Breaking Fire in Slovak dwellings leaves five dead
A fire in makeshift dwellings in eastern Slovakia killed five people, including four children, late last night, according to voluntary firefighters. The cause of the fire has not been disclosed by the fire department. Authorities are investigating the incident, which was reported by Markiza Television.
Legislation Govt. approves Ukrainians’ long-term residency
The Czech government approved new conditions for long-term residence permits for Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection. Eligible applicants must have lived in the country for two years, earn over CZK 440,000 annually, and meet other integration criteria. Critics argue the requirements are too strict. Separately, the government rejected a proposal to establish a university in the Karlovy Vary region, favoring alternative higher education options.
Economy Czech inflation lowest in Visegrad countries
Consumer price growth in the EU slowed to 2.7 percent in February from 2.8 percent in January, Eurostat reported. Czech inflation also fell slightly to 2.8 percent, the lowest among Visegrad countries. Eurozone inflation dropped to 2.3 percent, remaining above the ECB’s 2 percent target. The ECB has cut interest rates six times since June, with further reductions expected to support economic growth.
Weather Astronomical spring begins with vernal equinox
Astronomical spring begins today as the vernal equinox occurs at 10:01 a.m., with the sun directly above the equator, making day and night nearly equal in length. Days will now lengthen until the summer solstice in June. Meteorological spring, which started March 1, saw record-breaking warmth, though recent temperatures have dipped. Forecasters predict a rebound to around 15°C by the weekend.
Tech EU orders Apple to open ecosystem
The European Commission has ordered Apple to allow third-party service providers access to its ecosystem, citing competition concerns under the Digital Markets Act. Apple argues the move harms users. The EC also charged Google parent Alphabet with favoring its own services in search results and restricting app developers. Both companies face potential fines of up to 10% of global revenue for violations.
Film Actor Skarsgård to premiere Trapped in Prague
Actor Bill Skarsgård and producer Petr Jákl will premiere the thriller Trapped at Prague’s Cinema City on March 26, following its New York debut. The film, co-produced by Sam Raimi, stars Skarsgård as a thief trapped in a deadly game by a vengeful man, played by Anthony Hopkins. Czech cinemas will release the movie on April 3.