Czech news in brief for December 18: Wednesday's top headlines

Czech lawmakers approved the newest package of the Lex Ukraine law this afternoon, extending temporary protection for 380,000 Ukrainian refugees through March 2025. Refugees with stable jobs may apply for long-term residency and, after five years, permanent residence. The law also requires Russians seeking Czech citizenship to renounce their Russian nationality and criminalizes unauthorized collection of sensitive information for foreign powers.

Czech leaders marked the 13th anniversary of former President Václav Havel’s death Monday, praising his enduring legacy. President Petr Pavel called Havel’s focus on freedom and democracy “timeless,” urging vigilance to preserve these values. Chamber of Deputies Speaker Markéta Pekarová Adamová highlighted Havel’s global influence, while Senate Speaker Miloš Vystrčil emphasized bridging generational divides. Havel, a playwright and dissident, led Czechoslovakia’s transition from communism.

Prague Václav Havel Airport handled over 15 million passengers by November this year, an 18 percent increase year-on-year, surpassing last year’s total of 13.8 million. The airport expects 16.2 million passengers by year-end, though traffic remains below pre-pandemic levels. London remains the top destination, with over 1.2 million passengers this year. Cargo transport also rose 40 percent in November. The winter schedule now serves 115 destinations, slightly fewer than in 2019.

Police in the Czech Republic and Slovakia have charged six men with drug trafficking after seizing 100 kilograms of methamphetamine worth CZK 100 million in a record bust, officials announced Tuesday. The operation, codenamed Vivaldi, uncovered meth, cocaine, hashish, and cash during raids. The group’s leader, a foreign national, allegedly smuggled drugs from Slovakia to the Czech Republic. Authorities are investigating further links to the operation.

President Petr Pavel has signed an amendment allowing Czech building authorities to use their original construction management systems until 2028, his office announced Wednesday. This extension addresses issues with the digital systems introduced in July, which led to the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Bartoš and the Pirate Party's exit from the government. The amendment takes effect immediately upon publication.

President Petr Pavel signed the 2024 Czech state budget, with a deficit of 241 billion crowns, citing it as the better option despite reservations about revenue and spending forecasts. Pavel secured assurances from Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura that the deficit won't exceed the planned sum. The budget prioritizes public finance consolidation, investments, and social peace but faces criticism over overestimated revenues.

The Czech Republic is drafting a Charter against Antigypsyism, inviting schools, municipalities, and organizations to combat anti-Roma discrimination, Government Commissioner Lucie Fuková announced. The initiative seeks to promote zero tolerance and support Roma culture. Roma representatives rejected Ombudsman Stanislav Křeček claim that not all acts are discriminatory, emphasizing the need to address stereotypes and involve Roma communities in solutions for better relations.

Events across Czechia today commemorate former President Václav Havel, who died on Dec. 18, 2011. Politicians will pay respects at his grave in Vinohrady, while a Christmas concert will be held at Prague's National Technical Museum to mark the anniversary. Archival film screenings pay homage to the dissident and playwright's legacy at the Václav Havel Library. In Hradec Králové, citizens will gather at Havel's bench, and his Hrádeček cottage will host tributes. Havel, the first Czech president, remains a symbol of democracy and culture.

A 26-year-old psychologist, Chiara Moscardi, died in a collision involving a Czech truck on the A4 highway near Noventa di Piave, Italy, on Tuesday afternoon. Three others, including the Czech driver, were injured. The truck struck a broken-down vehicle in the emergency lane. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro offered condolences, praising Moscardi’s dedication to her work with vulnerable individuals. Police are investigating the incident.

Meta Platforms, owner of Facebook and Instagram, was fined EUR 251 million by the Irish Data Protection Authority for a 2018 data breach exposing personal data of 29 million users, including three million in the EU. The breach revealed names, emails, and phone numbers. Meta plans to appeal, citing corrective actions taken at the time. The fine adds to nearly EUR 3 billion in EU penalties for GDPR violations since 2018.