Czech news in brief for January 14: Tuesday's top headlines

Agrofert Holding, led by opposition leader Andrej Babiš, has filed a lawsuit against the Czech Agriculture Ministry for annulling subsidy agreements worth over CZK 200 million. The ministry canceled the agreements after an EU audit flagged potential conflicts of interest involving Babiš. Agrofert insists it is entitled to the subsidies, while the ministry maintains the deals violated conflict-of-interest laws. The review process concluded in July 2024.

Prague police have closed their investigation into a patient mix-up at Bulovka University Hospital that led to an accidental abortion in March 2024. No charges were filed, police spokeswoman Eva Kropáčová announced Tuesday. The hospital reached an out-of-court settlement with the affected patient. The incident stemmed from staff mistakenly swapping two patients of Asian origin. Further details remain confidential per the state prosecutor’s orders.

The Czech Republic can fully transition to oil supply via the TAL and IKL pipelines, ensuring independence from Russian oil by mid-2025, officials announced Tuesday. Prime Minister Petr Fiala said the USD 72 million (CZK 1.8 billion) TAL-PLUS expansion is operational, covering the nation's refinery needs. The shift follows last year’s end to Russian gas imports, marking a decisive break from reliance on Russian energy since the Ukraine invasion in 2022.

German pop icon Nena, famed for her hit 99 Luftballons, will perform at Prague’s SaSaZu club on Oct. 1, 2025, as part of her Wir Gehören Zusammen tour. The tour, which drew 150,000 fans across Europe in 2024, highlights her magnetic concerts. Tickets, starting at CZK 990, go on sale Jan. 17, with VIP options available. Throughout her career, combining both her band and solo work, Nena has sold over 25 million records worldwide.

The Czech Republic’s fruit harvest dropped 65 percent in 2024, reaching a century-low of 48,058 tons, due to severe April frosts, according to the Central Control and Testing Institute of Agriculture. Damage, estimated at CZK 1.3 billion, impacted all fruit species. The EU and Czech government pledged CZK 445 million in aid, with apple growers receiving CZK 341 million. Over 539 growers applied for support, highlighting widespread devastation in the industry.

After a brief hiatus in January, farmers' markets will resume on Rašínova nábřeží embankment and Kubánské náměstí in Prague, with the first sales day set for Saturday, Feb. 1. The markets, operating Saturday mornings, will feature a wide array of goods, including handmade delicacies and seasonal produce. "The range of products available in February will largely depend on the weather," said Jiří Sedláček, chairman of the Archetyp association, which oversees the markets. 

Ten EU countries, including Czechia, have called for a total ban on Russian gas and LNG imports, Reuters reports. The proposed measure could feature in the EU's 16th sanctions package, expected to be debated soon and finalized by late February. While Poland leads the push for stricter sanctions, opposition from countries like France and Spain may complicate consensus. The package aims to hit Moscow harder amid ongoing aggression in Ukraine.

President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Petr Fiala, joined by their wives, met for a New Year luncheon at the Lány manor on Saturday. The two-hour gathering featured friendly discussions on personal topics and upcoming political events. The menu included Prague ham, roast veal tenderloin, and Grand Marnier crepes. The tradition, started by Václav Klaus, emphasizes social bonding, with occasional focus on key political matters.

An earthquake swarm struck the Cheb Region on Sunday, with the strongest tremor near Vojtanov recorded at 11:13 a.m., measuring 2.2 in magnitude. Seismologists noted up to 30 weaker aftershocks, mostly unfelt by residents. Earthquake swarms, common in the region, typically occur near Nový Kostel but are rare in Vojtanov. Experts warn that additional tremors could activate other faults in the area.

A nationwide strike in Belgium protesting pension reforms disrupted travel and schools on Monday. Charleroi Airport canceled all flights after noon, including a 1:45 p.m. flight to Prague. Brussels Airport also saw dozens of cancellations, though afternoon Prague flights remained unaffected. Public transport in Brussels was heavily impacted, with limited metro, tram, and bus services. Four police officers were injured in clashes with protesting firefighters as unions criticized planned €3 billion pension cuts.

After a decade, the Czech men’s handball team returns to the World Championship, opening Wednesday against Switzerland in Herning. Led by outgoing Spanish coach Xavier Sabaté, they aim to advance past the group stage, competing against Poland and Germany in Group A. Co-host Denmark defends its title in the tournament featuring 32 nations. The Czechs last competed in 2015, finishing 17th after winning the President’s Cup.