Europe Czech Republic An existing shortage of train drivers in the Czech railway industry is expected to worsen as many are gradually retiring, with no replacement to be found; the average age of drivers is around 50
Europe Czech Republic The grey wagtail has been nominated as bird of the year for 2025; the Czech Ornithological Society emphasized the crucial role that natural waterways play in sustaining this long-tailed bird
Europe Czech Republic Czech beer culture was officially included in the Czech Republic's Intangible Cultural Heritage List, taking a step towards potential inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List
Europe Czech Republic The fruit harvest dropped by 65% in 2024 to 48.058 tonnes, the lowest in 100 years according to a number of sources, after heavy frosts in April damaged flowering crops; frost-related losses are estimated at CZK 1,3 billion, or € 51.382.500
Europe Czech Republic 2.266 applications for compensation for forced sterilisation have been submitted before the 2 January deadline, although the total number is likely to be higher; now an illegal practice, it used to be imposed on Roma women and women with disabilities