Czech news in brief for September 20: Friday's top headlines

The European Commission has announced that Slovenia, Belgium, Croatia, and Germany have sent hundreds of dehumidifiers to Czechia through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to aid in drying water-damaged buildings after recent flooding. Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič expressed gratitude for the swift response, emphasizing the EU's commitment to solidarity and cooperation during crises. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism allows member states affected by natural disasters to request, for example, the deployment of rescue teams or specialists and material assistance.

According to Michal Goetz, director of the Children's Psychiatric Hospital in South Bohemia, the number of children with psychiatric diagnoses in Czechia is increasing, while the number of specialized doctors remains low. As of 2023, the country has just six psychiatrists per 100,000 child and adolescent patients, one of the lowest rates in Europe and performing extremely poorly compared with the likes of Finland, which has 36 for 100,000 patients. The Health Ministry pledged in 2022 to “strengthen outreach services” and “streamline the treatment of mental illnesses”.

According to local authorities, recent floods in the Moravia-Silesia region affected 99,700 people and directly endangered 15,000 people. So far, three victims have been confirmed in the region, with one possible flood-related death. The man, found in the Ostravice River, was not believed to have died from the floods. Regional police also recorded a seventh case of looting. The perpetrator tried to steal two electric bicycles and an electric scooter from a dwelling, but was apprehended.

Former Czech Prime Minister and leader of the opposition ANO party Andrej Babiš, together with his wife Monika, this afternoon cast their votes in the regional and Senate elections. Babiš expressed concern about the potential negative impact of recent floods on voter turnout, particularly in the Olomouc and Moravia-Silesia regions. He also mentioned the importance of evaluating the performance of the current government and the success of other parties, such as Motorists, Oath, and Enough!, in the upcoming elections. 

River levels in Czechia, elevated due to extreme weekend rains, are falling, with 40 flood alerts remaining, down from 55 earlier, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute reported. The greatest flood danger persists in southern Bohemia's Luznice River basin, though it has ended along the River Thaya in south Moravia. Extensive flooding hit Moravia-Silesia and north Olomouc, with water levels still elevated in some areas, including the Vltava in Prague.

The Czech Labor Office has distributed over CZK 10 million in flood aid, processing 1,000+ applications, Labour Minister Marian Jurečka said. Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that Czechia will receive EUR 2 billion from the EU for flood recovery. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen confirmed EUR 10 billion in cohesion funds for Central European nations, with no co-financing required. Fiala highlighted regional cooperation in mitigating flood damage.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol assured a smooth process for signing the contract with KHNP to build two new reactors at Czechia's Dukovany nuclear plant after talks with Czech President Petr Pavel. The Czech government selected KHNP for the project, with the contract expected by April. Despite a legal dispute involving U.S. firm Westinghouse, both leaders expressed optimism, with potential cooperation in technology and personnel development.

British metal icons Iron Maiden will perform in Letňany on May 31, 2025, as part of their Run for Your Lives tour, celebrating their 50th anniversary. Fans can expect songs from nine albums, including Iron Maiden and Fear of the Dark. Tickets, starting at CZK 2,100, go on sale on Sept. 27. Singer Bruce Dickinson promises an unforgettable experience, with rare tracks set to be featured. Last year, the band played to nearly 15,000 fans at a sold-out O2 arena during The Future Past tour.

Czechia faces rising economic and security risks from over 12,500 Russian-owned companies, the highest number in the EU, reports DW. Despite being a strong supporter of Ukraine, the government is urged to improve transparency and regulation. Analysts warn of potential espionage, money laundering, and sanctions violations linked to Russian businesses. Prime Minister Petr Fiala acknowledged the threat, but critics argue the government is failing to implement long-term strategic solutions.