Czech news in brief for March 26: Tuesday's top headlines

At a press conference in Slovenia, foreign ministers of the C5 – the five Central and Eastern European countries of Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia – expressed their support for the EU enlargement to include the Western Balkan countries.  Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto stated that promoting EU enlargement will be a key priority during Hungary’s Council of the EU presidency in the second half of this year. The C5 also unanimously agreed to do more to reduce illegal migration inflows.

According to a study by several Czech non-profit organizations focused on housing issues, Prague has the most unaffordable housing in Europe. Solutions proposed include more municipal construction, rent regulation, and progressive taxation of investment apartments. The study was conducted by Arnika, Re-set, Platform for Social Housing, Tenants' Initiative, and Tolerable Housing in the Center of Prague. The analysis was based on a Politico server report indicating that the average annual net income needed to buy a 75-square-meter apartment in Prague is 25 times higher than the average income.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský stated during a visit to Ljubljana today that Slovenia will support the Czech Republic's initiative to purchase artillery ammunition for Ukraine from non-EU countries. Slovenia is allocating EUR 1 million (about CZK 25.3 million) for this purpose. Czech Prime Minister Peter Fiala announced his proposal to buy ammunition for Ukraine at a previous EU summit, and President Petr Pavel later discussed it at the Munich Security Conference.

President Petr Pavel this afternoon emphasized the need for greater Czech ambassadorial representation in Russia during a visit to the Czech Security Information Service (BIS). Chief of the BIS Michal Koudelka noted the recent reduction of diplomatic presence in Russia. Pavel previously stated that the Czech Republic intends to have an ambassador in Russia long-term. Current Russian Ambassador Vítězslav Pivonka has been in Czechia for several months, with Jíří Čistecký serving as a deputy ambassador in Moscow.

Reykjavik has pledged around EUR 2 million to aid the Czech-led initiative in purchasing artillery shells for Ukraine from non-EU sources, joining over 20 countries in the effort. Icelandic Foreign Minister Bjarni Benediktsson emphasized the importance of the move for international rule of law defense and Iceland’s security. Deliveries are expected by June; Iceland previously supported Ukraine in disposal and tech initiatives. Some twenty countries have joined the purchase, ranging from Canada to Germany, Lithuania, Finland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg to Poland.

The Office of Democratic Forces of Belarus was officially inaugurated Monday by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský and opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, signaling a concerted effort to bolster support for Belarusian democracy. Lipavský was honored by Tsikhanouskaya for his contributions. During her visit, Tsikhanouskaya engaged in discussions with President Pavel and parliamentary leaders regarding the situation in Belarus, including the possibility of establishing a government-in-exile in Prague. The visit also featured events commemorating Belarusian history and a documentary screening detailing Tsikhanouskaya's journey to prominence.

The Charles University Foundation has disbursed nearly CZK 11 million to families of victims from the December shooting at the Faculty of Arts, with CZK 1.5 million allocated to the injured. The university is finalizing terms and contracts for the remaining funds. Additionally, the foundation earmarked CZK 4 million for psychosocial support. Contributions from nearly 60,000 people have supported those affected. Classes are expected to resume in the building next semester.

The Czech Republic experienced a frosty night, with temperatures dropping to minus two to minus five degrees Celsius, reaching minus 15 degrees in the Šumava mountains. Meteorologists warn of potential damage to flowering fruit trees. Temperatures are expected to rise to twelve to sixteen degrees Celsius, but strong winds are forecasted, especially in the country's eastern half. A low hazard warning is in effect until Wednesday evening.

According to Czech National Bank data, banks and savings banks in the Czech Republic saw a CZK 2.2 billion increase in aggregate net profit to CZK 104.4 billion in 2023. The total balance sheet amounted to CZK 9.889 trillion, up by CZK 983 billion. Profit from financial activities rose to CZK 239 billion. While smaller banks saw increased profits, larger banks experienced declines due to interest rate adjustments. Windfall taxes will impact major banks.