The Daily Dozen: 12 things to know about Czechia today

Pension and tax reforms|The difficult economic situation facing the Czech Republic is likely to translate into a number of changes. Top of the list is pension reform, with Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Marian Jurečka leading discussions in Czechia on how to make the pension system more sustainable. Taxes are another pressure point. Read more in our article.

Mortgages|New data from Fincentrum Hypoindex shows that the average mortgage interest rate rose at the beginning of February to 6.37 percent, which represents a slight increase over January's 6.34 percent. The index is based on the current average mortgage loan rate for 80 percent of the property's value. Analysts expect the level of rates to stagnate in the coming period. 

Recycling|Retail chains Kaufland and Lidl retail will launch on Feb. 23 a test project for the return of beverage PET bottles and cans, according to ČTK. Customers who will use the service at each supermarket will receive discount coupons for purchases in stores. A survey last year from the Ipsos agency showed that 74 percent of Czechs support the introduction of deposits on PET bottles and 70 percent favor deposits on cans. 

Sexual harassment|An ongoing sexual harassment case at Masaryk University in Brno has led to another teacher being dismissed this week from the institution, which suggests a wider problem within Czech universities. In May 2022, six current and former students at the faculty compiled a letter complaining of alleged “sexual pressure, sexist comments or problematic behavior” from certain teachers. Read more in our story.

Černý Most|One of Prague’s neglected corners will get a new look. The bus terminal at the Černý Most metro stop will be transformed into a comfortable and modern transportation hub. Prague City Hall this week approved a conceptual study by the studio re:architekti together with other experts, which foresees the removal of footbridges and the filling in of the terminal area. Read more in our story.

Valentine's Day Run|RunCzech has opened the registrations for the two-day running festival UniCredit Prague Relay. The event, which takes place on June 27 and 28 at the Prague Exhibition Centre, features four five-kilometer routes in the Stromovka Park. Carlo Capablo, President of the RunCzech organizing committee, said the participation in the event was expected to be around 7,000 people. RunCzech has also organized a Valentine's Run for Feb. 11.

Valentine's Day|From gold-plated lamb chops to intimate screenings of “Casablanca” or “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” there are numerous ways to mark Valentine’s Day for both couples and singles. Many of Prague’s top tables have concocted special gourmet menus with optional wine pairings for the occasion with something for every taste. Read more in our article.

Colors of Ostrava|Pop rock OneRepublic, rapper Macklemore, British singer Ellie Goulding, and Nigerian artist Burna Boy are some of the headlining acts of this year's edition of the Colors of Ostrava music festival, taking place between July 19 and 22. Others include French synthwave pioneer Kavinsky, Berlin-based producer trio Gheist and French glitch jungle bass composer and producer CloZee.

Eurovision|The all-woman group Vesna will represent Czechia in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, to be held in Liverpool on May 9–13. Vesna qualified by winning both the national vote, which counted for 30 percent, and the international vote, which counted for 70 percent, and where they beat out four other contestants. Read more in our story.