Czech news in brief for July 16: Tuesday's top headlines

The management of Prague Airport and trade union representatives have announced they will have collective bargaining in September to discuss conditions for the upcoming year. This comes after the Land and Air Transport Trade Union declared a strike alert last week. The airport presented a calculation of the union's demands and expressed difficulty in making major changes within the current fiscal year. Negotiations will continue in September to find a compromise. The airport assures that this situation will not affect passengers or operations.

The Mafra group publishing house announced today that it will stop publishing the printed version of the Lidové noviny (LN) newspaper by the end of August. The news website Lidovky.cz will continue with expanded content, mainly opinion pieces. The LN supplement, Orientace, will become part of the Mladá fronta DNES daily from September. The decision was made due to market developments and the rise of modern technologies. The publisher is currently discussing the future of employees, with some being let go.

The Czech Fire and Rescue Service announced that two helicopters and two air rescue teams will be sent to Bulgaria on Wednesday to help fight a large forest fire in the Stara Zagora area. The Czech Republic received a request for assistance from Bulgaria through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism due to the difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions. A team of nine firefighters will also be sent to the destination, including members of the Prague and Hlucin rescue units. The BlackHawk helicopter with a 3,450-litre Bambi Bucket will be used for aerial firefighting. 

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced a new ammunition plant in Ukraine will be built in cooperation with Czech company Sellier & Bellot during a press conference in Prague. The contract, signed by Ukroboronservice, will supply goods and services. Shmyhal discussed the defense industry and acquiring new weapons to protect Ukraine from Russian attacks. Colt CZ Group, which acquired Sellier & Bellot in May, will also collaborate with Ukraine on rifle production. This alliance will enhance European safety and benefit both countries.

Timothy Snyder, a U.S. historian specializing in Central and Eastern Europe, was awarded the Medal of Merit for Diplomacy by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. The award followed Snyder’s lecture “Havel, Unpredictability and Freedom,” attended by President Petr Pavel. Lipavský praised Snyder’s educational contributions to history and contemporary issues, highlighting his advocacy for freedom and democracy. Snyder’s work, including “On Tyranny” and “The Road to Unfreedom,” has gained attention, especially regarding Ukraine.

South Moravian police assisted Austrian authorities in a cross-border chase today, ending when the suspect crashed his car in Mikulov and fell from a building while attempting to escape. Police provided first aid and are now guarding the injured foreigner in the hospital. He will be extradited to Austria once the necessary formalities, including a European arrest warrant, are completed, police spokesman Pavel Šváb said.

Czech deputies have proposed an amendment to Article 7 of the Constitution to enhance animal protection. This change would grant animals constitutional protection if passed, equalizing their status with freedoms like artistic expression. This follows a controversial art exhibit featuring caged wolves. Animal rights activist Pavel Buršík supports the amendment, highlighting its potential impact on legal decisions. The proposal is part of a broader environmental protection initiative pending in the House of Representatives.

Mayor Marek Krystek announced Monday that two flash floods in June caused tens of millions in damage in Šišma. The Šišemka stream reached a 200-year flood level, flooding much of the village. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný met with local mayors to discuss aid, including dam repairs and land improvements. The Morava basin has begun cleaning waterways. The floods, attributed to erosion and improper crop planting, highlighted the need for land management improvements to help absorb floodwater. An anti-erosion decree will take effect next year to enforce protective measures.

Scientists from the Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences have discovered a well-preserved Neolithic settlement near Kutná Hora, dating back over 7,000 years. The site, which includes floor plans of four longhouses, is unique as no subsequent residences were built on it.

The settlement offers insights into early agricultural life, with evidence of grain cultivation, cattle raising, and hunting. The findings highlight the success and spread of early farming communities across Europe.

Industrial enterprises in the Czech Republic will receive CZK 15 billion from the ENERG ETS program of the Modernization Fund to green their production and reduce energy consumption. The Ministry of the Environment aims to improve air quality and reduce emissions. Applications for subsidies, covering up to 60 percent of eligible expenses, are open until Nov. 15, 2024. The program targets major CO2 producers, including steel, chemical, and food industries.