Czech news in brief for October 28: Monday's top headlines

Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský stated that it is not yet time to resume intergovernmental consultations with Slovakia. The decision and agreement must come from the prime ministers of both countries, Lipavský said during a Party of Terezia Tománková discussion program. Canceling the consultations was seen as a stupid gesture by ANO's Radek Vondráček, who believes it is important to respect different opinions in foreign policy.

A recent study by consulting company ENA shows that energy prices in the Czech Republic are slightly below the European average. Despite the recent price increase during the energy crisis, electricity prices are about 3 percent lower, and gas prices are about 10 percent lower than the average. However, the Czech Republic's price advantage is gradually decreasing compared to Western European countries. In 2022, Czech energy was among the most expensive in Europe, but it has since become more affordable.

The last Czech Airlines (ČSA) flight under the OK code landed in Prague, marking the end of the airline's commercial operations. The fully booked flight arrived from Paris approximately one hour late. Dozens of aviation enthusiasts and former employees gathered at the airport to witness the historic event. From Sunday, ČSA flights began to be operated by parent company Smartwings under the QS code.

The Czech Republic has expressed concern over the parliamentary elections in Georgia, urging all parties to avoid violence and respect democratic values. The Czech Foreign Ministry called on Georgian authorities to uphold the country’s European direction. While the ruling Georgian Dream party was declared the winner, opposition parties and Western observers refused to recognize the results, citing authoritarian tendencies linked to Russia.

Municipalities in the Czech Republic are preparing for changes in waste handling. EU targets require 55 percent recycling by 2025. However, only 41 percent of waste is currently recycled. More modern sorting lines are needed. The Minister of Environment will offer subsidies and loans to encourage domestic recycling. Textiles will also be compulsorily sorted in municipalities next year. Prague lags behind other regions in waste classification.