Czech news in brief for March 12: Tuesday's top headlines

A public opinion poll conducted by research agency Ipsos reveals that migration, security, and green policy are Czech voters’ most significant concerns for the June European Parliament elections. Over one-third (35 percent) of respondents plan to vote. Around 60 percent of the respondents did not think that the elections would make any difference to them personally. The survey also showed that eight in 10 people knew the elections were happening this year. In the last elections (2019) turnout was 29 percent.

Farmers in the Czech Republic plan another mass protest in the capital on March 21, according to Agrarian Chamber spokeswoman Barbora Pánková. They will discuss their demands, including support for rural employment and no cuts in animal welfare support, with President Petr Pavel and Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný in the coming weeks. Other requirements are the non-taxation of European operating subsidies and the limitation of duty-free imports of agricultural products from countries outside the EU. There have been two farmers’ protests in Prague this year.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced the delivery of one million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine, with more to come. The initiative, supported by 18 countries including Canada and Germany, aims to provide 300,000 rounds of artillery ammunition to Ukraine this year. Czech President Petr Pavel presented the plan at the Munich Security Conference last month, stating that Czechia has located additional ammunition in non-EU countries. Tomáš Pojar, the government's national security advisor, emphasized the importance of coalitions for future initiatives in a growing NATO with 32 members.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton praised the expansion of NATO to include the Czech Republic and other countries, calling it a wise decision. He commended the Czech Republic for being the first NATO member to provide assistance to Ukraine and for their ongoing support. Clinton also acknowledged the importance of cooperation within NATO and its benefits to all members. He also expressed his disappointment in not being able to foster a partnership with Russia during his presidency.

Former US President Bill Clinton will receive state honors from Czech President Petr Pavel on Tuesday at Prague Castle, coinciding with a conference marking the 25th anniversary of the Czech Republic's NATO membership. Clinton, who arrived in Prague over the weekend, has been honored with the Order of the White Lion since 1998. The ceremony will take place at 12:00 p.m., followed by keynote speeches at 1:45 p.m.

Inflation in the Czech Republic slowed to two percent in February, meeting the Czech National Bank's target and marking the lowest rate since 2018. While food prices declined, services saw higher price growth, according to data published by the Czech Statistical Office on Monday. Year-on-year, housing and utility costs increased, while fuel prices rose month-on-month. Analysts caution against generalizing the decline in inflation, citing mixed price trends across sectors.

In 2023, Czech online shoppers spent CZK 185 billion crowns, experiencing a 6 percent YoY decline. E-commerce anticipates a rebound in 2024, attributing optimism to expected inflation reductions. Shopping patterns shifted, with customers delaying non-essential purchases and seeking discounts. Online retailers note a divide in customer behavior, with one group favoring cheap products and discounts while the other leans towards pricier brands.

CzechTourism reports that half of Czech tourists visited film or TV filming locations in the past five years, with castles like Hluboká nad Vltavou and Bouzov being popular choices. About 60 percent of filming income benefits local entrepreneurs. Foreign productions are also drawn to the Czech Republic for cost-effectiveness and skilled local talent. Last year the State Film Fund supported eight films by domestic filmmakers with a total amount of CZK 60 million.

A freight train carrying hazardous materials collided with a car in Libčice nad Vltavou, causing an estimated CZK 800,000in damages. No injuries were reported. The incident halted traffic on the main Prague to Ústí nad Labem line. Train services were expected to resume around 7:30 a.m. České dráhy canceled some passenger trains, diverting others. Shuttle buses are available between Kralupy nad Vltavou and Praha-Holešovice stations.