Europe Czech Republic A state of emergency was declared after assessing environmental damages in consequence of a train derailment occurred on 28 February that caused the world's largest benzene contamination ever recorded with approximately 350 tons leaking from 17 tankers
Europe Czech Republic Almost half of Czech citizens believe that the current defence spending of 2% of GDP is sufficient and only 6% would voluntarily join the army if the Czech Republic or a NATO ally were attacked, according to a recent poll
Europe Czech Republic The Mánes Gallery in Prague is hosting an exhibition with over 100 paintings by Plzeň-born artist Jiří Kovařík, considered one of the most controversial Czech painters of the 20th century
Europe Czech Republic The country has proposed to the European Commission that emission reduction targets for new passenger cars be assessed over five years instead of annually; penalties for non-compliance would also only be imposed after 2029
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 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 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
Europe Czech Republic The Czech Lower House approved a series of amendments to the Lex Ukraine Act; one of the controversial points of the bill was its aim to make it more difficult for Russians to obtain Czech citizenship
Europe Czech Republic Scientists at Mendel University in Brno have cultivated highly efficient algae capable of capturing and removing from water fertiliser and drug residues, including paracetamol and antibiotics
Europe Czech Republic According to the Association of Driving Schools, almost 18.000 17-year-old drivers are driving on Czech roads under the supervision of tutors; contrary to fears, only 8 accidents have been recorded so far, of which only five were caused by young drivers
Europe Czech Republic For the first time since records began, the average annual temperature in the country is expected to exceed 10 degrees Celsius in 2024; if November and December maintain average conditions, the annual average will reach 10,3°C