Czech news in brief for July 2: Tuesday's top headlines

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Saxon colleague Michael Kretschmer warned against the rise of populist parties. Fiala emphasized that populists offer no solutions, while Kretschmer attributed their popularity to unchecked illegal migration. Germany has restored border controls with neighboring countries to address this issue. The prime ministers visited the Ore Mountains, celebrated for their UNESCO cultural heritage, and discussed cooperation on semiconductor production and regional stability.

The unemployment rate in the European Union in May remained at 6 percent in April. The lowest was in the Czech Republic. Poland reported the EU’s second-lowest unemployment rate in May, steady at 3 percent. Spain had the highest at 11.7 percent, followed by Greece at 10.6 percent. Youth unemployment remains a significant issue, with Spain and Greece at 26.6 percent and 23.8 percent, respectively. Eurostat’s data, based on the ILO’s definition of unemployment, showed the Czech Republic at 2.7 percent using CZSO methodology, contrasting with the Czech Labor Office’s 3.6 percent.

Trains have resumed on Prague’s Branický Most bridge after months of closure, aiding freight traffic previously detoured due to congestion. Celebrating its 60th year, the bridge’s double-tracking project is near completion, enhancing capacity and connectivity. The Railway Administration plans full operation by October, integrating the bridge into the Prague network. This upgrade is crucial for freight and passenger transport, especially during the upcoming Vytoň bridge reconstruction. The project started a year ago and includes significant infrastructure improvements.

By 2030, bears will no longer reside in castles and chateaux managed by the Czech Republic’s National Monuments Institute (NÚ). Currently, seven bears live at facilities in Český Krumlov, Točník, Konopiště, and Náchod. Considering their needs and health, the NÚ aims to relocate the bears to better living conditions. Bear habitats at these historical sites, some dating back centuries will be discontinued for improved animal welfare.

In a recent MultiSport Benefit and NMS Market poll, Czechs’ sports activity declines with age. Half of those aged 55-64 consider themselves athletes, compared to over two-thirds of 18-34 year-olds. Over 1,800 respondents aged 18-69 participated, revealing that younger adults are most active, citing time constraints and financial issues as barriers. Walking is the most common exercise across generations, with yoga and pilates also popular.

Vasyl Zvarych, the new Ukrainian ambassador to the Czech Republic, will officially begin his mission on Tuesday when President Petr Pavel receives his credentials, the Presidential Office announced. Pavel will also receive credentials from the new ambassadors of Spain, India, and Zambia. Zvarych, appointed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has served in Warsaw and has experience in the U.S. and Turkey. The Prague post has been vacant for almost two years.

Employees of the Ministry of Justice will strike on Wednesday over low salaries and poor personnel conditions, as reported by Seznam Správy. The strike is set if there are no changes by the end of August. Ministry spokesman Vladimír Řepka stated that salary issues are beyond the ministry’s control. The union cites a 25 percent decline in real incomes from 2021-2023 and an urgent need for salary increases to retain skilled workers.

Following last week’s heatwave, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius, the beginning of July will be notably cooler. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) forecasts that this week’s temperatures will not exceed 23 degrees Celsius, with overcast skies and daily showers expected. Strong thunderstorms are possible on Saturday when temperatures may rise above 30 degrees. The long-term forecast predicts fluctuating temperatures and average precipitation for July.

Severe spring frosts have devastated the Czech fruit harvest, leading to estimated losses of CZK 1.3 billion. The Fruit Union’s Martin Ludvík highlighted that apple sales would be critically low in early 2024, affecting 500 out of 800 growers. The fruit crop is projected to drop 77 percent from the five-year average. The government plans a support program to help growers, potentially including EU aid and hundreds of millions of crowns in compensation.

Poland has assumed the one-year presidency of the Visegrad Group (V4) from the Czech Republic. Poland’s priorities include regional safety, enhancing energy, road, and digital infrastructure, and fostering academic, cultural, and tourism cooperation. The V4, comprising the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary, aims to strengthen stability and cooperation in Central Europe. However, cooperation has cooled since Russia invaded Ukraine due to differing views on aid to Ukraine.

The Czech pavilion for Expo Osaka 2025 will be the tallest wooden building in Japan, said Ondrej Soska, the Czech participation's general commissioner. The spiral-shaped structure, made of wooden elements and glass, had to meet Japan's strict natural disaster standards. Approximately 1,000 cubic meters of timber will be used, with construction starting in mid-September. The pavilion will showcase Czech innovations, nanotechnologies, and regional talents.