Czech news in brief for November 19: Tuesday's top headlines

Olomouc High Public Prosecutor Radim Dragoun announced that criminal investigators arrested three individuals, including a district prosecutor from northern Moravia, for distributing anabolic steroids and leaking information from criminal proceedings. The suspects face charges of producing and handling hormonal substances and abusing power. Investigated at liberty, the trio was apprehended by the National Organised Crime Center.

The Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs reported that from February 2022 to August 2024, the Czech Republic provided CZK 20.7 billion in humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees. Despite receiving aid, refugees contributed CZK 5.7 billion more in taxes and insurance than they received in benefits this year. Over 150,000 work contracts were signed by refugees. Czechia, hosting 383,300 refugees, has the highest number per capita, including 95,400 children and 16,200 seniors.

According to Eurostat, consumer prices in the Czech Republic rose to 3 percent in October, up from 2.8 percent in September. This marks an acceleration in inflation, which was 9.5 percent a year ago. In contrast, the EU average reached 2.3 percent, while the Eurozone saw a 2-percent increase. The Czech Republic's inflation rate remains above the EU average. Services contributed the most to year-on-year inflation in the eurozone in October.

According to the European Court of Justice, the Czech Republic and Poland have violated EU law by denying foreigners from the EU the right to join political parties. The European Commission sued the countries for restricting foreigners' ability to stand as election candidates on equal terms with citizens. The Court ruled that the countries must comply without delay, or face fines. EU citizens residing in another member state should have equal access to resources for exercising election rights, regardless of national identity.

The Czech Republic has supplied Ukraine with military aid valued at CZK 7.3 billion from its army stocks since Russia's invasion, a Defense Ministry spokesman reported. Czechia is working with countries like the Netherlands and Denmark to secure more ammunition. Prime Minister Petr Fiala expects the delivery of 500,000 artillery rounds by year-end. Commemorations of the 1,000-day war milestone are planned globally.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico condemned U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use American long-range missiles on Russian territory, calling it an “unprecedented escalation” that hinders peace efforts. Fico, a consistent critic of Western military aid to Ukraine, argued that the move reflects a Western desire to prolong the conflict. His comments follow mixed responses from EU leaders on the U.S. decision.

French company EDF and American Westinghouse have appealed the Czech Office for the Protection of Economic Competition’s (ÚOHS) rejection of their objections to the nuclear tender process for new units at Dukovany. The government chose South Korea's KHNP as the preferred bidder in July. EDF and Westinghouse challenge the decision’s transparency and compliance, citing concerns over technology authorization and public procurement standards.

Czechia is set for wintry weather this week, with snow likely even in lowland areas and up to several tens of centimeters accumulating in mountain regions. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute forecasts temperatures near freezing and strong winds, making it feel below zero. After a week of chill, a weekend warm-up is expected, with temperatures rising to as high as 13°C by Sunday.

The Czech film Waves, directed by Jiří Mádl, won the public prize at France’s Arras Film Festival, the festival announced Sunday. Set during the 1968 Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia, the film follows Czechoslovak Radio journalists and has been a Czech box office hit. Waves premiered at Karlovy Vary and is Czechia’s submission for the Best International Feature Oscar.