Czech news in brief for June 18: Tuesday's top headlines

According to national chief school inspector Tomáš Zatloukal, Czech pupils have the lowest level of confidence in their creativity among all participating countries in the OECD and EU. The 2022 PISA test results, which included 64 countries, revealed this. Around one-fifth of 15-year-old Czech pupils did not reach the basic level of creative thinking. Czech pupils are on average significantly less inquisitive than their OECD peers, the PISA data also shows. Almost 90 percent of Czech pupils attend schools whose principals believe that creativity can be developed.

A survey conducted by STEM research agency and presented to members of parliament from the lower house defense committee showed that about two-thirds of Czechs support a swift end to the war in Ukraine, even if it means Russia will keep some occupied territories. This number has slightly decreased since January, but 65 percent of respondents still believe the Czech Republic should prioritize ending the war quickly. Furthermore, more than half of the population supports Ukrainian war refugees staying in the country. 

Ahead of tonight's Euro 2024 match between the Czech Republic and Portugal, hundreds of fans arrived in Leipzig, Germany, on a special train. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, along with Labor Minister Marian Jurečka and Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura, will also be in attendance. Fiala expressed his hopes for the Czech team's success, drawing inspiration from their recent victory in the Ice Hockey World Championship. The match begins at 9 p.m. and marks the Czech team's first appearance in the 2024 championship.

Suspicious luggage caused significant disruptions in Prague's Wenceslas Square today, resulting in the closure of metro lines A and B and several tram routes. Police responded to reports of abandoned suitcases and deployed pyrotechnic experts to ensure public safety. The incident was quickly resolved with no danger found; normal metro operations resumed at about 4:20 p.m. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that the government should finalize its nomination for the Czech EU commissioner before the summer recess, aiming for a strong portfolio. The government recess usually starts in early August, and the parliamentary recess begins in mid-July. The nomination process involves the STAN movement and the Pirate coalition, with the government having the final say. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 31, with formal approval expected by Nov. 1.

Czech national team captain Roman Červenka was named the IIHF's best player of the season, narrowly winning with 31.3 percent of the vote. The 38-year-old led his team to triumph at this year's World Championships in Prague. Swiss defenseman Roman Josi finished second, while Czech goalie Lukáš Dostál secured third place. Červenka and Dostál were recognized for their key contributions to the Czech team’s success.

Archaeologists have uncovered what may be Europe’s longest prehistoric mound, measuring up to 190 meters long and 15 meters wide, near Hradec Králové along the future D35 motorway. Dating back to the 4th millennium BC and associated with the funnelbeaker culture, the site represents one of Europe’s first monumental funerary structures. The discovery involves archaeologists from several institutions, including the University of Hradec Králové.

Research from Charles University revealed that many Ukrainian refugees in Czechia find illegal work easier than legal employment. Over a quarter rely on informal jobs for survival. Financial and housing conditions worsened for 35 percent of refugees after tighter support measures last year. Conducted by Slovo 21, the study involved 1,387 respondents, primarily women. Despite increased economic activity, dissatisfaction with job suitability remains high. The study also highlighted refugees’ fluctuating intentions about returning to Ukraine.

Czech prisons face severe staff shortages, with nearly 800 supervisors and guards missing and many more resignations imminent. Valdice prison alone saw 65 employees resign in the past two months. Justice Minister Pavel Blažek promised CZK 300 million to mitigate the crisis. Staff report violations of working conditions and proposals include alternative punishments and electronic bracelets to alleviate overcrowding.