Czech news in brief for June 13: Friday's top headlines

European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius emphasized the European Union’s focus on both using and defending space during a visit to the EUSPA headquarters in Prague on Friday. Kubilius cited recent satellite jamming in the Baltic Sea as a key reason for boosting space defense. He noted that EUSPA’s surveillance capabilities are vital to security and that the EU is exploring new systems to improve intelligence gathering from space.

Iran is the main source of instability in the Middle East, Czech National Security Adviser Tomáš Pojar said Friday at the Globsec conference. He expressed hope that Iran is now further from obtaining a nuclear weapon following Israel’s recent strike on Iranian targets linked to its nuclear and missile programs. Pojar, a former ambassador to Israel, said Iran’s support for terrorist groups makes retaliation unsurprising, though the attack’s consequences remain uncertain.

Preliminary results from state-owned mining company Diamo reveal over 3.5 tons of gold in the Olomouc region, officials said. The discovery near Zlaté Hory could support a 10-year mining operation, with projected revenue of CZK 8–9 billion, according to mayor Milan Rác. Diamo began the survey in 2020 to assess strategic raw materials. The company will submit final data to the government before releasing full details to the public.

Czech banks and building societies issued CZK 34.3 billion in mortgages in May, up 7 percent from April, according to the Czech Banking Association. New loans excluding refinancing rose 5 percent to CZK 27.4 billion, while average interest rates dipped slightly from 4.65 percent to 4.6 percent. The average mortgage loan increased to CZK 4.14 million, reflecting higher property prices. Refinanced and increased loans surged to CZK 6.9 billion, accounting for 20.1 percent of total mortgage volume, above last year’s average.

Czech politicians across the political spectrum voiced support Friday for Israel’s overnight airstrike on Iran, citing Tehran’s threats and nuclear ambitions. Science Minister Marek Ženíšek called Iran a threat to the Middle East, while ANO deputy Radek Vondráček noted Iran’s open hostility toward Israel. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said he understands the Israeli action. Israel’s military launched a major air operation overnight, targeting Iranian nuclear and missile sites with over 200 aircraft and 330 munitions.

A heatwave sweeping north from Africa is expected to bring tropical heat and humidity to Czechia by the end of the week, with weekend temperatures exceeding 30°C, meteorologists say. The hot air mass has already scorched Spain and southern France, reaching 40°C in some areas. The Czech Hydrometeorological Office warns of peak temperatures northwest of Prague and forecasts a cooling period with storms early next week.

The Czech Senate approved a bill permitting defense spending above 2 percent of GDP from 2026 to 2033, exempting the extra funds from budget limits. The government plans to gradually raise defense spending to 3 percent by 2030. Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura said the budget deficit would remain under 3 percent of GDP despite increased spending. The bill awaits President Pavel’s signature.

Czech anti-organized crime detectives visited the Justice and Finance Ministries to collect documents linked to a bitcoin donation case. The Justice Ministry accepted bitcoin worth one billion crowns from a donor previously convicted of serious crimes. Authorities suspect the bitcoins may be criminally sourced. The former justice minister resigned over the case. Both ministries confirm full cooperation with the investigation.

Prague will establish a “unity hub” to provide Ukrainian refugees with information on returning home, Czech Government Commissioner Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková announced. With over 374,000 Ukrainian refugees in Czechia, the hub aims to support those considering return amid reconstruction efforts. Refugees contribute over one billion crowns monthly to the Czech economy, though labor shortages remain a concern.

A new OECD survey shows Czech patients are as satisfied with their general practitioners as Swiss patients, with 96 percent rating care as good. Czech patients often stay with the same GP for over five years, above the OECD average. Trust in the healthcare system has been shaken by Covid-19. The survey highlights areas for improvement, such as care coordination and computerization.

The 1000 Miles of Czechoslovakia race began with a record 130 vintage cars departing Prague’s Opletalova Street. President Petr Pavel personally started the first cars and took over the event’s patronage. Over three days, racers follow a timed regularity race through key sites like Kolín, Brno’s Automotodrom, and Bratislava’s Devín Castle, aiming to return to Prague by Saturday afternoon at the National Technical Museum.