Czech news in brief for December 12: Thursday's top headlines

Several more ski resorts in the Czech Republic will open this weekend, mostly at higher altitudes. Ještěd and resorts in the Jizera and Krkonoše will expand operations, albeit with limited slopes and snow coverage, ranging from 40 to 50 centimeters. Some resorts, like Tanvaldský Špičák, will only open on weekends. Larger resorts like Špindlerův Mlýn and SkiResort Černá Hora-Pec are fully operational, offering extensive slopes and snow for skiers. Sněžka is set to see substantial snowfall on Sunday.

The Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee today adopted a resolution urging support for Taiwan's participation in global organizations. Member of parliament Eva Decroix emphasized that while adhering to the one-China policy, the resolution counters Beijing's interpretation of the 1971 UN resolution. It highlights Taiwan's exclusion from groups like the World Health Organization due to Chinese pressure. In an October resolution, the European Parliament stated that a UN agreement took no clear position on Taiwan. 

A petition signed by Czech scientists, professors, and students warns against anti-Semitic activism at universities and the Academy of Sciences. The petition, available online for public support, criticizes groups like the Initiative for Critical Scholarship for promoting hatred against Israel and urging an end to Czech-Israeli academic partnerships. The activists’ appeals align with international pro-Palestinian movements, the petition alleges, aiming to disrupt bilateral scientific and educational cooperation.

Czechia has not opposed Slovakia and Poland’s request for a six-month extension of their exemption from the EU ban on Russian oil imports, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Thursday. The exemption, which expired Dec. 5, was renewed during EU sanctions talks. Fiala highlighted progress on expanding the Transalpine Oil Pipeline, set to fully replace Russian oil by 2025, signaling Czechia's commitment to energy independence.

Prague residents pay the highest heat prices in the Czech Republic, with average annual costs thousands of crowns more than those in other regions. According to the Czech Republic in Data project, Prague residents paid around CZK 1,223 per gigajoule (GJ) in 2024, while those in the Pardubice paid just CZK 875/GJ. The price differences are due to varying operating conditions, fuel types, and efficiency of heat sources.

The number of foreigners living legally in the Czech Republic dropped slightly by 50,414 to 1.06 million at the end of 2023, according to the Czech Statistical Office. The proportion of foreigners in the population fell to 9.8 percent, from 10.3 percent in the previous year. Ukrainians remained the largest group, with around 575,000 holding residence permits, followed by Slovaks and Vietnamese. There were also 2,500 fewer Russians year on year.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Bavarian Premier Markus Söder met in Prague to discuss energy cooperation, railway connections, and economic ties. Söder aims to secure electricity from Czech nuclear plants, citing the potential for a “nuclear alliance.” Talks also included cross-border collaboration and joint infrastructure projects. Söder’s visit follows meetings with Polish leaders in Warsaw. The two premiers will issue a joint statement and visit Prague's Christmas markets.

The Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria have urged Germany to pass a law abolishing gas transit fees this month, as promised earlier this year. The fee, introduced in 2022, has faced criticism for hindering supply diversification efforts. Germany’s coalition collapse in November delayed the amendment, which limits the fee to domestic consumers. On Monday, EU energy ministers will discuss the issue in Brussels amid concerns over expiring gas transit contracts through Ukraine.

Retailers across the Czech Republic are gearing up for the Christmas rush by extending hours and increasing staffing. Chains like Penny Market and Globus will stay open from Dec. 20 to 23, while online supermarkets Rohlík.cz and Košík.cz will extend delivery times. Retailers like Tesco and Kaufland are adding temporary workers to meet demand, which has surged up to 40 percent for some services, especially prepared holiday meals.

The Czech koruna remained steady at CZK/EUR 25.09 for a third day but weakened to CZK/USD 23.91, losing two cents. Analysts anticipate the Czech National Bank may pause interest rate cuts at its December meeting. The Prague Stock Exchange saw minimal movement, with the PX index inching up 0.02 percent to 1,722.32 points. Gains in Erste and Moneta shares offset declines in ČEZ and Photon Energy stocks.

According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute, the Czech Republic will see cloudy skies, freezing fog, and occasional snow throughout the week. Freezing drizzle may cause slippery roads, especially in the mornings. A cold front arriving Sunday could bring snow showers and mixed precipitation in lowland areas. Temperatures will range from -1°C to 3°C, with mountain areas colder. Warmer weather is expected next week, with highs reaching 10°C.