Czech news in brief for January 15: Monday's top headlines

According to the Czech Academy of Sciences (AV ČR), Czech scientists will contribute to the European EnVision probe, scheduled for launch in 2031. Their involvement will include testing and assembling the control electronics for three spectrometers, which are integral to the probe's mission of mapping Venus' surface and atmosphere using optical, spectral, and radar devices. 

The Jaroslav Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry and the Czech Geological Service will collaborate on this project. Czech scientists are particularly interested in studying atmospheric processes, volcanic activity, and surface morphology on Venus.

Electric cars will continue to enjoy free parking in Prague's zones until the end of this year, as the city council has postponed the cancellation of this benefit due to pending rule changes. Portable parking permits will also remain valid until the end of the year, despite initial plans to cancel them. 

While free flat parking for electric cars will be discontinued in 2025, the city aims to maintain certain advantages over internal combustion engine vehicles. Electric cars will park for free in designated charging spots, subject to the adoption of a new parking permit price list in collaboration with all concerned city districts.

Prague is set to host the NATO Military Committee meeting in September, marking the first time the chiefs of staff from NATO states will convene in Czechia. The event presents an opportunity for Czechia to articulate its "national view" on NATO's common defense, as stated by the Defence Ministry. 

Former NATO Military Committee Chairman and Czech President Petr Pavel is expected to attend informally. The meeting aims to discuss the current European security situation, NATO summit conclusions' implementation, and the alliance's defense plans. Czechia, celebrating its 25th NATO anniversary, will host the three-day event from Sept. 13 to 15.

The Brothers, Tomas Masin's film chronicling the escape of Ctirad and Josef Masin from Czechoslovakia in the 1950s, secured a leading 15 nominations for the prestigious Czech Lion awards. Noteworthy contenders include the Czech-Slovak film Usvit and the science fiction thriller Bod obnovy each earning eight nominations, alongside the black comedy Prisla v noci.

With 26 films progressing to the finals across 19 categories, the awards ceremony is scheduled for March 9 in Prague. The Masin brothers' Cold War resistance, marked by casualties and family repercussions, remains a poignant chapter in Czech history, vividly portrayed in the film.

Snowfall and icy conditions pose threats in the Czech Republic this week, with over 30 centimeters of snow anticipated in the Jizerské, Orlické, and Jeseníky mountains. Meteorologists warn of snowdrifts and tongues of snow in the north and northeast. Freezing rain or rain on Wednesday heightens the risk of ice formation, especially in mountainous regions.

Despite a temporary warming to eight degrees Celsius on Thursday, occasional rain changing to snow persists. The weekend sees a return to zero-degree daily maximums. Czechs are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and exercise caution during this wintry period.

The average rent in the Czech Republic dropped to CZK 16,576 in the fourth quarter of last year, marking a 4% decline both quarter-on-quarter and year-on-year, according to analysis by UlovDomov.cz. Prague retained the highest rent, with an annual increase of up to eight percent, notably for 2+kk layouts.

The capital's 2+kk apartments now cost CZK 20,300 on average, up from 19,150 in the autumn. The UlovDomov.cz index indicates that mortgage rates slightly decreased, aligning with rental prices. However, it doesn't consider initial loan costs or long-term property ownership savings.

The General Inspection of Security Forces (GIBS) in the Czech Republic expects to release results of the police intervention at the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague in spring, following criticism and an internal review. Minister of Interior Vít Rakušan acknowledged deficiencies in crisis communication and analytical tool utilization but emphasized the police's professionalism.

The intervention faced criticism for potentially underestimating the situation, prompting calls for the resignation of the police president. Rakušan rejected this but expressed readiness to take responsibility if errors were proven. The GIBS investigation aims to address concerns and provide conclusive insights.

Analysis by Česká distribuční has revealed a six percent month-on-month decline in the prices of 12 basic food products offered in January promotions in the Czech Republic. The cost of a kilogram of potatoes and wheat bread saw the most significant reductions, both dropping by 21 percent.

Overall, the average discount in Czech supermarket promo flyers in January is 27 percent, compared to 30 percent in December. Czechs are benefitting from lower prices, particularly in staples like butter and eggs, as retailers roll out promotions to start the year.

Last year, the Czech Republic maintained its position as the fourth-largest electricity exporter in the EU, exporting nine terawatt hours (TWh), though this was a five TWh decrease from the previous year. Analysis from EGÚ Brno suggests a continuing decline in export share due to reduced coal usage, potentially turning the country into an importer.

France led EU exports with 49 TWh, while Germany, after over two decades, became an importer. Slovakia resumed its exporter status, sending 3.5 TWh, linked to a new nuclear power plant block. Italy led imports with 50 TWh. EGÚ Brno warns against abrupt coal closures, predicting increased electricity prices.

Last year witnessed a surge in the number of self-employed people who canceled their business license, with 277,000 self-employed individuals cancelling their business license over the course of 2023. It represents the highest figure since the establishment of the Czech Republic in 1993.

The uncertain economic climate, escalating costs, and increased administrative demands, notably the obligatory data box, contributed to this trend, according to data from Imper. The restaurant sector was particularly impacted, with nearly 22,000 business license cancellations.