Czech morning news in brief: top headlines for July 13, 2021

Czech foreign minister: EU countries to enhance relations with Israel

A number of EU countries support enhanced cooperation with Israel, including the resumed activities of an association council dealing with joint issues, Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek told journalists Monday following a meeting of EU foreign ministers with their Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid. Kulhánek also announced that in September, the Czech Republic would not take part in the Durban Conference in New York citing concerns about antisemitism and targeting Israel. He said in the past it had been abused for the criticism of Israel. The conference is meant to mark the 20th anniversary of the World Conference on Racism in the South African city. Along with Hungary, Germany, and Austria, the Czech Republic is a long-standing ally of Israel, while such countries as Belgium or Ireland maitain a stricter attitude to the Israeli policy towards the annexed Palestinian territory.

Gas prices in the Czech Republic reach record highs in June

Consumer prices rose by 2.8 percent year on year in June, with the growth rate slowing down by 0.1 points compared to May. Car and fuel prices had the biggest impact on rising prices. Month-on-month, prices rose by half a percent. Numbers were released by the Czech Statistical Office (CSO) Monday. Cars were 5.7 percent more expensive year-on-year in June, and about a fifth more was paid for fuel. The price of Natural 95 petrol was CZK 32.47 / l which is the highest value since July 2019 the most in almost two years according to the Head of the CZSO Consumer Price Statistics Department.

Czech interest in Spanish holidays remain strong despite travel restrictions

Domestic travel agencies say Czechs remain interested in holidays in Spain, with interest in some destinations exceeding the period before the pandemic. The change in the conditions of entry into the country will probably not have a significant effect on this demand, representatives of several travel agencies told ČTK addressed Monday. Spain has included most of the Czech Republic, with the exception of South Moravia, among the risk areas for the spread of coronavirus. From Monday, Czechs need a PCR or antigen test not older than 48 hours, a certificate of completion of vaccination, or a certificate of Covid-19 disease to cross the border. On the Czech risk map Spain is among the countries with a high risk of infection. Before returning, it is necessary to fill in the arrival form and, in the case of a journey by public transport, undergo an antigen or PCR test.

Top-seeded Kvitová eliminated from Prague Open in the first round

Tournament number one and the twelfth tennis player in the world Petra Kvitová unexpectedly dropped out of the WTA tournament in Prague in the first round. She lost to Slovak tennis player Rebecca Šramková 6: 7, 6: 3, and 4: 6. The Livesport Prague Open also lost another hometown hero Monday, the third seed Markéta Vondroušová stepped down due to a leg injury. On the other hand, after more than two years, Tereza Smitková passed the second round on the WTA circuit, beating Australian Maddison Inglis. Her next opponent will be the winner of the match between the fifth seed Kateřina Siniaková and the British player Jodie Anne Burrageová. Former US Open winner Samantha Stosur also said goodbye to the tournament Monday, losing to American Grace Min.

Czech brewer increases net profit during pandemic

Budvar, the Czech brewer that has been in a long legal dispute with U.S. company Anheuser-Busch over the use of the “Budweiser” brand, increased its net profit by almost 10% last year amid record output as the pandemic saw people drink less in bars and more at home.  Despite complications related to the coronavirus crisis, the national brewery Budweiser Budvar saw the volume of beer increased by 51,000 hectolitres, reaching a capacity of 1,730,000 hectolitres. This is the most voluminous beer production in the brewery’s history according to a press release. The national brewery grew in terms of beer sold, both on the export and domestic markets.