history Thirty Years’ War docs return to Prague
Three rare 17th-century documents, taken from Prague during the Thirty Years’ War, have returned after over 80 years. Rediscovered last year in German and Austrian archives, the items were handed over in Prague today. Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda announced their inclusion in the city archives, where experts will examine them before public display. German Ambassador Andreas Künne called the return a moral step toward reconciliation.
health Respiratory infections on the rise
Respiratory infections in the Czech Republic rose 30 percent last week, reaching 1,940 cases per 100,000 residents, the State Health Institute reported Monday. School-age children saw a 50 percent increase, with influenza dominating the cases. Covid-19 infections also rose by 20 percent. Despite the spike, health officials see no need for nationwide measures. Experts note many cases go unreported, as people often work while sick to avoid financial losses.
history Pavel: ‘We cannot forget Holocaust’
Czech President Petr Pavel, attending the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, stressed the importance of Holocaust remembrance to prevent history from repeating. Speaking to Polish television Monday, Pavel called the Holocaust history’s worst genocide and warned against misusing free speech to spread hate. Highlighting ongoing conflicts, he criticized Hamas for using civilians as shields in Gaza and urged vigilance against societal divisions fueled by hate speech and extremism.
health VZP registers massive loss in 2024
The Czech Republic’s largest health insurer, VZP, recorded a deficit of CZK 5 billion in 2024, officials announced Monday. The insurer expects a CZK 7.8 billion deficit in 2025, with total public health insurance spending projected at CZK 528 billion. Rising costs for general practitioners and specialists contributed to the shortfall, as did Ukrainian refugees, marking the first year financial results did not outperform budget projections, according to VZP leaders.
Health Too many Czechs work while sick
Respiratory infections in Czechia have risen by 30 percent in a week, with 1,940 cases per 100,000 people and school-age cases surging by 50 percent, the State Health Institute (SZÚ) reports. Influenza cases are increasing, with an 80 percent rise from late January. Experts warn many work while sick, impacting statistics. Despite the rise, officials see no need for nationwide measures. Since autumn, 120 severe influenza cases and 24 related deaths have been recorded.
Politics Czech diplomacy calls Belarus election ‘farce’
The Czech Foreign Ministry condemned Belarus’s presidential election as a farce under an oppressive regime and urged the release of political prisoners. Alexander Lukashenko secured his seventh term with 87.6 percent of the vote in an election marred by repression and lack of opposition. The Czech Republic vowed continued support for Belarusian democratic efforts. The opposition dismissed the vote as illegitimate, citing widespread human rights violations and media restrictions.
Society Despite hate speech rise, Czechia safe for Jews
Czech Jews feel relatively safe compared to other European countries, despite a rise in hate speech, Czech Jewish Federation head Petr Papoušek said at the Auschwitz liberation anniversary. Unlike elsewhere, Czechia has not seen mass Jewish emigration due to anti-Semitism. Holocaust survivor Milena Slaninová expressed concerns over growing anti-Jewish sentiment. World leaders attended the ceremony, marking 80 years since Auschwitz’s liberation, with Russia again excluded due to the Ukraine invasion.
sanctions Czech plan to restrict Russian diplomats grows
Support is increasing for the Czech Republic’s proposal to restrict Russian diplomats’ movement within the Schengen area, an EU envoy said. The plan, aimed at curbing espionage, may be included in the EU’s next sanctions package. The Czech proposal would require Russian diplomats to stay within their host country and use biometric passports. Over 10 EU nations are currently backing the initiative.
AID EU has provided €140 billion in aid to Ukraine
The European Union has allocated approximately €140 billion in financial, military, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, an EU official said. The funds also support refugee integration efforts. Meanwhile, the EU is using proceeds from frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine and is considering broader use of these funds. Russia continues its nightly strikes, targeting infrastructure and military sites.
Culture Letná event showcases butchery ahead of carnival
The annual Letná Pig event at the National Agricultural Museum attracted visitors with butchery demonstrations, tastings, and a carnival parade. Guests learned about the Hungarian Mangalica pig breed and traditional food preparation. Now in its 17th year, the event aims to reconnect people with farming traditions. A carnival procession featuring folk performances and local students added to the festivities.
Society Czechs favor bottled beer, cans gains popularity
According to the Czech Breweries and Malteries Association, bottled beer remains the most popular packaging in the Czech Republic, accounting for 40 percent of sales. However, canned beer is gaining ground, rising from 6 percent in 2016 to 20 percent last year. Kegs have declined due to a shift from pubs to home consumption. Despite packaging differences, the association states that beer quality remains unaffected.
weather Mild temperatures to be replaced by snowfall
According to meteorologists, temperatures in Czechia will remain above average until the end of January, with highs around 10°C. A cold front from the northwest will bring cooler weather and snowfall from mid-latitudes on Sunday. Fog and occasional rain are expected throughout the week, with gusty winds in eastern regions. Another warm spell is forecasted for early next week.