Czech news in brief for December 16: Monday's top headlines

Raising Czech wages to German levels is impossible without faster labor productivity growth, according to an analysis by UniCredit Bank. The Czech Republic lags behind due to fewer workers in high-value expert positions. In 2023, Czech workers produced half the added value of German workers, with productivity differences accounting for lower wages. Experts say closing this gap could increase Czech productivity by nearly 29%, bringing wages closer to Germany's.

A team of Czech archaeologists have discovered eight ancient columnar structures, dating back about 7,000 years, near the village of Nupaky (in the Prague-East district) along the planned Prague Ring Road route. The team also uncovered part of a period village from the 5th century BC. Excavations revealed tools, pottery, and evidence of metalworking, indicating local workshops. The Prague Ring Road section from Běchovice to the D1 motorway is set to be completed in 2027, with ongoing archaeological research.

Producer prices in the Czech Republic rose in November, with annual growth accelerating to 1.7 percent in industry and 5.5 percent in agriculture, the Czech Statistical Office reported Monday. Construction work prices increased 2.5 percent, while market services rose 3.7 percent. Industrial inflation remains subdued, with limited impact on consumer inflation. Consumers can already see part of this increase on price tags in stores, Petr Dufek, the chief economist of Banka Creditas, says.

Czech Deputy Prime Minister Vít Rakušan said migration from Syria is expected to remain stable following the Assad regime’s collapse. Due to the uncertainty, the Czech Republic has paused asylum applications. The Interior Ministry is preparing for various scenarios, including possible return migrations depending on Syria’s future stability.

British authorities have approved the GBP 3.6 billion takeover of Royal Mail by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský’s EP Group. The deal includes a golden share for the government, ensuring control over major decisions. Křetínský, who has a history of investment in the UK, aims to expand his network with this acquisition.

One year after a tragic shooting at Charles University’s Faculty of Arts, the community remains vigilant but more connected. Dean Eva Leheckova said increased psychological support, self-defense training, and crisis management efforts have helped foster a sense of safety and resilience among students and staff. A CZK 20 million grant has also been used for repairs and mental health initiatives, supporting a gradual return to normalcy.

Czech photographer Jakub Kuřák’s image of meteors over a snowy forest in Poland was selected as NASA’s Astronomical Photo of the Day. Kuřák’s Geminid Meteors photo showcases over two dozen meteors flying out of the Gemini constellation. Facing freezing temperatures and battery challenges, Kuřák captured the image during an inversion cloud cover over the Giant Mountains near Szklarska Poremba.

Temperatures in the Czech Republic will rise to 12 degrees Celsius this week, with cloudy skies and rain expected. The warm weather will last until Thursday before cooling down, bringing snowfall to higher areas. The Czech Meteorological Institute also warns of strong winds until 3 p.m. today. By Friday, temperatures will drop to six degrees, with rain and snow possibly occurring at lower altitudes.