Czech news in brief for March 16: Sunday's top headlines

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said denying Ukraine the right to NATO membership in exchange for ending Russian aggression is not in Czechia's interest. Speaking on Czech Television, he argued rejecting Ukraine's bid would limit its sovereignty. Russia demands NATO stay out of Ukraine, but Lipavský warned conceding would undermine European security and reward Russia for its three-year war.

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský plans to discuss the future of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty with EU counterparts Monday after the U.S. announced it would stop funding the broadcaster. He stressed Europe's interest in maintaining RFE/RL as a voice for democracy. Some Czech officials support EU funding, while opposition figures argue against it, saying domestic priorities should come first.

Housing prices in Czechia rose by 9 percent in cities and 7.8 percent outside them in 2024, according to a report by real estate portal Valuo.cz. The average price per square meter across the country was CZK 73,000, with new builds pushing this figure up by CZK 9,000. In regional cities, prices nearly doubled those in rural areas, with some new builds surpassing CZK 180,000 per square meter. The report also highlights a higher demand for smaller and larger apartments in regional cities.

Fuel consumption in Czechia increased by 4.3 percent in 2024, reaching 8.75 billion liters, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Diesel made up three-quarters of the total, with consumption rising by 3.4 percent to 6.37 billion liters. Gasoline consumption grew by over 7 percent. Factors like lower fuel prices and the domestic vehicle fleet helped boost demand, while inflation and energy costs hindered further growth.

The Czech Senate will vote on Wednesday on a bill to increase benefits for professional soldiers, aimed at addressing personnel shortages in the army. The bill proposes a substantial increase in recruitment bonuses, up to CZK 1 million, and additional benefits like housing and foreign service allowances. The Ministry of Defense estimates the costs at CZK 375 million annually.

ANO deputy chair Alena Schillerová called Prime Minister Petr Fiala a “parchant” (which roughly translates to "bastard") in a TikTok video criticizing his call for talks on defense spending. Fiala accused her of lowering political culture, while Schillerová admitted losing her nerve. Government officials condemned her remarks, with Vice PM Marian Jurečka saying ANO had abandoned Czech security.

Czech MPs from the European affairs committee plan to discuss Ukraine, Russia, and security matters with US Congress members and officials during a June visit to Washington, committee chair Ondřej Benešík said. Economic topics, including tariffs, will also be on the agenda. In late May, US congressional aides will visit Prague. The trip follows shifts in US foreign policy and NATO involvement.

Czech football clubs earned EUR 67 million (CZK 1.7 billion) in this season’s UEFA competitions, with Sparta Prague receiving the highest amount at EUR 28.5 million (CZK 710 million). Slavia Prague earned EUR 16.7 million (CZK 420 million), while Viktoria Pilsen secured €14.6 million (CZK 370 million). Pilsen reached the Europa League playoffs, outperforming Slavia.

The European bison population in Czechia has risen from 36 in 2010 to 164 at the end of 2023, according to the European Bison Pedigree Book. The largest herds are in Milovice and Židlov. Last year, six bison were relocated abroad, including to Azerbaijan for a reintroduction program. Plans are in place to send more to Ukraine, though exports face challenges due to cattle disease restrictions.

A PRIM Tycho Brahe KOSMOS 01 watch that reached space via a stratospheric balloon is being auctioned to help restore a historic observatory in the Ore Mountains. The watch, which endured extreme conditions at 31,000 meters, will fund repairs to the Liboňov observatory near Ústí nad Labem. The site, built in 1929, houses an astronomical telescope still in use by the Czech Astronomical Institute.

World leaders explored ways to enhance support for Ukraine during a virtual meeting convened by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Czech PM Petr Fiala said. He briefed attendees on Czechia’s mediation of artillery ammunition supplies to Ukraine. The meeting followed a London summit and included 26 nations, NATO, and the EU. Military officials will meet Thursday to advance security plans for Ukraine.

The Czech government will allocate CZK 300 million from the National Recovery Plan to improve energy efficiency in public buildings, the Environment Ministry announced. Schools, hospitals, and offices can apply for subsidies covering up to 60 percent of renovation costs, including insulation, window replacements, and solar panels. Applications are open until Oct. 31, with work to be completed by June 2026.