Czech news in brief for December 23: Monday’s top headlines

This afternoon, hundreds of singers, musicians, and spectators gathered inside Prague’s main station Hlavní nádraží for the 22nd performance of composer Jan Jakub Ryba’s Czech Christmas Mass. The tradition, which began in 2001, was interrupted twice by the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, the event included Mozart’s Requiem and a special rendition of the Prayer for Martha to commemorate those killed in the 2023 Prague shooting. Ryba’s mass, from the 18th century, remains popular for its joyful atmosphere.

The European Commission has today announced it will release EUR 1.7 billion (CZK 42.7 billion) to the Czech Republic from its recovery fund to address the economic crisis. The funds, split into EUR 200 million (CZK 5.1 billion) in loans and EUR 1.5 billion (CZK 37.8 billion) in grants, support energy, environment, and transport projects. Key reforms include energy law amendments and waste management plans. The Czech government must still meet two outstanding milestones for further payments.

Czech President Petr Pavel warned this afternoon that if any European politician acts independently with Russia, it will weaken Europe’s united stance. This was in response to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin about gas supplies. Fico claimed that continuing gas supplies after Jan. 1 would be difficult due to Ukraine’s refusal to extend the transit contract. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized Fico, suggesting he was helping Putin’s war efforts.

In December, overall confidence in the Czech economy dropped by 0.5 points to 97.5, according to the Czech Statistical Office. Both businesses and consumers were more pessimistic than in November. However, confidence is still higher than a year ago, when it was 93.8 points. Business confidence fell by 0.4 points, mainly due to lower demand in the industrial sector. Confidence in industry dropped by 2.4 points, while construction remained stable, and confidence in services and trade slightly increased.

Czech Railways has confirmed it will operate on holiday timetables during Christmas, with reduced services on Christmas Eve. “Given the traditionally minimal demand for travel on Christmas Eve, most evening and night regional and many long-distance trains will not run. For example, the last express train from Prague to Ústí nad Labem will leave Prague’s main station at 6:45 p.m,” a ČD spokesperson said earlier. Dec. 25 will see services run as per a standard public holiday schedule.

Snowfall is expected across much of the Czech Republic on Christmas Eve, potentially making it one of the coldest Christmases in 16 years, the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute reported. While lowland areas may see rain or melting snow, higher elevations could receive up to five centimeters of snow. Christmas morning temperatures will range from 2 degrees Celsius to -4 degrees, with strong winds in some regions. The chance of a white Christmas increases with altitude.

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute issued a warning for icy conditions in western Czech regions, including Prague, Pilsen, and South Bohemia, from 9 p.m. Sunday to 9 a.m. Monday. Wet surfaces from prior precipitation may freeze as temperatures drop below zero. Residents are urged to exercise caution outdoors, with older individuals advised to limit outings. Drivers should monitor traffic updates and drive carefully to avoid accidents on untreated roads.

Czech children today officially start their two-week Christmas holiday, returning to school on Monday, Jan. 6. The next school holiday is Friday, Jan. 31, for mid-year break, followed by staggered spring vacations ending mid-March. Easter break will be slightly later this year, happening after mid-April. The academic year ends in June.

Preparing a traditional Czech Christmas Eve feast has risen 2.7 percent in cost this year, totaling CZK 1,313 for a family of four, according to research by Czech media outlet Seznam Zprávy. While staples like butter, eggs, and coffee are pricier, 13 of 20 menu items, including carp, have dropped in price. The menu features carp, potato salad, and fish soup. Many families opt for vat-sold carp, which remains a cheaper alternative to store-bought fish.

A fire in Modřany, Prague, caused by a sparkler on a Christmas tree, resulted in damages estimated in the millions of crowns. The blaze broke out Sunday evening on Chuchelská Street, quickly spreading from the living room to the entire house. Eight residents were evacuated, and one person required medical attention. Firefighters controlled the fire within 20 minutes. The exact financial loss remains under investigation.