Czech news in brief for August 31: Saturday's top headlines

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský stated at the Globsec security conference in Prague that Russia's imperial ambitions have no limits unless they are firmly set. He warned that a Russian victory over Ukraine would lead to instability in Europe and stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine both politically and militarily. Lipavský also emphasized the need to counter Russian influence and propaganda, highlighting the significance of protecting international law and European security.

Due to severe frosts earlier this year, the European apple harvest for juice production has drastically decreased, with prices nearly doubling to CZK 6.50 per kilogram. This shortage is exacerbated by the removal of aging orchards in Poland and other countries. Czech apple exports and local processing will be significantly reduced, with only 23,000 tons expected, down to a fifth of the usual yield. Emergency aid from the EU and the Czech government is planned.

Following the controlled detonation of a WWII bomb at the Orlen Unipetrol chemical plant near Litvínov, operations are being gradually restored. Inspections have found no significant damage that would impede the refinery's restart. Key sectors, including water and energy supply, are being reactivated. The detonation, which took place on August 30, caused minor visible damage, with a few broken windows and a crater left by the explosion.

On August 30, temperature records were broken at 33 out of the 169 long-term weather stations in the Czech Republic. The highest temperature of 35.8 degrees Celsius was recorded in Doksany, Litoměřice. In Prague, the Karlov station reported 34.4 degrees Celsius, while other areas such as Neumětely, Strážnice, and Plzeň-Bolevec also exceeded 34 degrees Celsius. Due to the extreme heat and dry conditions, a nationwide fire warning has been issued. High temperatures are expected to continue in southern Moravia.

From mid-October, Disney+ will increase its Premium subscription price by CZK 60 to CZK 299 per month in the Czech Republic. A new Standard plan will be introduced at CZK 199 per month, offering HD quality compared to the Premium's 4K and limiting streaming to two devices instead of four. Annual subscriptions will adjust to CZK 2990 and CZK 1990, respectively. This marks the third price change in two years for Disney+ in the country. Other streaming services have also raised prices recently.

Only 87 percent of one-year-olds in the Czech Republic were vaccinated against measles in 2023, according to World Health Organization data. This is below the 95 percent threshold needed for herd immunity. Countries like Slovakia and Ukraine have higher vaccination rates, while Serbia, Romania, and Cyprus have lower rates. The Czech Republic began measles vaccinations 55 years ago. This year, 30 cases have been reported, compared to nearly 900 in 2019.

Lidové noviny, a Czech newspaper first published in 1893, has released its final print edition today due to rising costs and modern technology. The online platform Lidovky.cz will expand, focusing on opinion pieces, and the Saturday supplement Orientace will merge with Mladá fronta DNES. Around 40 employees will lose their jobs, while key commentators remain. Existing subscribers will receive Mladá fronta DNES and access to iDNES Premium at a discounted rate for the rest of the year.

Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized the need for open dialogue to mitigate societal polarization at the Globsec security conference in Prague on Friday. He urged leaders to respect differing perspectives and address citizens' concerns to combat apathy and distrust. Outgoing EU Commissioner Věra Jourová echoed this, highlighting the anxiety stemming from global challenges and urging politicians to improve communication and transparency.

Czech decathlete Tomáš Järvinen won the junior world championship in Lima, setting a national record with 8,425 points, just 10 points shy of the world record set by Germany's Niklas Kaul in 2017. Järvinen, 18, also set a new championship record, surpassing the previous mark of 8,190 points. His victory led a successful day for the Czech team, with Martina Mazurová winning silver in shot put and Jan Krček earning bronze in pole vault.

Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová and Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto discussed Ukraine, defence industry cooperation, and the F-35 aircraft project at the Globsec conference in Prague. Černochová highlighted NATO’s need for a new strategy towards Russia, noting its cyberattacks and influence in Africa and the Middle East. The Czech Republic plans to acquire 24 F-35 jets, with final assembly of the first 12 in Italy, replacing the current Gripen fighters by 2035.

Pottery found in southern Slovakia, near Santovka, dates back to around 5800 BC and is the oldest ceramic vessel discovered in Central Europe, according to Jan Petrík of Masaryk University in Brno. Remarkably, it was created by hunter-gatherers, not early farmers. The low-temperature firing and ingredients like grasses suggest this unique origin. The discovery provides crucial insights into the spread of ceramic technology from the Early to Middle Stone Age.