Czech news in brief for December 29: Sunday's top headlines

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has lifted the smog alert and regulation in Moravia-Silesia’s Ostrava, Karvina, and Frydek-Mistek areas after air quality improved significantly throughout today. Pollutant dust levels, which exceeded limits by over four times Saturday, have dropped to safer ranges. During the alert, residents were advised to limit outdoor activity, and industries faced production limits. The region's air quality remains under monitoring.

Italian singer and composer Matteo Bocelli announced today that he will perform in Prague on June 4, 2025, at the O2 Universum as part of his Summer Nights tour. His father, tenor Andrea Bocelli, will return to the city for his eighth performance at the O2 Arena on Jan. 23, 2026. Matteo, known for blending classical and Italian pop, has performed globally, including at the 2024 Oscars for British King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Russia is open to serious proposals for resolving the Ukraine crisis, its Prague embassy stated Friday, responding to Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský’s claim that President Vladimir Putin rejects peace efforts. Lipavský noted Slovakia's readiness to host talks but criticized daily Russian attacks on Ukraine. The embassy emphasized Putin’s June remarks on addressing crisis root causes, signaling potential negotiation terms while ongoing violence complicates diplomacy. “The Russian side is ready to consider…concrete proposals to resolve the Ukrainian crisis," the Russian embassy wrote.

Heavy traffic paralyzed access to Špindlerův Mlýn ski resort in the Krkonoše Mountains on Sunday as parking lots reached capacity. Police are directing traffic and urging visitors to choose less crowded destinations. The area has 50–80 cm of snow, with temperatures above freezing and a low avalanche risk on sunny slopes. Authorities warn of potential wet snow avalanches later this week and advise caution for mountain visitors. Ski buses will partially alleviate the situation starting the first weekend of January.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a frost and ice warning for the entire country from 6 p.m. Sunday to 9 a.m. Monday. Freezing fog, frost, and icy roads are expected, with temperatures dropping to -7 degrees Celsius overnight in some areas. Drivers are urged to exercise caution. Conditions may persist Tuesday, with daytime highs then getting warmer, reaching 7 degrees by midweek. Light snow and rain are forecast for later in the week.

Two decades after ending mandatory military service, the Czech army is grappling with low levels of personnel despite having a professional force of 27,826 soldiers as of this year. Over 40,000 reservists leave annually due to age, leaving the military struggling to replace them. Defense Minister Jana Černochová and General Staff Chief Karel Řehka stress recruitment challenges. The army aims for 30,000 soldiers and 10,000 reserves by 2030, but may need 37,500 professionals.

Air quality in the Moravian-Silesian Region improved slightly Sunday, but regulations remain in place for Ostrava, Karviná, and Frýdek-Místek due to high dust particle levels, peaking at 190 micrograms per cubic meter. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute advises vulnerable groups to limit outdoor activity. Industrial companies face production restrictions to curb pollution. Smog persists in Třinec, with conditions expected to remain unfavorable throughout the day.

Šumava’s Perla station in Kvilda reported the country’s lowest temperature of the day this morning, hitting -15.1 degrees Celsius, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Other cold spots included Rokytská slat (-14.9 degrees Celsius) and Březník (-14.7 degrees Celsius). Roads in South Bohemia and the highlands remain passable but icy in shaded areas. Officials advise caution, especially in forests. Clear to partly cloudy skies and highs up to 6 degrees Celsius are forecast, with mountain areas reaching 5 degrees.

Czech tennis players edged Norway 2-1 in Sydney on Saturday, moving closer to the United Cup tennis tournament quarterfinals. Karolína Muchová and Tomáš Macháč secured the win in mixed doubles, defeating Viktor Durasovic and Ulrikke Eikeri 6-4, 6-4. Muchová also triumphed in singles, while Macháč fell to Casper Ruud in a grueling match. The Czechs next face Poland on Jan. 1 in the Group B mixed-team event.

Revenue from Czech highway vignettes (or stamps) is expected to reach CZK 6.9 billion in 2024, up from CZK 6.375 billion last year, the Ministry of Transport reports. This increase follows a March price hike, the first in 12 years. Annual fees will rise again in January 2025. Funds support the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure, which will allocate a record CZK 80.7 billion to the Roads and Motorways Directorate next year.