Czech news in brief for September 17: Wednesday's top headlines

President Petr Pavel said Wednesday that regions lagging behind socially and economically will hold back the country. Visiting the Pardubice Region, he learned about the new Homerun Foundation, which helps talented students stay or return home after studies. Support can include internships, starter housing, or study funding up to CZK 100,000 per year for up to five years. First results are expected in three to five years, depending on students’ commitment to return.

Former Czech president Miloš Zeman expressed full support for Israel after meeting ex-Israeli president Reuven Rivlin in Prague on Wednesday. Zeman’s spokesman Jiří Ovčáček said his stance matters as Israel’s defense against terrorist attacks is questioned in Europe. The European Commission proposed tariffs on some Israeli goods and sanctions against extremists from both sides of the Gaza conflict. The plan still needs EU Council approval, where it currently lacks a majority, according to EU officials.

President Petr Pavel will deliver a speech Sept. 30 to reassure citizens about election integrity and encourage turnout for Oct. 3–4 parliamentary elections, he said Wenesday. Pavel said Czechia has a transparent system that has consistently prevented abuse. “There is no need to fear massive election violations, as sometimes suggested in the media or social networks,” he said. He urged voters to participate to avoid leaving the country to “complain and blame others.”

Consumer prices in the EU rose 2.4 percent year-on-year in August, unchanged from July, Eurostat reported today. Czechia’s inflation fell to 2.4 percent from 2.5 percent, the lowest among Visegrad Four (Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and Czechia) countries and tied with the Netherlands. Poland posted 2.7 percent, Hungary 4.2 percent, and Slovakia 4.4 percent. Cyprus had no price change, while Romania saw 8.5 percent. Inflation in the euro area remained at 2 percent, matching the European Central Bank’s target, with key rates remaining the exact same.

The Czech Republic will not back any EU climate target that could threaten competitiveness or reliable energy, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Wednesday. Czechia, along with Germany, France, and Italy, blocked a proposal to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent by 2040. The plan, postponed from a Thursday vote, will be discussed by EU leaders in October. Fiala said the proposal was unrealistic and harmful to industry, while Denmark, Spain, and the Netherlands support it.

Czech citizens’ trust in the government is low, driven by corruption cases, financial hardship, and a sense that politicians serve business interests, according to Europe in Data. Only 19 percent of Czechs trust the government, with just 3 percent expressing definite trust. Analysts note unfulfilled economic promises and poor delivery of basic services exacerbate distrust. A new lobbying law may help rebuild citizen confidence, the study suggests.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský told Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar that Czechia will oppose suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, Lipavský said on X. He expressed hope for an end to the Gaza war and improved humanitarian conditions. The EU plans sanctions on extremist Israeli officials and partial suspension of the agreement over the conflict. Lipavský said limiting EU influence in the region would be counterproductive.

A mass was held Tuesday in Prague’s Church of Our Lady Before Týn to commemorate American activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead last week. Cardinal Dominik Duka condemned Kirk’s murder and other recent violent attacks in the U.S. A small protest outside the church led to verbal clashes with attendees. Police supervised the event. Kirk, 31, was killed during a campus debate in Utah; a suspect has been detained.

Česká spořitelna, ČSOB, and Raiffeisenbank launched a Deposit to Card service at over 1,000 ATMs nationwide, allowing clients to deposit cash directly into accounts at other banks. The service, piloted since June, credits deposits within 30 minutes and supports virtual Mastercard cards, with Visa integration coming. Fees apply when using partner ATMs. The move responds to growing demand for fast, convenient cash transactions.

The 19th annual Night of Literature takes place today in over 90 Czech cities, featuring public readings of contemporary world literature in Czech translations. This year’s theme, Book as a Refuge, highlights literature as a source of strength in uncertain times. Readings, performed by leading Czech actors, will occur in libraries, theaters, cultural centers, and unconventional locations, including a prison. The festival also offers Czech Sign Language interpretation and runs abroad in several countries.