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demographics Czechia sees sharp drop in births, echoing 1990s
Czechia is experiencing a sharp decline in birth and fertility rates, comparable to the drop following the collapse of communism in the 1990s, an expert demographer said Tuesday at a Senate conference on family policy. Fewer people see parenthood as essential to a fulfilled life, and even fewer plan to have children. Those who do often follow through only two-thirds of the time. The number of annual births has fallen from 114,000 in 2017–18 to an estimated 82,000 in 2024. Experts cite delayed parenthood and smaller cohorts reaching reproductive age as key factors.
housing Average rents rise 5pc in first quarter
Average rents in the Czech Republic rose 5 percent quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter of 2025, reaching CZK 361 per square meter, according to real estate portal Bezrealitky.cz. The sharpest increase occurred in the Ústí nad Labem Region, where rents jumped 9 percent, reflecting a catch-up in prices after slower growth in previous months. Prague saw a 4-percent rise, with the highest average rent at CZK 429 per square meter. In contrast, rents fell 2 percent in the Central Bohemian region and stabilized in Brno after steep rises last year.
economy Unemployment in Czechia ticks down
Czech unemployment fell to 4.3 percent in March, from 4.4 percent in February, ending four months of increases, the Labor Office reported. The drop is linked to the start of seasonal jobs in sectors like construction and services. Labor offices registered 322,140 job seekers, about 4,000 fewer than in February, while vacancies rose to nearly 92,000. Prague recorded the lowest unemployment at 3 percent, though it was the only region with a month-on-month rise. The highest rate was in the Ústí nad Labem Region at 6.6 percent.
DEFENSE Czech troops train Mauritanians in harsh weather
Czech special forces training soldiers in Mauritania face harsh desert conditions and cultural differences, but report steady progress, their commander said Monday. Fewer than 20 troops have been deployed since January to build a counter-terrorism unit by 2026. Operating without coalition support, they must manage logistics independently. The mission aims to boost regional stability and counter threats, including Russian influence in the Sahel.
MILITARY Sweden offers new Gripen lease deal to Czechia
Sweden has submitted a revised offer to lease 12 JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets to the Czech Republic after 2027, down from 14 currently, the Czech Defense Ministry said Monday. The proposed deal, valued at CZK 16.65 billion including VAT, covers lease, service, and training. Officials say it is more cost-effective than prior offers and are evaluating it before a potential government agreement. The government is negotiating with Sweden to extend the lease until 2035.
Defense Norway joins Czech-led ammo initiative
Norway will contribute CZK 8.4 billion to a Czech-led initiative supplying artillery ammunition to Ukraine, its government announced Monday. An additional CZK 2.1 billion will go to the EU’s European Peace Facility. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said the aid reflects Ukraine’s urgent need for shells and reinforces Europe’s united support. Norway previously backed the Czech effort, which helped deliver 1.5 million artillery rounds to Ukraine last year.
tariff Czech president: Trade war benefits no one
A tariff war benefits no one, Czech President Petr Pavel said Monday, criticizing the U.S. for its coercive approach to trade. Speaking during a visit to Mauritania, Pavel emphasized the need for negotiation over confrontation and said such tactics harm alliance relations. Citing Denmark’s experience with the U.S. over Greenland, Pavel added that goodwill and diplomacy can always yield solutions if parties are willing to engage.
Economy Czech Semiconductor Center opens in Brno
The Czech Semiconductor Center launched operations Monday at Brno University of Technology to boost national chip production and support start-ups in the semiconductor field. Backed by EU funding and Czech institutions, the center aims to improve self-sufficiency, especially in automotive, energy, defense, and cybersecurity sectors. It will also expand education in chip design and help startups accelerate product development and testing as part of Europe’s broader Chips for Europe initiative.
Blight Cities want mail-order boxes away from monuments
City halls are seeking better regulation of dispensing box placement near monuments, following backlash in Hradec Králové where a mail-order company installed a box beside a key sculpture by Vladimír Preclík. The public protested, prompting the company to relocate it. Officials are now considering a local decree to prevent similar incidents and protect culturally significant sites from inappropriate commercial encroachment.
design Ještěd to get futuristic glass cable car
A futuristic new cable car, designed to resemble a glowing UFO, will replace the Ještěd lift that tragically crashed in 2021. Created by designer Anna Marešová, the cabin features a wavy, organic shape and a viewing window in the floor. Running from Horní Hanychov, the high-capacity tram will carry up to 100 passengers. Construction is estimated at CZK 360–440 million, with completion expected in five years.
