion shows, and workshops at various city locations. Highlights include the Design Dazzle show and the Best in Design competition, which showcases 550 entries from 25 countries. Winners will be announced Saturday. The main exhibition, "Dialog," is displayed in outdoor modules for greater public engagement.

Czech police have charged 10 people with importing pseudoephedrine from Poland to produce over 13 kilograms of methamphetamine, officials said Thursday. The group, including three foreigners and seven Czechs, allegedly smuggled nearly 200,000 pills in at least 79 boxes, with plans for more. The operation, led by two foreigners, involved rented office space for storage and a garage for production. Police say the suspects distributed the drugs locally and supplied other dealers.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala praised Friedrich Merz’s election as German Chancellor, calling it a strong promise for future cooperation. Fiala highlighted shared views on defense, illegal migration, and EU competitiveness. Czech officials, including the Foreign Ministry, expressed optimism for deeper ties. Merz, leader of the CDU, secured his post in the Bundestag’s second round of voting and will now form a government with SPD support.

Russia’s ambassador to Prague criticized Czechia’s treatment of the Russian House, claiming it faces hostility and intimidation. Ambassador Zmeyevsky said the cultural center, sanctioned under EU rules, has been targeted by protests and vandalism amid rising tensions over Russia’s war in Ukraine. Relations between the two nations remain strained, with Moscow hopeful that a new Czech ambassador could improve limited diplomatic communication.

Mortgage interest rates in Czechia have fallen to their lowest level since mid-2022, averaging 5.17 percent in April, according to the Czech Banking Association’s Hypomonitor. The volume of new mortgages reached CZK 17.6 billion, the highest since June 2022. Analysts attribute the surge to rate cuts by the Czech National Bank and expectations of further reductions. Year-on-year mortgage activity has more than doubled.

One in four pedestrian crashes in Czechia happens at crosswalks, prompting BESIP to launch a new safety campaign. Using videos, interactive displays, and national outreach, the effort stresses shared road responsibility. Officials say most accidents stem from drivers failing to yield and distracted pedestrians. The campaign aims to prevent injuries by promoting eye contact and alert behavior between road users.

According to new research by the National Institute SYRI, Czech youth are deeply concerned about climate change, financial insecurity, and inequality. The study reveals rising distrust in politics, limited public discourse, and a preference for community-based activism. Young people fear a declining standard of living and stress from societal expectations while also voicing concern over disinformation and digital isolation.