Czech news in brief for February 12: Wednesday’s top headlines

Meteorologists have issued warnings for heavy snowfall and ice formation in northwestern Czechia, with up to 15 cm of snow expected by Thursday evening. Ice threats will affect southwest Bohemia, Vysočina, and parts of Moravia. Freezing rain could worsen conditions starting Wednesday. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute advises caution, as icy roads and snowfall may impact travel in affected regions through Thursday.

Nearly half of the fertilized eggs exported from the Czech Republic to non-EU countries in 2023 were sent to Russia, totaling 54.2 million out of 110.4 million, according to the State Veterinary Administration. The Czech-Moravian Poultry Union says Europe faces a surplus, making Russia a key market. Ukraine and Serbia were the second and third largest buyers, with 29.4 million and 22 million eggs, respectively.

The Czech Republic faces a shortage of over 3,000 social service workers, particularly carers and nurses, according to a January survey by the Czech Association of Social Service Providers. The situation has worsened slightly over two years due to demanding work, low wages, and lack of sector appeal. Despite the gap, Czechia fares better than some Western European nations. Regional and municipal facilities are struggling the most.

The Czech government has proposed allowing Ukrainian refugees to change their temporary protection status to special long-term residence if they meet income or residency requirements. Refugees must earn at least 440,000 crowns annually or have lived in the country for two years without receiving humanitarian benefits. This proposal, part of a “lex Ukraine” law amendment, would eventually allow refugees to apply for permanent residency after five years.

Police assisted in 170 overdose cases in 2024, with 77 fatalities, National Drug Control Centre spokeswoman Lucie Šmoldasová reported. Medicines, including fentanyl, were the leading cause of death in nearly half of cases, followed by methamphetamine overdoses. Alcohol was responsible for over 2,400 deaths in 2022, with 505 from acute intoxication. Other substances, including cocaine and heroin, also contributed to overdose fatalities. Most often, people between 26 and 35 years old died of overdoses.

Czech President Petr Pavel will attend the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 14-16, the Presidential Office announced. He will meet U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg to discuss European involvement in negotiations. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský will also attend. The conference will feature top EU, NATO, and Chinese officials, focusing on global security issues, including Ukraine, the Middle East, and conflicts in Africa and Latin America.

Czech exports of aluminum and steel to the U.S. totaled CZK 872 million and CZK 614 million last year, respectively, the Confederation of Industry and Transport reported. New tariffs announced by Donald Trump will impose a 25 percent duty on both metals starting March 12. The tariffs may disrupt European supply chains, though direct impacts on Czech exports are expected to be lower than in 2018.

Ukrainian refugees in Czechia can apply for special long-term residence if they earn at least 440,000 crowns annually, according to a government draft. Eligibility also requires at least two years of residency and no humanitarian benefits since last July. The permit offers a path to permanent residency after five years. Registration opens in September, with applications expected from 15-20 percent of economically active refugees.

About 5 percent of Czech dentists, treating 350,000 patients, lack anesthetics due to a supply shortage, according to the Czech Dental Chamber. A widely used anesthetic is being discontinued, and alternatives are running low. Authorities are working to import supplies from Slovakia, with replenishments expected in March. The State Institute for Drug Control urges dentists to contact distributors while seeking long-term solutions to expand anesthetic options.

The Kinowar festival of contemporary Ukrainian films will run Feb. 20 to March 1 in several Prague cinemas, marking the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Proceeds will support Ukraine, organizer Pavel Sandul told ČTK. The program includes discussions with filmmakers, historians, and journalists. The festival opens at Světozor  with Kilometer, a documentary about an intelligence officer tracking Russian forces via drone.