Czech news in brief for November 5: Tuesday's top headlines

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský voiced strong support for North Macedonia’s EU accession efforts during talks with North Macedonian Foreign Minister Timčo Mucunksi. Lipavský acknowledged the significant work needed for North Macedonia’s progress. Mucunski, optimistic about a 2030 EU membership timeline, emphasized the partnership with the Czech Republic and highlighted his government’s concrete integration efforts. He believes the Western Balkans are essential to the EU’s future, urging a clear, predictable accession path.

Czech President Petr Pavel today emphasized at the Swiss-Czech Business Forum in Zurich that the U.S. and Europe must unite to face global challenges, particularly from China, stressing that Europe remains America’s closest ally. As Americans prepare to elect either Democrat Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump, Swiss President Viola Amherd underscored the election’s global economic and political impact, urging stronger European unity, given America’s diverse global priorities.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has voiced opposition to a proposal to establish a centralized EU intelligence service, calling it unrealistic during a recent debate on the EU's shared security challenges, according to Euractiv. Fiala’s comments were a response to a report by former Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, which suggested the creation of an EU-wide intelligence agency. “ I do not consider it realistic to build a truly functional joint service," Fiala said.

The Czech Labor Office is set to close 83 of its branches, affecting small workplaces with 400 employees. No redundancies are planned as workers will be moved to larger branches. The closures are part of a rationalization effort to improve services where they are most needed. The decision was made based on an analysis of catchment areas and accessibility. Labour Minister Marian Jurecka announced the optimization last summer, citing digitization as a reason for the closures.

President Petr Pavel signed a bill granting financial aid to victims of the September floods in Czechia, effective upon publication. The law offers assistance for child care, housing, and emergency expenses in severely affected regions like Moravia-Silesia and Olomouc. It includes nursing benefits, temporary housing allowances, and up to 194,400 crowns for immediate needs. Due to drying efforts, flooded households may also get aid for increased electricity costs.

The EU's first songbook, featuring 164 songs, includes Czech entries such as the Hussite hymn Who Are God's Warriors, folk classic Black Eyes, Go to Sleep, and the iconic Prayer for Marta, symbolizing Czech freedom. Also included are works by composer Jaroslav Uhlíř and lyricist Zdeněk Svěrák. Created with input from 87,000 EU citizens, the songbook offers songs with English translations and is accessible via a free web app across the EU, UK, and US.

Jan Grolich (KDU-ČSL) was re-elected as governor of South Moravia on Monday, with the Together and Elders for South Moravia coalition taking leadership. Women's rights activists, led by Helena Továrková of the Veronica Ecological Foundation, protested the absence of women in top regional roles. Grolich acknowledged the lack of female representation, suggesting political parties review their stance. Meanwhile, new regional governors were also elected in Hradec Králové, Zlín, and Vysočina under various coalition agreements.

A new survey by STEM/MARK reveals that up to a third of Czechs are considering acquiring a group E firearms license for personal protection. Currently, over 316,000 Czechs hold gun licenses, with most citing security as the primary reason. Nearly three-quarters of group E license holders believe firearm ownership enhances safety and deters crime, while 80% view it as beneficial. The survey reflects stable attitudes toward gun ownership since 2017.

Czech breeders expect to fatten nearly 180,000 geese this year, a 10 percent increase from last year. Restaurants are advised to order in advance. Roast goose prices will be slightly higher this year. Despite household savings, restaurants are expected to be fully booked for St. Martin’s feast. Due to weather conditions, there will be a 33 percent decrease in early wine production, but prices will remain unchanged from last year.