Press

CzechTrade to extend provision of free of charge services until year-end

(ČIA) CzechTrade will extend the provision of 100% subsidized services until the end of 2020. The director of the agency, Radomil Doležal, said that the goal was to help restart the Czech economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, CzechTrade registers 1,020 ordered services for almost CZK 17m, which it provided free of charge. The agency also organized the E-MEET EXPORT 2020 event, within which it recorded 851 agreed consultations with directors of foreign offices. The purpose was to help exporters orient themselves in the target markets affected by the pandemic.

 

Ericsson negotiating deployment of 5G networks in CR

(ČIA) Ericsson has commenced talks about deployment of 5G networks in the Czech Republic. Operator O2 had already in 2019 launched 5G testing in cooperation with Ericssson in Kolín. The company will evaluate experiences from pilot operations and it will select a partner for the operation of 5G networks. In recent weeks Ericsson has been reporting the signing of contracts pertaining to 5G networks in Germany, Hungary and Poland, with partners Telefónica Deutschland, Magyar Telekom and Polish operator Plus.

 

SP: O. Ferdus to head emerging Digital Economy Department

(ČIA) A new Digital Economy Department will be created at the Industry and Transport Association of the Czech Republic (SP) on July 1, 2020. It will be responsible for digitization and its effect on industry and the economy. Its director will be the current deputy director of the Economic Policy Section, Ondřej Ferdus. The deputy of general director Dagmar Kuchtová is also being replaced at SP with the position newly being filled by SP chief economist and Economic Policy Section director Bohuslav Čížek. Jitka Hejduková, the current director of the Employers’ Section, will become the general director’s advisor.

 

HK CR: The new building law will not bring the desired reform

(ČIA) According to the Czech Chamber of Commerce (HK ČR), the new building law will only suit officials and building permits will end without the necessary reform. The President of the HK CR, Vladimír Dlouhý, stated that instead of the Supreme Building Authority and the system of territorial building authorities, a hybrid system of municipal and state institutions with unclear relations and competencies will be created. The Chamber informed that according to the new law and with the dissolution of the basic principle of one office, one stamp, one decision, the possibility of political influence of building authorities by local government representatives will be maintained.

 

NRR: Pandemic has highlighted unsustainability of public finances

(ČIA) UPDATE - Czech public finances are unsustainable in the long run with the current setting of tax and expenditure policies. The National Budget Council (NRR) informed that the updated projection shows that the debt brake may be breached as early as 2043, four years earlier than indicated in the 2019 projection. The debt-to-GDP ratio could at the end of the 50-year horizon reach up to 298%. In response, the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic stated that an appropriate fiscal stimulus would, on the contrary, lead to a mitigation of the recession and, as a result, to a mitigation of the negative effects of the pandemic on the long-term sustainability of public finances.

 

MPs approve CZK 500bn budget deficit in first reading

(ČIA) The Chamber of Deputies has approved a draft budget deficit of CZK 500bn in first reading. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (for ANO) said that the amendment in reaction to the crisis related to the COVID-19 pandemic would allow needed investments and continued aid for the Czech economy. The draft will now be forwarded to the Committee on the Budget.

 

ČAOH: New waste legislation is insufficient

(ČIA) According to the Czech Waste Management Association (ČAOH), the laws concerning waste legislation still do not contain the necessary tools to support recycling. The proposal of the Ministry of the Environment also lacks a system of motivation for municipalities to sort waste at the highest possible level at least until 2035 (deadline according to guidelines). Waste laws also do not address the system setting for the sale of sorted secondary raw materials from municipalities and cities and their direction for recycling, etc. The Association pointed out that the public was again excluded from discussing the package of standards.

 

EC looks into state support of Czech Post

(ČIA) The European Commission (EC) has begun investigating whether the sum of up to CZK 7.5bn which the government is preparing to pay to Czech Post for the 2018-2022 period for the provision of basic postal services all over the country at affordable prices constitutes a breach of law on state support. Competitors of the main Czech postal operator complained about the disproportionately high compensation in November 2019. In February 2018, the Commission concluded that the compensation for the Czech Post for fulfilling the duty of universal service between 2013 and 2017 was in accordance with EU regulations.

 

SP CR: Countries of Central and Eastern Europe present common position on regulation of artificial intelligence

(ČIA) Representatives of 15 employers' associations and artificial intelligence platforms from ten Central and Eastern European countries have signed a common position on the European Commission's White Paper on Artificial Intelligence. AI Challengers participants agreed on key common priorities, which include supporting SMEs, supporting the research and innovation community, or providing the necessary advanced digital skills to the population. The position was then presented to stakeholders in Brussels in an online conference. The Confederation of Industry and Transport (SP) of the Czech Republic informed, among other things, that the event was attended by, among others, the Vice-President of the European Commission, Věra Jourová.

 

O2 Czech Republic to cover centers of Prague and Kolín with 5G

(ČIA) O2 Czech Republic will by the end of summer 2020 cover the broader cores of Prague and Kolín with a 5G network. 15 % of the residents of the metropolis will have access to the 5G signal. General manager Jindřich Fremuth stated that the next generation mobile network will offer ten times the connection speed compared to 4G. The operator will test in real customer operations how the network works under load. It will test various examples of use in industry, healthcare, smart city elements and other strategic economic areas. The expansion of the service will according to J. Fremuth also depend on the conditions of the frequency auction, whose current form does not support meaningful investment into further construction.

 

Corrent could be tested in Prague, support economy

(ČIA) A new type of alternative money, Corrent, could be a tool to stimulate and support the local economy affected by the coronavirus crisis. The principle is that the city or district wants to support local entrepreneurs and distributes corrents to its inhabitants. They may use the corrents to buy products and services defined by the municipality. They cannot be saved. The digital money will have the same value as the Czech koruna. The Corrency project was chosen among the best by the jury of the Hack the Crisis hackathon organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the CzechInvest agency. Pilot tests could be launched in Prague 3 and Prague 7. Talks are also underway with the Prague City Hall.

 

EY: 77% of financiers estimate GDP drop of up to 7%

(ČIA) The effects of the coronavirus crisis differ from those of the OECD, national banks and governments, according to CFOs in the Central and Eastern European (CEE). The drop in this year's GDP in CEE is estimated by 77% of respondents to a maximum of 7%, but 40% of them estimate a reduction of only 3 to 5%. For 7 out of 10 organizations, the current crisis is an opportunity. A survey by consulting firm EY also indicates e.g. that 74% of CFOs expect the economy to return to its 2019 shape within the next two years. Almost every second financial manager anticipates that sales will not change or will even grow in the next three years compared to 2019.

 

Govt approves tax changes with effect from 2021

(ČIA) The government has approved a proposal for tax changes with the proposed effect from 2021. The tax package includes the abolition of meal vouchers and the introduction of a meal voucher flat rate. In the area of taxation of income from bonds, it abolishes the exemption of non-residents' interest income from bonds issued abroad by a taxpayer domiciled in the Czech Republic. The package will also enable self-employed persons and companies to reduce their tax base on income taxes by spending on gratuitous non-monetary benefits intended to combat the coronavirus pandemic in the period from March 1 until May 31, 2020. Local governments will be able to real estate taxes set a local coefficient for individual parts of the municipality. The information was published by the Ministry of Finance.

 

SOCR will propose reduction of VAT on food

(ČIA) The Confederation of Trade and Tourism of the Czech Republic (SOCR) will propose a reduction of VAT on food. SOCR president Tomáš Prouza said this on Czech Television, adding that it was a reaction to the amendment to the Act on Mandatory Quotas for Food on the Shelves of Retail Chains. He added that he would like VAT on food to be reduced by January 1, 2021.

 

J. Faltýnek: EP's resolution means nothing for CR

(ČIA) The European Parliament's (EP) resolution on the conflict of interests of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) means nothing for the Czech Republic. This was stated in CNN Prima News' political discussion program Partie by ANO MP club chairman Jaroslav Faltýnek, who added that the resolution was only a proclamation and that only the court can decide on the issue of conflict of interest. KDU-ČSL Vice-Chairman Jan Bartošek, on the other hand, argued that one of the risks for the Czech Republic is that the Prime Minister will not be able to participate in the European Council meetings.

 

Analysts expect stable ČNB rates

(ČIA) The Czech National Bank (ČNB) will probably leave interest rates at their current level on June 24, 2020. ING Bank chief economist for the Czech Republic Jakub Seidler further stated that even though the central bank lowered the rates above expectations at the previous two meetings, the latest signals from the members of the bank council, including governor Jiří Rusnok, hinted at rate stability, probably even beyond the June meeting of the ČNB. CZECH FUND chief economist Lukáš Kovanda believes that the ČNB will not change the rates, as it does not want to destabilise banks and takes into account the risk of the pandemic’s second wave.

 

MPO publishes COVID – Rent programme call

(ČIA) The Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) has published a call for the COVID – Rent programme. The COVID – Rent programme is based on participation, which virtually means that the lessor will provide at least a 30% discount on the rent, the lessee will pay 20% and the state will contribute 50%. The maximum support amount is CZK 10m per applicant. The total allocation is CZK 5bn which will be increased if needed to cover the applications of all eligible applicants. Applications can be submitted electronically as of June 26, 2020.

 

MPSV is working on long-term short-time work

(ČIA) The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MPSV) plans to submit a legislative proposal in autumn 2020 that would regulate long-term exchange rates in the Czech Republic. This was stated for CNN Prima NEWS by Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Jana Maláčová (ČSSD), who added that discussions are currently taking place at the level of trade unions, the government and specific companies. She added that the Antivirus employment support program introduced in connection with the coronavirus pandemic could continue after the end of August. Everything will depend on the economy’s development.

 

AstraZeneca and IVA have agreed to supply COVID-19

(CIA) AstraZeneca has reached an agreement with the European Inclusive Alliance for Vaccines (IVA) to provide up to 400 million doses of COVID-19 for the EU. Deliveries will begin by the end of 2020. AstraZeneca continues to build several supply chains simultaneously around the world, incl. Europe. The company seeks to further expand its production capacity and is open to working with other companies to meet its commitment to promoting access to the vaccine without profit during a pandemic.

 

CZECH TOP 100: ŠKODA AUTO, EPH and ČEZ biggest earners

(ČIA) ŠKODA AUTO became the largest company in the CZECH TOP 100 ranking according to revenues in 2019. The carmaker's revenues reached CZK 503.7bn. The second place was taken by Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH) with revenues of CZK 220.3bn and the third place by ČEZ, whose revenues exceeded CZK 200bn. AGROFERT placed fifth behind FOXCONN CZ. Due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, the CZECH TOP 100 has not yet obtained the accounting results of all companies from the top 100 and only published the ranking in the first 10 places without detailed data. This order will no longer change. The complete results will be added in July 2020.

 

Sinara will take over 50 % of Vagonmash from group Škoda Transportation

(ČIA) The Russian anti-trust office has allowed the investment company Sinara Group to acquire at least a 50% stake in the rolling stock manufacturer Vagonmash based in St. Petersburg. Vagonmash is owned by the Czech Škoda Transportation. As ČIANEWS has already informed, at the end of 2019, Sinara Group and Škoda Transportation signed an agreement to establish a joint venture for the production of metro, tram and trolleybus sets. In accordance with the agreement, both parties will have the same share in the joint venture and the products of the joint plant will be marketed under the Sinara-Škoda brand. The headquarters of Sinara-Škoda will be in St. Petersburg.

 

YIT puts on sale 118 apartments in Ranta Barrandov

(ČIA) YIT has put on sale apartments from stage 2 of the Ranta Barrandov residential complex, which is being built in Prague 5. The developer offers 118 units with one to five rooms plus kitchenettes, which will be complemented by a front garden, terrace or balcony. The shell structure is scheduled to be completed in autumn 2020, approval of the second stage is planned in Q4 2021. YIT also continues to build the first phase, whose new residents should move in in the spring of 2021. Within the Ranta Barrandov complex, the company will build 259 apartments in eight buildings on an area of 18,000 m2.

 

CNB abolishes DSTI limit for mortgages

(ČIA) The Czech National Bank (CNB) confirmed the setting of the LTV indicator limit of 90% for mortgages and abolished the DSTI indicator limit. The CNB reduced the countercyclical capital buffer rate of banks to 0.5% with effect from July 1, 2020 from the current level of 1.0%. The CNB is prepared to fully release the countercyclical capital buffer in the event of a significant increase in banks' credit losses. In the Financial Stability Report 2019/2020, the CNB stated that the overvaluation of house prices at the end of 2019 was estimated at 15–25%. The coronavirus crisis has not yet had a significant effect on residential property prices. However, due to unfavourable developments in the real economy, there is potential for a decline in the coming quarters.

 

CBA: Czech banks are well-prepared for crisis

(ČIA) Czech banks have been conservative in the last two decades, systematically creating large capital buffers. They are now much stronger and better prepared than they were e.g. in 2008, when the last big crisis broke out. Pavel Štěpánek, the executive director of the Czech Banking Association (CBA), said in response to the results of stress tests published by the Czech National Bank (CNB) that this allows banks to support the economic recovery. He added that a further reduction of the countercyclical capital buffer by 0.5% is the right step at the right time and creates additional space for banks both to provide loans to support companies' working capital and their investments.

 

PSP approves compensations for municipalities

(ČIA) The Chamber of Deputies of the parliament of the Czech Republic (PSP) has approved a single contribution of CZK 1,200/inhabitant as a compensation for the outage of tax income related with the pandemic. The Senate had proposed to involve the compensation in the anti-crisis package prepared by the government, which will be now signed by Czech President Miloš Zeman. Czech Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová (for ANO) said that the compensation will likely secure CZK 12.8bn for municipalities. According to her words, regions will be compensated by the state contribution in the amount of CZK 12bn for repairs of roads and subsidies for welfare programmes.

 

P&P: M&A market in field of property is paralysed

(ČIA) The M&A market in the field of real estate is currently paralysed. Transactions being in a further stage of development before the restrictive measures introduction are being gradually completed, however, the ones being in the initial phase are suspended or postponed. Buyers wait for the further development of the economic situation or speculate on the decrease in the price. This stems from a survey conducted by Prochazka & Partners (P&P) and Renomia. The real impact can be expected in 3Q 2020, or in 1H 2021.

 

MF: MPs approve anti-crisis tax package

(ČIA) The Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, has, for the second time, approved the package of tax changes mitigating unfavourable economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on entrepreneurs and firms. According to the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic (MF), it will be newly possibly to apply a tax loss retroactively. Accommodation services and tickets for sports and culture are now in the bottom VAT rate. The road tax for vehicles above 3.5 ton will be reduced by 25% and municipalities will be able to forgive the tax on property. The package is subject to signature by the president.

 

MPSV: Antivirus C forgives payment of levies

(ČIA) Czech MPs have approved the amendment of the Act on Social Insurance, which extends the current programme Antivirus by the new regime C, which cover the forgiveness of levies on social insurance. The draft introduced by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MPSV) applies to firms with up to 50 employees. Its goal is to maintain the maximal possible number of jobs. Antivirus C will likely help approximately 88% of employers and 1.4 million employees. An impact on the state budget will likely reach at most CZK 13.5bn.

 

ODS and STAN will not support budget gap of CZK 500bn

(ČIA) Neither ODS nor STAN will support the budget gap on the level of CZK 500bn. ODS Chairman Petr Fiala said that the party wanted the government to submit an audit of state expenses by July 31, 2020, a plan for the reduction of red tape by 10% by the end of this year and a reduction by further 10% by the year 2021. He said that he would introduce a draft to abandon the super gross wage and the concept of a tax reform helping small and medium-sized business as of the same date. MPs elected for STAN will support the budget only if the money will go to the development of the economy and investment incentives. They want the government to restructure expenses and would be willing to support the budget gap up to the maximal amount of CZK 450bn.

 

Rohlík Bistro moves to Rohlik.cz’s permanent offer

(ČIA) Rohlík Bistro, offering meals directly from Prague restaurants, is moving to the permanent offer of the online supermarket Rohlik.cz thanks to customer interest. From June 15. 2020, a selection of shock-chilled dishes from chefs is directly on offer in Rohlik.cz's own product line BEZ KOMPROMISU (WITHOUT COMPROMISE). Clients can choose from 40 dishes from the restaurants Alcron, Babiččina zahrada, Eska, Kantýna, Sia, Spojka Karlín, Pasta Fresca and V Zátiší. Rohlík Bistro originated from the idea of saving Czech gastronomy during a pandemic. In July 2020, the Rohlík Bistro offer will be expanded to Brno as well.

 

PSK: ENTER-transfer project to support succession in SMEs

(ČIA) The innovative online platform of the ENTER-transfer project will support the succession in small and medium-sized companies. The project, which lasted three years, was funded by the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE European Territorial Cooperation Program with EUR 1.7m. Eight institutions from five countries took part in it: Slovakia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Poland. The information was provided by Prešov Administrative Region.

 

Govt approved CZK 2.5bn for Digital CR

(ČIA) Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s (ANO) government approved on June 15, 2020, the implementation plans of the Digital Czech Republic program for 2021. The expected volume of investments in digitization is almost CZK 2.5bn beyond the budgets of individual offices. Priorities are directed primarily to the digitization of state services so that the citizen is able to handle the maximum of their affairs without having to visit the authorities.

 

Zeitraum to accommodate 120 AAU students in 2020/21 year

(ČIA) Student rental housing specialist Zeitraum has concluded a three-year contract with the Anglo-American University in Prague (AAU), in which it guarantees 120 beds for its students in the school year 2020/2021. AAU is one of 20 universities for which Zeitraum provides student accommodation on its four newly reconstructed campuses in Prague. Over 60% of university students remained in them despite the difficult situation around the COVID-19 pandemic. Zeitraum is a subsidiary of Zeitgeist Asset Management, which develops and manages real estate for private investors in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Germany and manages assets of EUR 515m.

 

A. Babiš: Govt invests CZK 111bn in transport infrastructure

(ČIA) The government wants to mainly invest the funds from the deficit of CZK 500bn. After a meeting with President Miloš Zeman, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) stated that the president agreed with the government's intention. The cabinet wants to invest almost CZK 200bn, of which CZK 140bn will be from Czech sources. A total of CZK 111bn should be investments in transport infrastructure.

 

Škoda Transtech handed over first ForCity Smart Artic to Tampere

(ČIA) Škoda Transtech, a member of group Škoda Transportation, handed over on June 9, 2020 the first bidirectional low-floor ForCity Smart Artic tram to Tampere. Test operations will commence at the turn of June and July. It should be fully operational in spring 2021. A total of 19 vehicles worth more than EUR 100m will gradually head to the third largest Finnish city. The contract also includes three options for as many as 46 additional trams. In coming years 29 trams will also head to Finland for a new line connecting Helsinki and Espoo.

 

ČD to start operation of bike rental shops at 75 stations

(ČIA) Beginning June 15, 2020, Czech Railways will begin the operation of bike rental shops ČD Bike. The service will be available at 75 trains stations in all regions. The company will introduce a single price list, it will be possible to borrow electric bikes in the station Pardubice Main Station, and electric bikes will be available also at stations in the Ústí Region and the Karlovy Vary Region. The company will newly open bike rental points at train stations Svitavy and Choceň. Most of the branches will be opened by October 31, 2020. Six shops are opened for the entire year. All bikes will be disinfected after each rental. A total of 10,625 customers borrowed bikes in ČD Bike rental points in 2019.

 

MEDIA CLUB predicts decrease in revenues

(ČIA) In 2019, MEDIA CLUB reported total net revenues for all traded media types of advertisements in the amount of CZK 4.63bn. A growth by CZK 278m y/y was caused by all segments. Growth in revenues from TV commercials reached CZK 258m, radio advertisements showed growth by CZK 10m and the online segment showed growth by CZK 6m. The business result before taxation was CZK 783m. The company informed in its annual report published in the Commercial Register that the original assumption of a stable development was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic primarily in the field of sales of radio and TV advertisements in 2Q 2020. The total decrease in revenues from sales of advertisements will likely reach hundreds of millions of CZK.

 

Dostálová: State to consider Covid programme for tourism

(ČIA) All citizens of the Czech Republic would have to come to Prague for 30 days to compensate for the deficit in tourism caused by the coronavirus. This statement was made by Viliam Sivek, chairman of the Forum of Tourism, on TV Prima’s debate, Partie. Many other Czech towns are facing a similar problem, he added. Minister of Regional Development Klára Dostálová (ANO) said the state would consider the Covid programme for tourism. It would offer between CZK 5bn and CZK 7bn. However, the cabinet has not discussed the programme yet. She added that the visit of Senate President Miloš Vystrčil (ODS) to Taiwan might also result in another reduction of the number of tourists.

 

Havlíček: CR’s indebtedness to grow to 35-40% of GDP

(ČIA) With the budget deficit increase to CZK 500bn, the Czech Republic’s indebtedness will grow from 30% to about 35-40% of GDP, Minister of Industry and Trade and Transport Karel Havlíček (ANO) said after a meeting with President Miloš Zeman and his expert team on June 13, 2020. The way the money will be invested needs to be resolved, he said. It will be necessary to talk about the budget revenues, as well. Miloš Zeman said the Czech Republic could afford the deficit increase.

 

HK CR: Shortfalls of tax revenues may exceed the revenue from digital tax

(ČIA) The Czech Chamber of Commerce (HK CR) warned that if the introduction of a national digital tax against large foreign companies would lead the US administration to escalate international tensions, called trade wars, tax revenue shortfalls in the Czech state budget could exceed the expected digital tax revenue several times over. President Vladimír Dlouhý added that the deputies and the government should also consider the option of not waiting for the introduction of a new tax until there is an agreement on its parameters at the EU level.

 

AMSP: 90 % of family-owned cos. adopted measures due to crisis

(ČIA) In connection with the coronavirus crisis, a full 90 % of family-owned companies introduced some measures to reduce costs or increase earnings. This is based on a survey conducted by agency IPSOS for the Czech Association of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Trade License Holders (AMSP). Employees were laid off at 15 % of companies. One third of companies were able to negotiate a deferral of loan payments with their bank and one third also took advantage of one of the state programs (most often ANTIVIRUS, COVID I and COVID II). To overcome the crisis 66 % of family-owned companies had to use their savings or family assets.

 

MLSA: The amendment to the Labor Code will change the calculation of leave

(ČIA) Senators approved an amendment to the Labor Code, which includes, in particular, a change in the calculation of leave or a reduction in administrative complexity when issuing a certificate of employment. The proposal of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic (MLSA) regulates the delivery of documents to employees and employers, the posting of workers as part of the provision of services to the Czech Republic. It also increases financial compensation for survivors of an employee who has died as a result of an accident at work or an occupational disease. It also introduces the institute of a shared job. The amendment is to take effect on July 30, 2020.

 

Government approves extension of tax breaks

(ČIA) The government approved at its session on June 8, 2020, the Liberation Package III. The Ministry of Finance (MF) informed that the proposal regulates several tax reliefs adopted under the Liberation Package I and II and in particular postpones the deadline for filing income tax returns until August 18, 2020. The package further extends the VAT waiver to gratuitous supplies of protective equipment until July 31, 2020. The duty to file tax return and reimburse the real estate acquisition tax was postponed until December 31, 2020. There will also be an automatic waiver of interest on all taxes for the period from the onset of the emergency to December 31, 2020 in cases where the tax administrator will allow coronavirus-related delays.

 

Senate president Vystrčil to visit Taiwan

(ČIA) Senate president Miloš Vystrčil (ODS) has decided to realise the considered trip to Taiwan. He is motivated not only by the Czech Republic’s current dependency on China which was demonstrated by the possibility that the Czech Republic would not receive protective aids if it did not behave according to the China’s wishes, but also by the unwillingness of Czech constitutional representatives to free the country from this dependency. Another reason was the unwillingness of China to show that it respected the Czech party and that it perceived it as a partner. In connection with this announcement, President Miloš Zeman said that the trip of the Senate chairman to Taiwan had not been recommended by the Czech President, the chairman of the Chamber of Deputies, the Prime Minister or the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

 

Prague: COVID Prague programme in accordance with law

(ČIA) The Czech Ministry of the Interior and the Czech Ministry for Regional Development have confirmed that the City of Prague has not breached the act on Prague which restricts the city’s possibility to guarantee other entities’ liabilities by establishing the COVID Prague guarantee fund in collaboration with the Czech-Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank (ČMZRB). The city deposited CZK 600m to the COVID Prague programme from the Operational Programme Prague – Growth Pole of the Czech Republic. All applications from the programme should be reviewed by the end of June. This information was provided by the City of Prague.

 

Hamáček: V4 countries to open borders in coordination

(ČIA) Visegrad Four countries will be in favour of a coordinated action with regard to the opening of the EU’s external border and of an agreement on which countries are considered safe or risk in terms of the COVID-19 disease. This agreement was reached by interior ministers of the V4 countries and Austria. Interior Minister Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) presented an initiative to map production capacities for protective aids in neighbouring countries. He added that gathering information about capacities, should another wave of infection come, would enable one to use European, not Asian, sources. The representatives also spoke about the EU’s migration policy and confirmed their negative attitude towards mandatory quotas.

 

Roger: Firms pay later, fintech platforms could help

(ČIA) In connection with the coronavirus crisis, 90% of companies are having financial and operational problems. From an analysis by Platební Instituce Roger, it appears that companies in strongly affected sectors are paying on average 20 days late than a year ago. According to the study, the state did not offer them a suitable solution to the problems caused. The COVID I, II and III do not deal with the problem of cash-flow outage. Roger added that P2P and crowdfunding platforms could react quickly on the change of the market and would probably play a significant role in restarting the economy.

 

Analysts: Construction sector to miss foreign workers

(ČIA) The construction sector is coping with the coronavirus much better than the industry or foreign trade and will be dampening the impact of deep recession in 2020. In reaction to data published by the Czech Statistical Office, this statement was made by CZECH FUND chief economist Lukáš Kovanda who added that entrepreneurs in the construction sector and developers would be helped by the coronavirus in terms of more easily finding suitable Czech labour, often laid off from production. BH Securities chief economist Štěpán Křeček said that the April decrease in the number of completed flats by 32.5% could create future problems on the real-estate market with a noticeable lack on the offer side before the pandemic started. Komerční banka economist Martin Gürtler believes that the lack of foreign workers on which the construction sector depends will probably be a restricting factor of its further development.

 

ManpowerGroup: 14% of companies expect lay-offs

(ČIA) A total of 10% of employers expect an increase in the number of labour in the third quarter of 2020, whereas 14% assume its decrease. A survey by ManpowerGroup further showed that the net labour market index for the Czech Republic was at -4%. Seasonally adjusted, the labour market index was at -8%, the lowest value in the history of the survey in the Czech Republic since 2008. The segments of accommodation and catering with an index of -19% (10% recruiting and 29% laying off) are reporting the weakest recruitment plans. Weak recruitment activities will also be in the segments of finance, insurance, real estate and other services for companies (-8%). Processing industries are reporting -6% and the construction sector 0%.

 

AgriMin: Govt approved additional CZK 1bn for water management

(ČIA) The government approved on June 8, 2020, the release of CZK 1bn to provide additional money for the needs of financing water management for 2020. The information was provided by the Ministry of Agriculture (MZe). The authority needs a total of CZK 2.6bn for subsidy programs aimed to mitigate negative consequences of climate change. The recipients of support are mainly cities and municipalities, associations of cities and municipalities, water management companies, companies Povodí and Lesy ČR.

 

HK: Czech companies request foreign labor

(ČIA) The Chamber of Commerce (HK) of the Czech Republic registers dozens of applications from Czech entrepreneurs for a qualified workforce from third countries every day. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO), HK therefore called on the government to extend recruitment in government-organized programs from June 15, 2020 to e.g. workers in construction, transport or engineering. Currently, only health and social workers or employees in agriculture and food are recruited in the project.

 

MF: Govt approves up to EUR 300m loan from CEB

(ČIA) Czech government agreed on June 8, 2020, to enter into a loan agreement of up to EUR 300m (ca. CZK 8bn) from the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). The purpose of the loan is to finance healthcare expenditure in order to combat the spread and mitigate the effects of coronavirus infection. The Ministry of Finance (MF) has informed that the conditions for the loan are currently at the level of 0.000% p.a. with a maturity of up to 9 years. Funding from the CEB may reach up to a maximum of 90% of the total eligible expenditure.

 

Govt approved CZK 1,200 per capita bonus for municipalities

(ČIA) The government approved at its session on June 8, 2020, a bonus of CZK 1,200 per inhabitant of each municipality. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said that it was a total of CZK 12.8bn. The money is to be used by municipalities to finance the necessary projects. The funds should also compensate municipalities for what they lost when receiving the compensation bonus due to anti-coronavirus measures.

 

Government approves Tourism Crisis Action Plan

(ČIA) The government approved at its session on June 8, 2020, the Crisis Action Plan for Tourism in the Czech Republic 2020-2021. The action plan of the Ministry for Regional Development (MMR) contains sixteen often interrelated measures. It is to contribute to the renewal of the tourism industry in the Czech Republic. According to the Ministry of Regional Development, the measures taken with regard to the restriction of the spread of COVID-19 jeopardise a 3% share of the sector's output in the Czech Republic's GDP, a 4.5% share in employment and a 24.5% share in services exports. Up to 80,000 jobs are directly at risk in tourism.

 

Govt approved raising of deficit to CZK 500bn

(ČIA) The government approved at its session on June 8, 2020, an increase in the state budget deficit for this year to CZK 500bn. The increase in the deficit due to the effects of the spread of coronavirus occurred for the third time this year. The original deficit was planned at CZK 40bn.

 

Bisnode: Programs COVID support mainly legal entities

(ČIA) Legal entities, primarily limited liability companies, (90% out of 1,332 successful applicants) are the most frequent receivers of support in programs COVID offering loans and guarantees. This stems from an analysis conducted by Bisnode based on data provided by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic. The program COVID was provided to firms with annual turnovers ranging from CZK 10m to CZK 30m (18.46 %). Nearly 70% of successful applicants report their annual revenues in a range from CZK 10m to CZK 200m. The support comes primarily to firms involved in road cargo transportation, catering, or business with cars.

 

FS pays almost CZK 18bn in compensation bonuses

(ČIA) As of June 3, 2020, the Financial Administration of the Czech Republic (FS) paid or ordered to pay out a total of almost CZK 18bn for both bonus periods for compensation for self-employed persons affected by the coronavirus crisis. The number of received applications in the first period reached 518,417, in the second 291,465. The number of processed applications from the first period is 517,510 and from the second 286,956. The average payment per application in the first period is CZK 22,522, in the second CZK 18,576.

 

Unemployment grows to 3.56% in May

(ČIA) The unemployment rate grew to 3.56% in May 2020. According to the Czech Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Jana Maláčová (ČSSD), the month-on-month growth recorded in May was lower than the one in April, when the Czech Republic registered 254,000 unemployed. According to Ms. Maláčová, the program Antivirus worked, however, the government has to discuss the solution of a situation if structural unemployment grew to 10% and eventual second wave of the epidemic came.

 

PSP adopts preventive measures for next waves of pandemic

(ČIA) The Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic (PSP) met at an extraordinary meeting on June 4, 2020, to adopt preventive measures for the next waves of the pandemic. The adopted proposals for instance order the government to regularly inform the PSP and general public on adopted measures, process a strategy for testing, or make the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic process a system of pandemic levels of alert and introduce it to the PSP by July 30, 2020.

 

EC approved CR's aid for farmers

(ČIA) The Czech Republic will be able to help repay loans from farmers affected by the coronavirus crisis from the state treasury, Mladá fronta DNES writes. The European Commission (EC) has approved a program through which the government will be able to provide up to CZK 1bn to small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises. The aid is foreseen at up to CZK 150,000 per farm.

 

APRSF agrees with government approval of the law on registration of owners

(ČIA) The Executive Committee of the Association for the Support and Development of Trust Funds (APRSF) welcomed the approval of the Act on the Registration of Beneficial Owners, which took place on June 1, 2020 at a meeting of the Czech government. The association stated that disclosure of details of all trust funds would have a disproportionate impact on the privacy of many ordinary Czech families, whose legitimate right to privacy is enshrined in Czech and EU legislation.

 

A. Babiš: Free movement between CR and SR to be renewed on June 4

(ČIA) Free movement between the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic will be fully renewed on June 4, 2020. This was stated by PM Andrej Babiš (ANO) after his meeting with his Slovak counterpart Igor Matovič.

 

ÚOHS: EC approved CZK 5bn for rent compensation

(ČIA) With its decision the European Commission (EC) approved Czech public support program COVID – rent. This was reported by the Office for the Protection of Competition (ÚOHS), according to which funds totaling CZK 5bn can be provided as compensation for entrepreneurs who pay rent for their establishments and could not conduct their activities or had to scale back operations due to government measures tied to the coronavirus crisis. The support will be provided in the form of direct subsidies, up to a value of 50 % of the original rent costs for April, May and June 2020.

 

CNOPK: Assistance from government programs is slow

(ČIA) Companies are dissatisfied with the implementation of support programs. This follows from a survey by the Czech-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ČNOPK), whose members rated the government as a poorer grade of C for the implementation of the programs. According to the respondents, the support does not come fast enough and often not at all. They are now demanding more certainty from the government for their planning, a clear business cycle program and also better coordination with neighboring countries. ČNOPK further stated that a quarter of companies report high losses during the coronavirus crisis and about a tenth are at risk of continuing to exist. Most companies expect a return to normal in 2021.

 

ODS presents plan for CR’s restoration after coronavirus

(ČIA) ODS representatives have unveiled their Manual for the Restoration of the Czech Republic. It focuses on making taxes easier and lower, providing sufficient capacity in healthcare, digital communication with the state, and fight against drought. ODS deputy chairman Martin Kupka said that the coronavirus crisis showed that people were ready to use digital technologies, but that the state was not quite ready. Therefore, the party proposes specific solutions to make the expansion of fibre-optics in the Czech Republic faster. He added that ODS was also in favour of shortening building proceedings for individuals by three to four months.

 

MONETA Money Bank offers CZK 10.8bn for COVID III

(ČIA) Within the framework of the COVID III government guarantee programme, MONETA Money Bank has allotted CZK 10.8bn of guarantees. Interested entities from the ranks of sole traders and companies with up to 500 employees can apply for a loan for operating needs up to the amount of CZK 50m. The bank will start offering the loans in the week starting on June 8, 2020. Government guarantees are provided for three years.

 

COVID III: ČS offers up to CZK 36.4bn; MMB has CZK 10.8bn

(ČIA) As part of the COVID III programme, Česká spořitelna (ČS) will provide up to CZK 36.4bn to companies affected by the coronavirus crisis. Within the programme, MONETA Money Bank (MMB) has prepared CZK 10.8bn of guarantees. For a company to get a loan, it has to meet the programme’s entrance terms. Government guarantees are provided for three years.

 

LI disagrees with proposal to promote food self-sufficiency

(ČIA) The Liberal Institute (LI) has conducted a study that proves that food self-sufficiency is an expensive and dangerous idea. He argues that the legislative proposal to increase food self-sufficiency is anti-consumer, non-ecological, illegal and helps large companies such as AGROFERT. The director of Financial Sector Services at KPMG and the co-author of the study, Mojmír Hampl, suggests that the state support Czech producers in government purchases, but not force the same upon the consumer.

 

Analysts: Firms lay off staff, despite govt programs

(ČIA) Companies continue to experience low demand, especially in the automotive sector, and are forced to lay off further, despite government programs to maintain employment. In response to IHS Markit data, Jakub Seidler, ING Bank's chief economist for the Czech Republic, said so. Komerční banka economist Michal Brožka said that the PMI index had risen, but from extremely low values. It still remains well below the 50-point level that separates economic decline from growth. Raiffeisenbank analyst Luboš Růžička assumes that the economy could start to pick up in Q3 2020. However, the predicted growth will not be able to compensate for the deep decline from H1 2020.

 

A. Babiš want to raise govt co-financing for municipalities

(ČIA) Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) will push for an increase in government co-financing of subsidies for municipalities. Newly, the state should provide 90% of the financing of municipal projects and the municipality 10%. So far, it has been 70% government and 30% municipality. The Prime Minister thus wants to replace the reduction in municipal revenues related to the amendment on the compensation bonus, which was approved by the Chamber of Deputies.

 

MF: State budget showed deficit of CZK 157.4bn

(ČIA) The state budget for January to May 2020 ended with a deficit of CZK 157.4bn. After adjusting for EU revenues and financial mechanisms, as well as expenditures on these projects, the deficit amounted to CZK 163.7bn. Traditionally, the worse budgetary outcome during May was deepened by the slump in economic activity and the effects of government measures to help employment, households and businesses. While in previous years the budget results in May alone ranged in deficits between CZK 20 and 25bn, May 2020 ended in a deficit of CZK 63.7bn. The information was provided by the Ministry of Finance (MF).

 

Euler Hermes: Automotive production in Europe to drop 30%

(ČIA) In the absence of measures to encourage interest in new cars, the European car market can be expected to decline by 30% in 2020. Euler Hermes estimates that this decline would be the worst performance of the sector since statistics in 1999. The priority needed to boost demand is to open showrooms and stores across Europe and end mobility restrictions. The resumption of production in this respect will help to awaken the market by introducing new models. However, it will be a gradual renewal that will not fully revive demand.

 

Government approves rules for travel abroad

(ČIA) The government approved a system allocating foreign countries into three categories indicating low, medium and high risk. From May 15, Czechs can travel to countries in the first two categories without restrictions. If foreign countries will have further restrictions on entry into their territory after June 15, travel will be governed by the conditions of the other party. In the next wave of lifting pandemic restrictions, the cabinet allowed events for up to 500 persons from June 8. The government also approved a bill on the registration of beneficial owners without the votes of ČSSD ministers, with the exception of trust funds.

 

J. Chvojka: ČSSD will not support in current wording

(ČIA) ČSSD MPs will not vote for the current wording of the government's amendment to the Public Procurement Act, which is intended to facilitate the award of contracts in urgent cases. The chairman of the party's parliamentary club, Jan Chvojka, said in Czech television's political discussion program Otázky Václava Moravce on May 31. 2020 that the proposed non-requesting of transparency of the owners of supplier companies was wrong. He also commented on other topics in the broadcasting that the government coalition is ready to more than compensate municipalities for tax revenue losses caused by COVID-19-related measures.

 

ODS proposes lower taxes and extraordinary contributions

(ČIA) Within the framework of coronavirus laws, ODS has proposed the introduction of two VAT rates, an increased level for depreciation, an extraordinary contribution for municipalities, and an increase of the limit for mandatory VAT payers to CZK 2m. According to the party, such measures will help entrepreneurs, people and local governments deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, ODS MPs chairman Zbyněk Stanjura proposes to move all items from the 15% VAT rate to the 10% VAT rate. Apart from that, MPs club deputy chairman Jan Skopeček proposes to increase the basic tax payer discount by more than CZK 5,000 which should support consumption.

 

ÚMCH and MemBrain develop new device to aid breathing

(ČIA) Scientists from the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academic of Sciences (ÚMCH), in collaboration with MemBrain, have developed a new type of oxygenator. It differs from commercially offered types by the used separation technology, i.e. a polymer membrane that is capable of enhancing oxygen concentration to 45%. The membrane’s advantage is its ability to intercept viruses, bacteria or pollen and thus to ensure a high cleanliness degree of the enhanced air. The oxygenator could help COVID-19 patients. This information was provided by the Czech Academy of Sciences.

 

MPSV: MPs approve waiving contributions for smaller firms

(ČIA) The Chamber of Deputies has approved an amendment to the act on social insurance. The proposal of the Czech Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MPSV) expands the current Antivirus programme with a new regime C thanks to which social insurance payments will be waived for companies with up to 50 employees. This is another targeted support to mitigate the impacts of the coronavirus crisis in order to preserve the maximum possible number of jobs. Antivirus C should help approximately 88% of employers and 1.4m of their employees.

 

MMR to support marketing of pandemic-affected tourism

(ČIA) The Czech Ministry for Regional Development (MMR) has announced a call within the National Programme for Regional Tourism Support. It offers support via three subsidies to implement projects in the area of marketing activities of tourist destinations. In total, up to CZK 60m is prepared in the sub-programme. Applications can be submitted until June 30, 2020. The MMR added that in connection with the COVID-19 impacts, destination marketing had a key role to restart the sector.

 

VšZP agreed with outpatient sector to increase price per point

(ČIA) Všeobecná zdravotná poisťovňa (VšZP) has negotiated new contracts with representatives of the outpatient sector, which will be valid from July 1, 2020. VšZP CEO Richard Strapko assumes that increases in capitalization payments, point prices and higher individual payments linked to qualitative evaluation parameters for ambulance motivational. According to preliminary estimates, VšZP will pay more than 90% of the monthly average in primary outpatient care compared to 2019. A significant percentage consists of health care providers who reached up to 100% of the monthly average in 2019 during a pandemic.

 

ČOI confirms to MZ the procedure for purchasing protective aids

(ČIA) The Czech Trade Inspection Authority (ČOI) confirmed to the Ministry of Health (MZ) the correctness of the procedure for purchasing protective equipment against the spread of COVID-19. The purchases were organized directly by the state, the end users were healthcare professionals and the goods did not enter the standard distribution chain. According to EU recommendations, state authorities did not have to require CE certificates of conformity. However, due to precautionary measures, the Ministry of Health required both CE conformity and the EU declaration of conformity from suppliers.

 

SP ČR is concerned EC Recovery Plan will increase taxation

(CIANEWS) - The Confederation of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic (SP ČR) expressed concerns in connection with the European Commission's Recovery Plan that it could lead to an increase in corporate taxes or other burdens for companies. The EUR 750bn plan aims facilitate economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis. The countries and sectors most affected by the pandemic are to receive support from the fund. Among other things, the SP ČR considers a digital tax with an expected revenue of up to EUR 1.3bn controversial. Radek Špicar, vice-president of the SP ČR, stated that the association does not agree with the transfer of most of the revenue from the sale of emission allowances to the EU budget, and that the inclusion of a new countervailing duty would impose a carbon surcharge on imports of certain goods from non-EU countries.

 

PSP: Small cos. can apply for compensation of up to CZK 44,500

(ČIA) The Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic (PSP) has approved the amendment to the act on the compensation bonus in connection with crisis measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been returned by the Senate for renewed deliberation. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (for ANO) stated that small limited liability companies can apply for compensation totaling up to CZK 44,500. In her words the application should be available on the website of the Financial Administration of the Czech Republic. She added that the compensation will be paid out immediately following the signing of the act by President Miloš Zeman.

 

PSP approved compensation for small businesses and online tax office

(ČIA) On May 27, 2020, the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic (PSP) approved an amendment to the Compensation Bonus Act in connection with crisis measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was returned by the Senate for reconsideration. Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová (for ANO) stated that small limited liability companies can claim compensation of up to CZK 44,500. MPs also supported the amendment to the Tax Code, the key part of which is the legislative anchoring of the online tax office MY taxes.

 

PSP approved compensation for small businesses and online tax office

(ČIA) On May 27, 2020, the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic (PSP) approved an amendment to the Compensation Bonus Act in connection with crisis measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was returned by the Senate for reconsideration. Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová (for ANO) stated that small limited liability companies can claim compensation of up to CZK 44,500. MPs also supported the amendment to the Tax Code, the key part of which is the legislative anchoring of the online tax office MY taxes.

 

RÚZ: Kurzarbeit should not increase levies and taxes

(ČIA) The Republican Union of Employers (RÚZ) welcomes the so-called kurzarbeit. However, state assistance should be limited in time to a period of crisis and the permanent introduction of the mechanism must not result in an increase in the levy or tax burden. On the contrary, the Union's long-term goal is to reduce taxes and levies.

 

SPPF: Plasma centers collect blood from patients treated with coronavirus

(ČIA) Three plasmacentres and three state hospitals in the Czech Republic participated in the international research of a new medicinal product for COVID-19. Therefore, private plasma centres have started collecting blood plasma from patients treated with coronavirus. The Association for Plasmapheresis (SPPF) reported that doctors from Chinese hospitals administered antibody-rich plasma to seriously ill patients, who subsequently improved significantly within a few days.

 

AK ČR: Municipalities should not pay for compensations

(ČIA) The Council of the Association of Regions of the Czech Republic (AK ČR) has supported a call on the government and the Parliament of the Czech Republic asking them for the compensation bonus for OSVČ (self-employers) not being paid with impacts in budgets of regions and municipalities. According to the joint call of the Union of Municipalities of the Czech Republic, the Association of Municipalities of the Czech Republic, the Association of the Renovation of Rural Areas of the Czech Republic and the National Chain of Local Action Groups, it is not possible for the state to transfer the responsibility to regions and municipalities without any prior communication. According to AK ČR, the decision made by the government will result in the limitation or cancellation of investments and impact the development of regions.

 

Dlouhý: COVID III to help close liquidity gap in economy

(ČIA) According to the President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce (HK ČR), Vladimír Dlouhý, funds from the COVID III program will likely reach the economy in the first half of June. V. Dlouhý announced this on May 26, 2020 as part of the HK ČR's online webinar on COVID III. He added that the expected lack of liquidity in the economy could be up to CZK 600bn at the end of September 2020 and up to CZK 900bn by the end of the year. The guarantee volume of the program of CZK 150bn could ensure a liquidity impact of CZK 450bn and more. The HK ČR projection assumes that the liquidity gap in the economy could narrow at the turn of September and October and close by the end of the year. Practically all banks dedicated to corporate financing showed interest in joining COVID III, a total of about 20 banks.

 

Govt expanded Antivirus, approved tax package

(ČIA) Prime Minister Andrej Babiš‘s (ANO) government approved an anti-crisis tax package on May 25, 2020. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (for ANO) said that VAT on accommodation and tickets for culture and sporting events would fall to 10% from the current 15%. The draft also includes a 25% reduction in road tax for trucks over 3.5 tonnes. The government also supported the so-called Loss Carryback, which will allow entrepreneurs to repay a possible tax loss for 2020 retrospectively in an additional tax return for 2019 and 2018. In addition, the cabinet also approved the extension of the Antivirus short-term work program. This is the so-called regime C, i.e. the waiver of payments of social security contributions for companies with up to 50 employees.

 

MPSV: Antivirus C targets 88% employers with 1.4m workers

(ČIA) The government approved the so-called Mode C of the Antivirus program on May 25, 2020. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MPSV) proposed the waiver of social security contributions for companies with up to 50 employees. This is additional targeted support in order to maintain the maximum number of jobs. The measure is aimed at a wide segment of approximately 88% of employers and approximately 1.4 million of their employees. MPSV also informed that the impact on the state budget is estimated at up to CZK 4.5bn per month.

 

Tripartite discuss investments, employment support

(ČIA) Government, trade union and employer representatives discussed on May 25, 2020, assistance to employees and employers, as well as government investments. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs presented the priorities of the Antivirus C program, which is focused on employment support. The social partners also expressed their full support for the International Engineering Fair. Negotiations on the valorisation of the special allowance and the allowance for work in a difficult working environment were suspended until the next meeting on June 29, 2020.

 

HK CR: Antivirus should be available even after crisis

(ČIA) The Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic (SP CR), the Czech Chamber of Commerce (HK ČR) and the Confederation of Employers 'and Entrepreneurs' Unions (KZPS) are convinced that the Antivirus program should be available to companies throughout the current situation and potential subsequent economic recession. The tool should be available in the future to solve economic problems and should be for all companies, regardless of size. The results of the SP ČR survey show that companies are increasingly losing orders and struggling with poor payment morale of their customers.

 

Govt appoints R. Prymula Commissioner for Health Research

(ČIA) Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's (ANO) government approved on May 25, 2020, the establishment of the position government representative for science and research in health care within the Office of the Government and appointed Roman Prymula to the post with effect from June 1, 2020. The most important tasks of the government commissioner will include the creation and submission of the National Concept of Health Research and the overall coordination of issues of science and research in health care with individual central state administration bodies and other entities.

 

Benešová: Govt not planning mechanism to indemnify firms

(ČIA) The cabinet of PM Andrej Babiš (ANO) is not counting on setting up a mechanism for the indemnification of companies due to the coronavirus-related government restrictions, Minister of Justice Marie Benešová (for ANO) said on TV Prima’s debate, Partie, on May 24, 2020. If entrepreneurs suffer any damage, they should turn to courts and prove it, she added. The government has helped entrepreneurs with many extraordinary measures such as programmes compensating parts of employee wages or deferment of statutory levies. So, they have no reason to complain, she said.

 

Tripartite to discuss expansion of COVID-19 measures

(ČIA) The Council of the Economic and Social Agreement of the Czech Republic will discuss on May 25, 2020 the measures currently being taken in connection with the effects of the coronavirus crisis and the possibilities of their extension in accordance with the requirements of the social partners. The document deals with a set of requirements prepared by the Confederation of Employers' and Business Associations of the Czech Republic. The program also includes the valorisation of a special allowance and a surcharge for work in a difficult working environment.

 

Pirates: Govt ignores Czech medical material producers

(ČIA) The Pirate Party polled 212 Czech sellers and manufacturers of face masks and other protective equipment with a question about their cooperation with representatives of ministries or self-governing bodies. From a sample of 75 responses that arrived, the survey found that 90% of companies were not contacted by the ministries at all. In many cases, the ministry did not even respond to calls for cooperation. If communication with Czech manufacturers did take place, it was often very late and orders were minimal. Only seven companies received at least one order (approximately 9%). Some contracts have also been cancelled.

 

State plans no more measures burdening regional budgets

(ČIA) The state does not plan any other unforeseen measures with significant impacts on the budgets of regional and municipal self-governments. The governors were assured of this by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO). The state will also not require the regions to pay for protective equipment supplied during the coronavirus crisis. The information was provided by the Vysočina Region. Both parties also agreed to negotiate a specific amount for regional road repairs for the next two years. The governors demanded CZK 4bn twice

 

FS: Employed OSVČ with CZK 3,000+ income not eligible

(ČIA) Self-employed persons (OSVČ) who are also working on employment basis are not entitled to the compensation bonus for self-employed persons if their monthly income reaches at least the amount of CZK 3,000. The Financial Administration (FS) stated that an exemption from this rule is granted to employees working on the basis of an agreement on the performance of work, for whom participation in health insurance arises only after exceeding the amount of CZK 10,000 per month. In the event of unauthorized exercise of this right, the situation can be remedied by refunding the amount of the bonus already paid to the tax administrator.

 

MZČR: 66% of infected people already recovered from COVID-19

(ČIA) Based on data from the Institute of Health Information and Statistics, the Ministry of Health (MH) stated that 66% of infected people had already recovered from COVID-19. The share of positive cases in the number of tests performed in the Czech Republic fell to 2.3%. The share of deaths stagnates at 3.5%, with daily deaths declining. Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch (for ANO) said that the priority now is the early detection of local outbreaks of infection.

 

Employers call for Antivirus’ extension, start of C regime

(ČIA) Employers' associations called on the government to address their joint proposals. The Confederation of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic, the Czech Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Employers 'and Entrepreneurs' Associations request extension of the Antivirus B regime at least until the end of August 2020, launching Mode C for the entire period and allowing companies of all sizes to choose. Furthermore, the government should adjust regime C to respond to the problems of companies that get into trouble in the ensuing recession and move the pay cap to 1.6 times the average wage so as not to discriminate against companies paying higher levies. According to associations, this will allow the economy to recover quickly.

 

First Aid contribution will not be counted as income

(ČIA) The Government of the Slovak Republic supplemented its regulation concerning the allowance called First Aid with a method for calculating the entitlement. Newly, the contribution from First Aid for job retention will not be counted as income. The conditions for postponing the payment of social insurance premiums for May 2020 (a decrease in sales of at least 40%) will thus be met by more employers and self-employed persons.

 

AČCKA has reservations against potential EC lawsuit due to travel vouchers

(ČIA) The Association of Czech Travel Agencies (AČCKA) objected to a potential lawsuit filed by the European Commission (EC) against the Czech Republic over travel vouchers. According to the association, these are the only effective assistance to travel agencies since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis. AČCKA refers to the Czech legislation, which significantly helps to rescue travel agencies, whose activities are now completely paralysed. EC is currently examining 12 EU countries for compliance with European law.

 

AHRS: Without state aid, 70% of hoteliers and restaurateurs will not be able to do business

(ČIA) In the period since the reduction of the activities of operations in gastronomy and hospitality in Slovakia, almost 60% of employers have started to reduce the number of employees in a permanent employment relationship. More than half of the 40% of respondents are considering redundancies in the next period. The main reasons are a significant decline in demand and sales and the current setting of forms of assistance, which some employers will not reach at all. In addition, 70% of hoteliers and restaurant owners estimate that they will not be able to maintain their business without the active aid of the state even after the reopening of operations. This follows, among other things, from a survey conducted by the Association of Hotels and Restaurants of Slovakia (AHRS).

 

SP asks for prolongation of Antivirus

(ČIA) A total of 70% of firms report a drop in orders for May and June 2020. At the beginning of April, a total of 43.5% of firms predicted a decrease in demand by over 20%. This was shown by a survey conducted by the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic (SP). According to SP, many companies are just starting experience problems. The association wants to government to prolong the programme Antivirus until August 2020. This would help a total of 71% of firms. A total of 85% of firms said that tax measures meant almost no help or no help at all.

 

CR supports European loan program worth EUR 100bn

(ČIA) The Czech Republic, together with other EU countries, has approved the European SURE loan program in the amount of EUR 100bn, according to the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic (MF). The program will help fund kurzarbeit, direct assistance for the self-employed people or the purchase of medical aids. Its aim is to mitigate the risks of unemployment in an emergency. Loans can be provided until the end of 2022.

 

PSP to discuss expenditures caused by COVID-19

(ČIA) The Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic (PSP) will meet in a week beginning on May 25, 2020 to discuss state expenditures and activities of the government led by Andrej Babiš (ANO) during the pandemic crisis. The PSPS wants to also discuss the preparation for an eventual second wave of the pandemic or aid to groups of inhabitants hit by the crisis. The extraordinary meeting of the PSP was initiated by MPs representing Pirates and ODS. They will be also interested in the rate of cooperation of the government with opposition parties. The PSP will also vote on the establishment of an investigation committee focused on suspicious purchases of protective accessories.

 

Government will discuss transfer to DVB-T2

(ČIA) The government led by Andrej Babiš (ANO) will meet on May 25, 2020 to discuss draft regulation on the technical Plan for Transfer from Standard DVB-T to Standard DVB-T2. The government will also discuss rules for the provision of subsidies by the Support and Guarantee Agriculture and Forestry Fund in the framework of the new programme Provoz 2020 – Principal Reduction and information for the government about the intention to renew the license contract Microsoft Enterprise.

 

Senate approved deferral of social security payments and nursing benefits

(ČIA) The Senate approved proposals made by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic thanks to which employers can defer social security payments and parents will remain entitled to nursing benefits. This was reported by the ministry, according to which the deferral of payments for May to July is possible until October 20, 2020. The requirement to pay insurance contributions for employees (that is, 6.5 % of gross salaries) remains in effect during this period. All parents who cannot for objective reasons place their child in kindergarten or school will remain entitled to nursing benefits until June 30, 2020.

 

ODS rejects fine for deferred social contributions

(ČIA) ODS demands the cancellation of the fine for deferred social contributions paid by employers. According to the party it is unjustifiable that the government on the one hand allows employers facing economic decline to defer social contribution payments and to concurrently punish them for their late payment.

 

FinMin: The Senate allowed changes in the budget preparation schedule

(ČIA) The Senate enabled the implementation of the proposal of the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic to make several operational changes that will speed up and streamline the preparation of the state budget for 2021. The final macroeconomic and revenue forecasts decisive for drawing up the state budget for 2021 will be updated in mid-September. This means that the final bill on the state budget of the Czech Republic for 2021 will be submitted to the government for approval at the end of September (not at the end of August) and to the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament by the end of October (not by the end of September).

 

The EC has published new recommendations for the Czech Republic

(ČIA) The European Commission has published a new draft of three recommendations for the Czech Republic for the next 12 months. The first is aimed at mitigating the economic consequences associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening the health care system. In the long run and after the crisis subsides, it emphasizes the need to ensure debt sustainability while boosting investment. The second recommendation addresses employment policy, the expansion of the population's digital skills and overall accessibility to digital technologies, including digital learning. The third recommendation focuses mainly on investment and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. At the same time, the EC warned of a significant risk of increasing regional and local disparities. The proof is to be the visibly growing differences between the Karlovy Vary and Ústí nad Labem regions and other regions of the Czech Republic.

 

Hamáček and Herrmann agreed to abolish border controls

(ČIA) Interior Minister Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) held talks with Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann. The main topic of this meeting was the rules for easing the border measures. Police President Jan Švejdar also took part in the negotiations on the situation on the Czech-Bavarian border in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic on behalf of the Czech side. Mr Hamáček stated that there is a political consensus that on June 15, 2020 the Czech Republic will completely abolish border controls and at least it would be possible to travel to neighboring countries as before the crisis. Furthermore, Mr Hamáček informed Mr Herrmann that the Czech Republic would partially relax the border regime on the night of May 26, 2020.

 

Vystrčil more inclined to travel to Taiwan

(ČIA) If China continues to dictate to the Czech Republic what it should or should not do, the journey of the President of the Senate Miloš Vystrčil to Taiwan becomes more and more probable. Mr Vystrčil announced this on May 19, 2020 after a meeting with President Miloš Zeman. He added that the mission of the Senate is to maintain the originality and independence of the Czech Republic and at some point it is necessary to express this in another way than that it will perceive that there are certain economic interests and other influences. According to Mr Vystrčil, there is a need to go against them, because in the long run, freedom and democracy are the most important values, even if it may not be advantageous in the short term.

 

Petříček discussed border opening with representatives of SR and Austria

(ČIA) On May 19, 2020, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tomáš Petříček (ČSSD) discussed with his counterparts Ivan Korčok from Slovakia and Alexander Schallenberg from Austria the possibilities of further opening the border after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Czech Republic is ready to open borders to these neighboring countries in the first half of June, as well as Austria, without the need for testing. Negotiations with Slovakia will continue in the coming days. According to Mr Petříček, the borders with Germany and Poland should also be open by the end of June.

 

MF submits proposal to negotiate loan from CEB

(ČIA) The Czech Ministry of Finance (MF) has submitted for inter-ministerial comment procedure a draft document after whose approval the Czech Republic will have the possibility to draw a loan of roughly CZK 8.3bn under advantageous terms from the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). The intention is to finance healthcare expenditures with the objectives of fighting the spread of the coronavirus and of mitigating the impacts of coronavirus infections. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (for ANO) said that if the draft were approved, the Czech Republic would be drawing the loan only if it were more advantageous than for instance issuing state bonds.

 

Govt approves COVID III, lifts restrictions on borders

(ČIA) Prime Minister Andrej Babiš’s (ANO) government approved the COVID III program on May 18, 2020. The state will gradually release CZK 150bn for these guarantees. Self-employed persons and companies with up to 250 workers will receive a 90% guarantee, companies with 250 to 500 employees can use an 80% guarantee. The ministers also supported easing of the border regime from May 26, 2020. It will be possible to leave the Czech Republic at more border crossings and checks will only be random. However, the obligation to submit a negative test for COVID-19 when entering the Czech Republic will continue to apply.

 

ODS wants to set commission to check use of government aid

(ČIA) ODS will present at the next session of the Chamber of Deputies a proposal for the establishment of a temporary commission of the Chamber of Deputies to monitor the distribution and course of state aid provided as a result of COVID-19. ODS chairman and the deputy chairman of the Chamber of Deputies, Petr Fiala, stated that the commission should include representatives of all parliamentary parties.

 

EC OKs CR\\'s CZK 500bn guarantee program for companies

(ČIA) The European Commission (EC) has approved the Czech guarantee program worth ca. CZK 500bn to support corporate lending. Margrethe Vestager, EC's Executive Vice-President for Competition Policy, said the program would support companies with up to 500 employees most affected by the coronavirus pandemic by improving their access to external funding, thus ensuring their continuity. The program will be managed by the Czech-Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank.

 

Government approved law for compensatory reimbursement order

(ČIA) The government has approved a law that will enable the issuance of a compensatory reimbursement decree, which will take into account the impacts of COVID-19 on health care providers and increase reimbursements by CZK 5bn compared to the current budget. The legal regulation will then ensure by adjusting compensation mechanisms that the expected shortfall in the production of paid services, which the Ministry of Health currently estimates at up to ca. CZK 30.5bn, will be compensated to providers at the latest in the 2021 bills up to the limit of the planned costs of the public health insurance system for 2020 according to the payment decree for this year.

 

Govt approves economy support program

(ČIA) The government approved the COVID III program. The state will gradually release 150bn into these selected guarantees. CZK. Self-employed people and companies with up to 250 workers receive a 90% guarantee, a company with 250 to 500 employees who support an 80% guarantee. The ministers also supported the easing of the border regime from May 26, 2020. The cabinet also approved a bill on compensation for recipients of health services. Direct compensation should total ca. CZK 27bn plus CZK 5bn for the care for COVID-19 patients. In the COVID rent program, ministers approved a contribution of half of the payment for commercial rent with entrepreneurs with forcibly closed establishments. The maximum amount of support will be CZK 10m for the period from April to June. The government also raised the allocation of the Czech Rise Up 2.0 program by CZK 100m. The allocation of nursing allowances for the self-employed will increase to CZK 2.5bn.

 

Zeman signed law on employee protection

(ČIA) On May 15, 2020, President Miloš Zeman signed a law on the protection of employees in the event of insolvency of their employer. The measure will provide employees of insolvent companies with the opportunity to request the Labor Office to pay earnings. In addition, the President also signed laws to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in the field of sports and cultural events.

 

MZ expects further wave of restriction easing on May 25

(ČIA) If there is no worsening of the epidemiological situation, the Czech Ministry of Health (MZ) expects another wave of easing restrictions on May 25, 2020. Restaurants, cafés and accommodation facilities as well as swimming pools and zoological gardens should reopen. Mass events for up to 300 persons should be permitted and medical and social facilities will allow visitors. Personal participation of elementary-school pupils in educational activities will also be permitted.

 

A. Schillerová discussed use of PZF for economic recovery

(ČIA) EU finance and economy ministers discussed economic measures to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 crisis. The Czech delegation was led by the Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová (ANO). Ministers discussed in particular the use of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) for euro area countries, support for enterprises through the EIB's Pan-European Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and support for national employment schemes through the SURE proposal. The discussion also covered the possibilities and appropriate tools for the future recovery of all economies within the internal market.

 

J. Hamáček: Smartwings’ acquisition by state not on table

(ČIA) The airline Smartwings should use standard support programs available, such as the Antivirus kurzarbeit (short-term work) program. This was stated in Czech Television’s political discussion program Otázky Václava Moravce by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jan Hamáček (ČSSD), who argues that loans are available or shareholders can invest more money in the company. He thus rejected the proposal of the Minister of Industry and Trade and Transport Karel Havlíček (for ANO), who mentioned the possibility that the state might buy the company. K. Havlíček specified in TV Prima’s discussion program Partie that the state would have to take over the company free of charge. However, he previously stated that the company urgently needs immediate assistance in the amount of CZK 1.5bn.

 

PSP approved deferral of social insurance

(ČIA) The Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic (PSP) approved on May 13, 2020 the draft submitted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic according to which employers can postpone until October 20 social security payments (that is, 24.8 %) which they would otherwise have to pay for May to July. Of the gross wages, they would pay only insurance premiums paid for employees (6.5%). At the same time, MPs approved an amendment recognizing the right to nursing allowance for all parents who, for objective reasons, cannot place a child in school or kindergarten.

 

MPSV: ÚP to pay out due wages for companies again

(ČIA) The Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic has supported a motion making it possible for employees to have a chance to get at least part of their wages owed by insolvent employers. The Information was provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic (MPSV) adding that the employees could ask the Labour Office of the Czech Republic (ÚP) for wage payments. The possibility to demand the owned wage is currently prevented by the Lex Covid Justice Act adopted to mitigate impacts of the pandemic in the field of justice, insolvency, and distraints. Based on the act, it is not possible to consider insolvency petitions filed in a period from April 24 to the end of August.

 

Senators want CC to abandon directive on freezing rents

(ČIA) On May 14, 2020, a total of 30 senators filed a motion to the Constitutional Court (CC) asking it to abandon the price moratorium on apartment rents. According to them, the government regulation is in contradiction with the Constitution. The initiative is coordinated by Senator Zdeněk Nytra, the Deputy Chairman of the ODS Senate Club.

 

HK ČR: Lack of cash raises tension among firms

(ČIA) More than three fifths of Czech companies (62%) hit by the coronavirus crisis have not recorded any measure from their creditors helping them keep liquidity and cashflow. Many suppliers even shortened the maturity periods of their invoices. This raises a tension among companies. According to an analysis published by the Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic, the majority of municipalities hesitate with efficient aid. The respondents usually see positive reactions from banks.

 

Senate seeks analysis of impacts of adopted measures

(ČIA) The Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic has called on the government led by PM Andrej Babiš (ANO) to submit an analysis describing the spread of the coronavirus epidemic and impacts of adopted measures. Senator Jiří Drahoš (for KDU+Z+STAN+TOP 09) said that such a document existed, so he believed that it could be possible to get it by the end of May 2020. The senators also said that the government was not working with relevant data and want it to use the data in its strategic plans. They also want the government to inform the general public about its plans in a comprehensible way.

 

Storyous deploying QR codes at restaurants for mobile orders and payments

(ČIA) Restaurant system operator Storyous introduced at establishment Červený Jelen in Prague its Restaurant of the Future concept. Thanks to it customers will during a global pandemic be able to order food using their mobile phone without touching the menu thanks to special QR codes and then to pay with their card online. According to Storyous, restaurants can thus employ 40 % fewer people. This was reported by Rockaway Capital.

 

EY: Coronavirus crisis could speed up personalized medicine

(ČIA) Linking, merging and sharing healthcare data dramatically increases the public health benefits of this data. According to an EY survey, the current COVID-19 pandemic proves that health care systems need to be better able to respond to emergencies. The survey also points to the need for innovative methods of more targeted preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic care, as well as the need to share relevant data globally. According to EY, it is necessary to move closer to personalized medicine.

 

ČKA pointed out the negative turnaround in the recodification of construction law

(ČIA) The Czech Chamber of Architects (ČKA) drew attention to the departure from the substantive intent of the new building law approved by the Czech government adopted on February 6, 2019. According to ČKA, the basic objective of the recodification, namely sufficient integration of the state administration bodies concerned, was not met. ČKA evaluates positively the fact that it will succeed in fulfilling the intention of digital submission of

 

Gov’t to deliberate proposal for change to building act

(ČIA) On May 18, 2020, the government of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) will discuss a proposal by Petr Dolínek (ČSSD) amending Act No. 183/2006 Coll., On Spatial Planning and Building Regulations (Building Act). The aim of the proposal is to add a building in a public space or on a plot of public greenery and a park, serving as a social or other hygienic facility for public use and related technical infrastructure to the list of construction plans that do not require a decision on the location of the building, zoning approval, building permit or notification under the Building Act. The agenda of the government also includes information on the intention to provide advice in the field of cybersecurity and protection of classified information implemented by the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure.

 

Senate wants to postpone expansion of EET by three years

(ČIA) The Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic wants to postpone the expansion of electronic revenue reporting (EET) for craftsmen, doctors and lawyers until the end of June 2023. Senators added this date to the government draft of the act, which is to suspend the use of EET until the end of 2020 due to measures to counter the coronavirus epidemic. Deputies will once again assess the draft of the act amended by the Senate.

 

PSP approved deferral of social insurance

(ČIA) The Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic (PSP) approved on May 13, 2020 the draft submitted by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic according to which employers can postpone until October 20 social security payments (that is, 24.8 %) which they would otherwise have to pay for May to July. Of the gross wages, they would pay only insurance premiums paid for employees (6.5%). At the same time, MPs approved an amendment recognizing the right to nursing allowance for all parents who, for objective reasons, cannot place a child in school or kindergarten.

 

HAVEL & PARTNERS: POVINNOSTI A RIZIKA PRO ČLENY STATUTÁRNÍCH ORGÁNŮ V DOBĚ KORONAVIRU

ROZDĚLOVÁNÍ ZISKU A NEPLATNOST USNESENÍ VALNÉ HROMADY
Autoři: Ondřej Florián, Soňa Karbanová, Kamil Kovaříček

V předchozích dvou dílech seriálu o povinnostech statutárního orgánu jsme rozebrali (i) obecné povinnosti dopadající na statutární orgán za všech okolností a (ii) konkrétní omezení a povinnosti vyplývající především ze standardu loajality, který ke společnosti musí statutární orgán naplňovat.

- celý článek - 

 

KZPS demands payments remission, VAT postponement

(ČIA) The Confederation of Employers and Business Unions of the Czech Republic (KZPS) insists on the self-sufficiency in terms of energy, raw materials and food and the support of Czech manufacturers in the framework of lifting measures introduced during the state of emergency. It also seeks a remission of payments for social insurance during the state of emergency measures and next three months or the postponement of VAT payments for 2Q and 3Q until the end of 2020. KZPS also wants the prolongation of the project Antivirus at least until August 31, 2020 and a launch of the new project Antivirus C from June 1 to December 31, 2020.

 

MF: Government adopts measures supporting economy

(ČIA) The amount of measures adopted by the government of the Czech Republic in relation with the protection of the public health and to reduce impacts on economy caused by the COVID-19 outbreak reaches CZK 1,130bn. This forms 20.4% of GDP. The information was provided by the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic (MF). The figure does not include some other measures and expenses, which are hard to quantify, such as the interest moratorium, the postponement of EET or higher amounts paid for social benefits.

 

A. Vondra: Green Deal should focus on tackling drought

(ČIA) The Czech Republic must push for the Green Deal to focus on tackling the drought. ODS Deputy Chairman Alexandr Vondra stated that the EU should prioritize measures against drought over an ineffective fight against the climate change, for which it now has no partners in the world. He added that the drought can be prevented mainly by more considerate agriculture, a more appropriate forestry policy and water retention in the landscape.

 

J. Hamáček discusses secret services with M. Zeman

(ČIA) On May 12, 2020, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) met with President Miloš Zeman to discuss mainly current relations between the Czech Republic and Russia and the operation of the Office for Foreign Relations and Information (ÚZSI). J. Hamáček further stated that if the president had doubts about ÚZSI and the Security Information Service, he managed to dispel them.

 

Govt to cancel VAT exemption for 3rd country parcels

(ČIA) The government approved an amendment to the Value Added Tax Act, which was submitted by the Ministry of Finance. The amendment eliminates unequal tax treatment for the delivery of consignments within cross-border electronic commerce. Until now, small consignments of up to EUR 22 from non-EU countries have been exempt from VAT, while all consignments from EU countries have been subject to VAT. The amendment removes this exemption for small consignments with effect from January 1, 2021. The government also approved an adjustment to the budget process, so that intensive budget preparation will not begin until August 10, 2020, when the Ministry of Finance will update its macroeconomic and revenue forecasts. The information was published by the Ministry of Finance.

 

ČNB: GDP to drop 8%, inflation to reach 2.5%

(ČIA) The economy will fall by 8.0% in 2020 due to COVID-19. Subsequently, in 2021 it will strengthen by 4.0%. Households' final consumption expenditures will decrease by 4.8% in 2020. They will increase by 4.2% next year. Consumer prices should increase by 2.8% and 2.1%, respectively. The average monthly wage will increase by 2.5% in nominal terms in 2020 and by 5.8% in 2021. This stems from the forecasts by the Czech National Bank (ČNB).

 

Bisnode: 15,838 self-employed halted activities in crisis

(ČIA) Since the outbreak of the coronavirus crisis in the Czech Republic, 15,838 self-employed persons have suspended their business, which is a quarter more than in the same period in 2019 and 45% more than in 2018. This stems from the statistics from the consulting company Bisnode. In March, 10,033 self-employed people closed their business, and in April the situation stabilised. The most discontinued trades were in the catering segment (984 self-employed, + 19%). This is followed by wholesale intermediaries (908, + 1144%) and hairdressing and beauty services (816, + 76%).

 

MMR: Procurement Act change to accelerate crisis purchases

(ČIA) Public purchases in extremely urgent situations may newly be made in a negotiation procedure without publication. The Ministry for Regional Development has informed that its draft amendment to the Public Procurement Act was approved by the government on May 11, 2020. The amendment drafted due to the coronavirus will e.g. remove the administrative burden. It will enable the fastest possible purchase in times of crisis, such as the acquisition of protective equipment.

 

Associations call for lower social security payments

(ČIA) The Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of Trade and Tourism, the Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Sole Traders and the Chamber of Tax Advisers asked Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO), Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Jana Maláčová (ČSSD) and chairmen of parliamentary groups to reduce social security contributions for entrepreneurs for a limited time. They said that deferrals of payments would not solve companies' problems caused by coronavirus. The government's bill on reducing the penalty on insurance premiums should be considered by the MPs in the coming days.

 

Govt to release billions for rescuers, social services

(ČIA) UPDATE - The government decided to release CZK 1.12bn and pay a one-time bonus to 7,000 rescuers for 14 providers of emergency medical services. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said that the bonus will reach CZK 40,000/month for March to May 2020. At the same time, the ministers also supported the release of CZK 5.9bn for the social services sector, where bonuses will be granted to up to 144,000 workers.

 

Govt takes into account COVID measures in reform program

(ČIA) The government approved the National Reform Program of the Czech Republic 2020 (NRP). The document describes measures aimed at restoring economic development and its long-term sustainability. The document shall be submitted to the European Commission, which evaluates the Czech economic policy and then proposes recommendations. The NRP has been adapted and updated to take into account cabinet action in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

EC approves CZK 200m for CR to support COVID research

(ČIA) The European Commission has approved the Czech Republic's support program worth CZK 200m (ca. EUR 73m) aimed at innovations in tackling the coronavirus pandemic. These include medical and other technologies, such as 3D printing systems and logistics applications. The contribution will be provided in the form of direct grants and will cover 75% of the relevant costs. The results of the research will be made available to third parties in the European Economic Area through non-exclusive licenses.

 

State to send CZK 6.6bn for debt relief of six hospitals

(ČIA) Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová (for ANO) signed a budget measure by which the government will send CZK 6.6bn to six state hospitals in Prague and Brno. She said that debt relief for long-term indebted backbone hospitals was the right move. The government approved debt relief for the hospitals on April 27, 2020.

 

CRIF: Corporate bankruptcies fall due to emergency

(ČIA) In April 2020, 44 bankruptcies by commercial firms, 601 bankruptcies of natural entities-entrepreneurs and 1,355 personal bankruptcies were declared in the Czech Republic, according to an analysis by CRIF – Czech Credit Bureau. At the same time, 91 proposals for company bankruptcies, 507 proposals for entrepreneurial bankruptcies and 1,146 proposals for personal bankruptcies were submitted. Their number was the lowest in all monitored categories since June 2019 when the amendment to the insolvency act came into effect. The reason for it is the restricted functioning of courts during the state of emergency.

 

State to start paying COVID Nájemné in June

(ČIA) The first financial means within the framework of the COVID Nájemné (Rent) programme should be paid out by the state in June 2020. This information was provided by Deputy PM Karel Havlíček (for ANO) who added that it could total CZK 4 to 5bn for roughly 200,000 entities. It is possible to draw the contribution for the period from April 1 to June 30, 2020. Its payment presumes an agreement between the lessee of the closed commercial premises and the lessor on the government-approved conditions, according to which the state will cover 50%, the lessor 30% and the lessee 20%. SP ČR vice-president Jan Rafaj recommends not only allowing the submission of the applications for a subsidy electronically on a large scale, but also that their completion is as easiest as possible and partially automated.

 

PSP approves extension of compensation for self-employed

(ČIA) On May 5, 2020, the Chamber of Deputies (PSP) approved the Senate-returned draft bill on compensation bonus for the self-employed. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (for ANO) said that beneficiaries would be able to apply for CZK 500/day for the period from May 1 to June 8. The maximum compensation is CZK 19,500. The application form will be published by the Financial Administration on May 7. The Senate-proposed amendments increasing the compensation and expanding the range of eligible persons were rejected by the Chamber of Deputies.

 

Govt to lift release international passenger transport from May 11

(ČIA) The government approved on May 4, 2020, the proposal of the Minister of Transport Karel Havlíček (for ANO) to lift the ban on the operation of international rail and bus transport, with effect from May 11. K. Havlíček stated that it will again be possible to use buses or trains sent by carriers to cross the border.

 

Self-employed to receive CZK 500 nursing allowance until 30 June

(ČIA) Self-employed persons who had to stop their business in connection with caring for a child or handicapped person after the closure of schools and other facilities will be able to receive nursing allowance until June 30, 2020. The decision was made by the government upon the proposal of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. It also increased the daily amount to CZK 500 per calendar day. The increase will already apply to aid for April.

 

PPF provided medical equipment and aid worth CZK 200m

(ČIA) PPF Group purchased and gradually donated medical supplies and financial assistance in the total amount of CZK 200m to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. In total, the group provided several tens of tons of material that it has purchased not only in China and other Asian countries, but also in Europe. PPF donated totally 6.9 million respirators and surgical face masks, 30,000 test tampons, 570,000 pairs of medical gloves and thousands of medical glasses and thermometers. In addition to the Czech Republic, which received aid worth more than CZK 100m, the group donated medical supplies in eight other countries. Specifically, aid went to India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, the United States, the Philippines, Montenegro and Bulgaria.

 

Government suspended talks on HealthMin's competences

(ČIA) The government has suspended the discussion of an amendment to the Act on the Protection of Public Health, which would increase the powers of the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of the Interior will prepare a proposal for further action in the form of an amendment to the Constitutional Security Act until the next government session on May 7, 2020.

 

ČBA: Economy’s development depends on economic policy

(ČIA) The services sector will be hardest hit by the crisis caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. This was the view shared by the economists of the member institutions of the Czech Banking Association (ČBA). According to them, the speed and targeting of economic policies, including monetary and fiscal policy, is most important for the return to normal, which cannot be expected quickly. Above all, it will be crucial to revive exports and keep unemployment low. At the same time, ČBA informed that it will not publish a regular macroeconomic forecast for April, as the course and consequences of the crisis cannot now be fully predicted.

 

Organizers of cultural events may issue refund voucher

(ČIA) The ANO-ČSSD government approved on April 30, 2020, a bill by the Minister of Culture Lubomír Zaorálek (CSSD), which gives organisers the option to offer a voucher as a replacement instead of returning an already paid ticket to the customer due to the coronavirus epidemic. The customer will be able to use it for a replacement event or for the same event at a different time. Interested parties will be able to apply to the organisers for vouchers for events with the foreseen date of up to October 31, 2020, and may apply for the voucher until 31 March 2021. The protection period will not apply to particularly vulnerable population groups (disabled persons, pregnant women, persons registered by the employment office, single mothers or persons taking maternity or parental leave, seniors over 65 years).

 

Government decides to lift measures for cultural events

(ČIA) As part of the 3rd wave of the lifting of restrictions on business and other activities, theaters, cinemas and other cultural activities are to be opened on May 11, 2020 and cultural, social and sports events and weddings may to take place. This was decided by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's (ANO) government at its meeting on April 30, 2020. All events - as in the case of services, federal and other public events, including training of athletes - may be held with up to 100 people at one time in one place while maintaining hygiene and other rules.

 

State preps to pay part of rent for entrepreneurs

(ČIA) The ANO-ČSSD government will discuss on May 4, 2020, the proposal of the Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček (for ANO) to compensate rent for companies that had to have closed establishments by regulation. The condition will be the lessor’s co-participation. The proposal foresees the ratio of 50% payment by the state, 30% by the lessee and 20% by the tenant for the period from March 12 to June 30, 2020.

 

ČVUT to launch innovation marathon to help companies

(ČIA) The Faculty of Information Technology of the Czech University of Technology in Prague (FIT ČVUT) will together with Insane Business Ideas and with support from the City of Prague, initiative prg.ai and UNICO.AI launch on May 1 to 3, 2020 UniHack.cz, a COVID-19 virtual innovation marathon, online. The aim is to introduce innovations that will help companies and institutions mitigate the effects of the current unfavorable situation. Companies will present problems and students will try to solve them.

 

CzechTrade: Over 260 companies have ordered almost 550 services

(ČIA) In the last month, more than 260 companies have ordered almost 550 individual services from foreign CzechTrade offices. The greatest interest is in support in Austria, Scandinavia, Germany, Britain, the Benelux countries, Mexico, Hungary and Poland. The General Director of the CzechTrade agency, Radomil Doležal, stated that facilitating the entry of Czech companies into foreign markets and creating new business relationships or maintaining existing ones is now absolutely crucial for the resumption of business for some companies.

 

Senate has increased payments for state insurees

(ČIA) The Senate has approved the draft of the act on public health insurance premiums. Its aim is to react to the effects related to the spread of the coronavirus and to stabilize the financing of healthcare as fast as possible while sustaining the current level of availability and quality. As of June 1, 2020 monthly contributions for state insurees will thus increase by CZK 500 and as of January 1, 2021 by a further CZK 200. This year the legislation increases state spending by CZK 20bn and in 2021 by CZK 50bn.

 

MPs extend state of emergency until May 17

(ČIA) On April 28, 2020, the Chamber of Deputies approved the extension of the state of emergency until May 17, 2020. The government originally asked for its prolongation until May 25, 2020. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said after a meeting with President Miloš Zeman that in reaction to the decision of the MPs, the cabinet would prepare and introduce a law as part of legislative emergency that would grant bigger powers to the Ministry of Health that would have greater competencies to react to the pandemic development.

 

LeasePlan offers temporary car leasing

(ČIA) During the coronavirus crisis, FlexiPlan offered by LeasePlan Czech Republic (LeasePlan ČR) enables the leasing of used vehicles to the customers who currently need to lease a car. This regards primarily delivery companies. The lease can be agreed for one to 24 months for a fixed monthly payment and with a possibility to immediately return the vehicle without any penalty.

 

AMSP wants bonuses for executives with DPP employees

(ČIA) The Association of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Crafts of the Czech Republic (AMSP) has proposed that executive directors or members of limited liability companies with employees working based on an agreement on work performance (DPP) should also be entitled to a bonus from the Antivirus programme. At a meeting with the Czech Ministry of Finance on supporting one-person companies, the Association also submitted a proposal to expand the compensation to up to four partners (originally it was two). According to the Assdociation, one should also think about LLC executive officers with employees who act in accordance with the law, do not have a work contract concluded with themselves, and therefore are not entitled to support from Antivirus.

 

Raiffeisenbank predicts GDP to drop by 7.6%

(ČIA) The Czech Republic’s economy will drop by approx. 7.6% in 2020, according to a forecast by Raiffeisenbank, which counts on a GDP drop exceeding 9% in the case of the pandemic’s second wave. The unemployment rate should increase 2.0 pp to 4.8%. Overall, the crisis related to COVID-19 can deprive the local economy of 270,000 to 340,000 jobs and significantly slow down the increase of wages. The average inflation in 2020 should be 2.5%. At the end of the year, consumer prices should be 1.7% higher y/y.

 

Renocar launches Key Box for contactless servicing of BMW cars

(ČIA) Renocar, the authorised dealer of BMW cars, has introduced the Key Box service at its Prague branch in the Congress Centre. This will enable the contactless handover of the car for service and its subsequent collection. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The information was provided by BMW Czech Republic.

 

ČSPS expects drop in production of up to 2 million hl

(ČIA) The Czech Beer and Malt Association (ČSPS) expects a decrease in beer production of up to 2 million hl year-on-year in January to May 2020. The drop was caused by the closure of pubs and a sharp drop in exports amounting to 400-600,000 hl. The Czech-Moravian Association of Mini-Breweries estimates that more than a quarter of the total of almost 500 breweries could end up permanently. ČSPS Executive Director Martina Ferencová proposed, with regard to favorable statistics on the number of newly infected SARS-CoV-2, to fully open gastronomic establishments by May 11, 2020. SPČS also proposes e.g. compensation for liquidation of beer and food stocks and subsidies for the restart of pubs and restaurants.

 

Govt approves Antivirus short-term work program extension

(ČIA) Prime Minister Andrej Babiš‘s (ANO) government approved on April 27, 2020, the extension of the Antivirus program. The Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Jana Maláčová (ČSSD) announced that the course work will continue until the end of May. As a result, employers who are subject to an obstacle to work due to restrictions or closures will continue to be able to claim reimbursement of wage costs. J. Maláčová further stated that the ministers also support her proposal to postpone premium payments for companies for three months. However, its details still need to be resolved before the measure can be approved.

 

SP CR does not agree with postponing MY tax project

(ČIA) After the Chamber of Deputies rejected the amendment to the Tax Code, the Confederation of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic (SP ČR) expressed the opinion that the government should not postpone the MY Taxes (MOJE Daně) project. The amendment also included the legal conditions for the operation of the tax office online. It is intended to make it easier for companies and citizens to meet their tax obligations. For example, the institute of not withholding the undisputed part of the VAT refund was turned down together with the amendment. SP ČR board member Andrea Gontkovičová stated that approving the non-withholding of the undisputed part of the VAT refund would help entrepreneurs during the quarantine. Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová (for ANO) announced that she would the amendment in compromise wording.

 

Antivirus program will be extended until end of May 2020

(ČIA) The government has decided to extend the Antivirus short-term work program with wage compensation contributions until the end of May 2020. Mladá fronta DNES writes that companies affected by the imposed restrictions on the spread of coronavirus can receive 80% compensation of wages of quarantined people or earnings of closed establishments, up to CZK 39,000. In case of failure of workers, raw materials or reduction of demand, the contribution equals 60% of the paid amount up to CZK 29,000.

 

M. Toman: Ending emergency would cause loss of workers in agriculture

(ČIA) The agricultural sector of the Czech Republic would lose several thousand workers it currently needs in the case of the abolition of the state of emergency. This was stated by Minister of Agriculture Miroslav Toman (ČSSD) in the Czech Television's program Otázky Václava Moravec. According to him, the validity of the necessary visa could expire for ca. three to five thousand foreign workers in agriculture. KDU-ČSL chairman and former Minister of Agriculture Marian Jurečka objected that the situation can be solved even without extending the state of emergency.

 

Govt wants to extend emergency, no Parliament support

(ČIA) UPDATE - On April 24, 2020, the government unanimously requested the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament to extend the state of emergency until May 25. Deputy Prime Minister Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) said that although the regime of restriction of movement is ending, the government still needs instruments to ease other restrictions in a gradual way. On April 26, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said on Czech Television that he did not yet have the support of MPs to prolong the state of emergency. The Chamber will decide on the government's request on April 28.

 

K. Havlíček: 750 engineers from Korea will arrive in Hyundai in Nošovice

(ČIA) Korean employees in engineering and development positions at Hyundai can come to the Nošovice plant to perform their work. This was stated by Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček (for ANO) adding that a total of over 750 workers will go to Nošovice. Most of them (446) will arrive in the Czech Republic in May 2020. K. Havlíček further stated that everyone will have to prove themselves with a negative test on Covid-19 no older than two days, their stay in the country must not exceed 90 days and they will be able to move only on the plant premises. He added that the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic is ready to deal with other individual requirements of companies to allow similar exemptions.

 

Government approves CZK 4bn as guarantees for exporters

(ČIA) On April 24, 2020, the government of the Czech Republic approved a proposal by the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic to deposit CZK 4bn in the Export Guarantee and Insurance Company to cover liabilities from the provided guarantees. The goal of the programme Guarantee COVID plus is to help exporters hit by the crisis. The money will be available on the turn of April and May.

 

CPIPG: Income from acquisitions to exceed COVID-19 impact

(ČIA) CPI Property Group (CPIPG) predicts in 2020 a growth in its gross income from rents and net business income. Negative impacts of COVID-19 on results in the segment of retail and hotel property will be likely more than offset by increased income from the extension of the portfolio of administrative premises in 4Q 2019 and 1Q 2020. More than 75% of premises in group’s portfolio are still in operation even during the state of emergency. The collection of rents reached 84% in March 2020. The figure reached 98% in terms of offices, 60% for retail and 92% for the residential segment.

 

AMSP joins hackathon interconnecting firms and state

(ČIA) The Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Crafts of the Czech Republic (AMSP) has joined the event Hack the Crisis, which was launched by CzechInvest together with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic (MPO) and other partners at the beginning of April. The virtual hackathon will make it possible for firms to prepare a modern production programme for a period after the crisis is over. The state offers money, mentoring and free capacities to the company. The hackathon is to join the state, regions, universities, companies, and associations with a goal to accelerate projects reflecting priorities of the Czech Republic in the fight against coronavirus.

 

Government wants PSP to prolong state of emergency

(ČIA) On April 24, 2020, the government of the Czech Republic unanimously decided to ask the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic (PSP) for prolonging the state of emergency until May 25. According to Czech Deputy PM Jan Hamáček (ČSSD), the restriction of free movement is over, however, the government needs tools for removing other restrictions in a gradual way.

 

Confidence in economy falls to 74.8 point in April

(ČIA) The composite confidence indicator expressed by a basis index, and partial indices, recorded the sharpest month-on-month drops since the beginning of monitoring in April 2020. The composite confidence indicator fell by 19.6 point to the value 74.8, the business sentiment indicator decreased by 19.3 point to 73.8 and the consumer confidence indicator decreased by 20.4 point to 80.1. This stems from data provided by the Czech Statistical Office. The indicators are down also compared with April 2019 and the consumer confidence showed the sharpest decrease from the beginning of the survey.

 

ČBA: Banks will join project Smart Quarantine

(ČIA) Banks will join the project Smart Quarantine at the beginning of the 18th week of 2020. They will provide data for the creation of memory maps. The data will be handed over to the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, which will require it based on a consent of infected people. The information was provided by the Czech Banking Association (ČBA). Conditions for the provision of data by banks will be specified by the Information memorandum, which will be published on April 27, 2020.

 

HK: Touristic services want clear rules for re-opening

(ČIA) The Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic (HK) asks Czech Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch (ANO) and epidemiologic team coordinator Rastislav Maďar for a next phase of discussion with providers of typical summer services. They need to know under which conditions it will be possible to reopen their services. According to HK, this applies particularly to outdoor swimming pools, summer camps, boat and bike rentals, sports grounds, information centres, and providers of catering and accommodation services. According to HK, the government should also specify a more detailed plan for reopening the state border.

 

Government temporarily freezes rent prices

(ČIA) The Czech government has decided to freeze rent prices. This information was provided by Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (for ANO) who added that rent from flats could not be increased until the end of the extraordinary measures. The goal is to provide tenants with a guarantee that their housing costs will not increase.

 

Hamáček: Court confirms need for state of emergency

(ČIA) The court decision on the impossibility to use the act on protecting public health instead of the crisis act to limit fundamental rights and freedoms confirms the fact that crisis measures in the fight against the coronavirus can only be adopted during a state of emergency, according to Minister of the Interior Jan Hamáček (ČSSD). ODS chairman Petr Fiala said that the government acted in a confused way and illegally. According to him, people need to have legal certainty and protection in the state of emergency, and therefore it is good that the court has returned them to the people through its decision.

 

Over 1m people share position because of coronavirus

(ČIA) Over one million people have actively involved themselves in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus in the Czech Republic by sharing their position in the Mapy.cz application. Seznam.cz added that apart from gathering anonymous data, the application also had its own reporting system for which almost 300 infected or potentially infected persons had registered using an online form. Thanks to their involvement, the application was able to send a hundred warnings about an increased probability of COVID-19 infection to the users. The development team has also optimised battery consumption for position sharing and has prepared a new layout for the project’s website.

 

Govt accelerates easing of restrictions

(ČIA) Based on a decision of the government, the Czech Ministry of Health, together with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, has updated the schedule of easing entrepreneurial activities and measures at schools and educational facilities. Instead of five stages, business activities will be relaxed in four stages by May 25, 2020.

 

Prague Airport handled 26.5% more cargo since March 20

(ČIA) Prague Airport handled 434,000 passengers in March 2020, down almost 65% y/y. The number of flights dropped to 6015, i.e. by almost half. The spokesperson for the airport, Roman Pacvoň, has told ČIANEWS that the volume of transported cargo fell by ca. 17% y/y. Since March 20, 2020, the airport has transported more than 1,200 t of medical material. From March 20 until April 20, 2020, 44 special flights with medical material cargo landed in Ruzyně. The total volume of checked cargo on cargo flights, including regular cargo lines, increased by 26.5% year-on-year. The airport now operates mainly repatriation flights, some private flights and two scheduled flights to Minsk and Sofia.

 

MPs approved amendment to budgetary responsibility rules

(ČIA) The Chamber of Deputies outvoted the Senate and approved the amendment to the Act on Budgetary Accountability Rules. The amendment responds to the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The proposal is now heading for signature by President Miloš Zeman. The information was provided by the Ministry of Finance (MF). The standard creates a fiscal space for 2021 at the level of a structural deficit of 4% of GDP. In the following years, public finances would be consolidated according to the EU Council Regulation by at least 0.5 pp year-on-year before the medium-term budgetary goal is met again.

 

MF: Prices for FFP3 respirators will continue to be capped

(ČIA) Based on the request of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance (MF) is introducing price regulation for FFP3 class respirators. This regulation will apply even after the end of the emergency. Price regulations apply exclusively to respirators with the highest degree of efficiency, in order to ensure the operation of medical facilities and emergency services.

 

EY: 94% of Czech entrepreneurs see drop in revenues

(ČIA) Almost all domestic entrepreneurs (94%) in April 2020 are experiencing a decline in sales due to the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. 87% of companies anticipate a drop until the end of the year. The EY survey further showed that 28% of entrepreneurs expect a short-term drop in sales of more than 50%. Small companies with a turnover of up to CZK 50m expect their sales to decrease by up to 40%. Large companies expect a drop of 20%. In a period of economic growth, 57% of entrepreneurs prepared financial reserves for more than two months of income shortage. On the other hand, 40% of companies will not last more than two months to finance the current situation.

 

Slovak Govt initiates korona.gov.sk website

(ČIA) Slovak Government Office initiated regular publication of statistical information on the COVID-19 disease on the website korona.gov.sk. The Permanent Crisis Staff will regularly provide information from April 22, 2020.

 

HK ČR seeks quicker opening of restaurants, hotels

(ČIA) According to the Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic (HK ČR), the government should make it possible to open catering facilities, accommodation facilities or retail centres. According to representatives of HK ČR, if no conceptual change is made, important economic segments will face significant problems and unjustified discrimination in next weeks.

 

MPO: Operators develop new bundles of services

(ČIA) Mobile operators have prepared new bundles helping self-employers and small companies get tools for digitisation and more advantageous telecoms services. This happened based on a call of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic (MPO) and organisations associating entrepreneurs. The shift of activities to the online world can be an opportunity for self-employers and small companies to restart their business after the coronavirus pandemic and raise their ability to compete. The offers introduced by the operators will likely apply to the security of data transfers, an innovative way of sales, IT support of the remote access to a company.

 

ODS offers postponement of VAT payment

(ČIA) Czech political party ODS proposes postponing payments of VAT for 1H 2020 for entrepreneurs. The VAT should be due in March 2021. This was stated by Zbyněk Stanjura, the chairman of ODS MPs Club, adding that the economic package is based on experience from the first month of the state of emergency. He said that the party would like to reduce social insurance payments by two percentage points. ODS Deputy Chairman Martin Kupka said that the government should use CZK 10.5bn out of CZK 33bn from aid provided by EU for the aid for municipalities including investments, repairs and maintenance of their property. Some CZK 4bn should be provided to regions, who would use them for repairs and maintenance of roads of 2nd and 3rd class.

 

MZ starts COVID-19 collective immunity study

(ČIA) The Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic (MZ) is launching a study of collective immunity to the coronavirus. Examined will be approximately 27,000 people in four regions with a different COVID-19 burden (Prague, Brno, Olomouc and Litoměřice). A separate examination will take place in Litovel and Uničov. The study will begin on April 23. Its goal is to find out how many people recovered from COVID-19 only with little or no symptoms. The first results will be available at the beginning of May. The data will serve for decisions on further steps to reduce impacts of the pandemic.

 

Scientists have tools for studying impact of Covid-19

(ČIA) Czech scientists associated in the initiative Model antiCOVID-19 pro ČR coordinated by think-tank IDEA at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic have designed simulation tools to study impacts of measures against the Covid-19 outbreak. Their epidemiologic models make it possible to better target measures limiting the spread of the infection and ease nation-wide restrictions. According to the initiative, the services of the models are available for the government of the Czech Republic and other state or public-service institutions.

 

STAN: Firms from tax paradises are not entitled to aid

(ČIA) According to Czech political movement STAN, only firms residing in the Czech Republic should be allowed to ask for support programmes for firms dealing with impacts of COVID-19. Senator Zdeněk Hraba (STAN) specified that the state aid should go only to firms paying taxes in the Czech Republic. Companies paying taxes somewhere else should not be entitled to the Czech state aid.

 

MD to enable companies to get compensation more quickly

(ČIA) Czech government has agreed to compensate construction companies in the transport infrastructure construction sector. The Ministry of Transport (MD) enables contractors carrying out construction projects in times of emergency to obtain financial compensation for difficult conditions more quickly than under the current contractual conditions. The Road and Motorway Directorate, the Railway Administration and the Waterways Directorate will contact individual contractors to inform them of the compensation measures and binding instructions.

 

NRR: Public finance deficit could total CZK 240bn

(ČIA) Given the Ministry of Finance's forecast, the general government deficit in 2020 is expected to reach CZK 240bn, which represents 4.3% of GDP. This stems from an information study on the fiscal costs of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic by the National Budget Council (NRR). In terms of distribution, most of the deficit should fall to the state budget (ca. CZK 230bn).

 

ČMZRB approved 200 applications for COVD I loan

(ČIA) The Czech-Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank (CMZRB) processed as of April 19, 2020, ca. 1,600 of the 3,200 COVID I loan applications, of which 200 were approved, in the total value of over CZK 700m. The spokesperson for ČMZRB, Marie Lafantová, has told ČIANEWS that all COVID I applications should be processed by the end of April 2020. The criteria for approval of the application included the applicant's creditworthiness, fulfilling the SME definition, unused state aid limit or in the financing of eligible expenditure.

 

Government approved continuation of Pětadvacítka program

(ČIA) The government approved a draft amendment to the Compensation Bonus Act, submitted by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) with the aim of extending direct support for self-employed persons. Direct support will continue to be provided through a compensation bonus of CZK 500 per day for the extended bonus period from May 1 until June 8, 2020. It will thus be possible to apply for the maximum amount of CZK 19 500.

 

Schillerová to propose continued support for sole traders

(ČIA) The Pětadvacítka program will continue. Sole traders who suffered damages may apply for CZK 500 per day also from May 1 until June 8, 2020. This was stated by the Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová (on behalf of ANO), who will submit the proposal to the government.

 

Fund worth billions to support business in Prague

(ČIA) Prague’s leaders plan to create a fund for the renewal and development of business and services in the city with an allocation of billions of korunas. According to the council’s resolution, the expert group should address not only the mechanism of money distribution, but also resources. The Deputy Mayor for Budget, Pavel Vyhnánek (Prague for Itself), said that the implications for the budget are still being calculated. He added that Prague does not want to cut investment expenditures significantly. According to him, the end of quarantine will be the beginning of a new era for which the city must be prepared.

 

FS to pay CZK 3.3bn+ in compensations to self-employed

(ČIA) The Financial Administration received 196,517 applications for compensation bonuses for self-employed persons for processing. In terms of regions, the largest number of applications was received in Prague (25,745). As of April 16, 2020, the tax authorities ordered to pay an amount of over CZK 1.8bn to the applicants, and on April 20 another CZK 1.5bn was ordered. The average compensation bonus per application reached CZK 24,833. The Act on the Compensation Bonuses for the Self-Employed Persons, designed to mitigate the negative effects of events related to the spread of coronavirus, came into effect on April 14.

 

ČMZRB granted COVID support worth CZK 1.6bn

(ČIA) As on April 16, 2020, Czech and Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank (ČMZRB) approved support for entrepreneurs as part of COVID programmes worth CZK 1.6bn (including CZK 1bn within COVID II). This means that sole traders and small and medium-sized businesses received loans for CZK 1.9bn from ČMZRB or their banks. ČMZRB processed 1,400 applications. The bank expects that COVID I applications will be administered by the end of April and COVID II applications within a few weeks. The COVID Prague programme will be announced on April 20, 2020. During the first three months of the year, ČMZRB advanced support to small and medium-sized entrepreneurs worth more than CZK 3.7bn, up by 14% y/y.

 

Zeman to sign budget deficit increase to CZK 300bn

(ČIA) President Miloš Zeman will sign the proposal of Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (ANO) for a further increase of the budget deficit from CZK 200bn to CZK 300bn and the law increasing the nursing benefit from 60 to 80%. Miloš Zeman made this statement on the Presidential Press Club on Radio Frekvence 1. He added it could be expected that the budget would need to be increased.

 

SPČR: Exporters see problems with foreign contracts

(ČIA) Almost 80% of Czech exporters have experienced problems with foreign demand due to coronavirus. Almost one fifth of companies lost all their foreign orders and over 61% of exporters face their decline. This results from a survey of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, which was attended by 111 exporters in a period from 7 to 9 April 2020. In terms of new business contracts, over 45% of companies said they received new orders from abroad, but fewer than before the epidemic. More than 43% of exporters have no new orders from abroad.

 

TOP 09 does not support extension of state of emergency

(ČIA) Under current conditions, MPs representing TOP 09 will not support the extension of the state of emergency, the duration of which is now approved until April 30, 2020. For example, the government has not sufficiently substantiated why it should not be possible to leave the country and its only reason for extending the state of emergency is the necessity to buy certain goods without tenders. TOP 09 wants to promote greater support for sole traders, such as the compensation for their fixed costs, especially rents.

 

Senate approves restrictions on sanctions for loans to self-employed persons

(ČIA) The Senate approved an amendment to the Consumer Credit Act, which sets a ceiling on the maximum amount of sanctions for late repayments for loans for self-employed persons. So far, the level of sanctions has been limited only to consumer loans. At the same time, the amendment restricts the maximum amount of contractual interest for both consumers and self-employed persons who are in arrears longer than 90 days. At the same time, the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic is launching a program of direct support for self-employed people economically affected by the spread of coronavirus. A self-employed person will be entitled to a nominal amount of CZK 25,000. The provision of the amount is conditioned onyl by an application and several basic requirements.

 

Senate approves six-month postponement of installments

(ČIA) Under the accelerated procedure, the Senate approved a proposal for a credit moratorium. It will be possible to defer repayment of loans and mortgages agreed before March 26, 2020 up to a period of six months. Newer loans, credit cards or overdrafts are not affected by this measure. Postponement of repayments will be possible for ordinary consumers, self-employed people and companies. They will be able to defer repayment of their choice either until July 31 or until October 31 of this year. If a client makes use of the postponement of the instalment, the loan repayment period will be extended accordingly. Payments will remain the same. During the grace period, the interest under the contract will continue to run. Companies will pay it continuously even during the deferred payment of principal. Consumers and self-employed persons will only pay it after the principal has been paid.

 

Senate discusses bills related with coronavirus outbreak

(ČIA) Senators have rejected a government proposal that landlords should not expel non-paying tenants by the end of July 2020 and voted for an amendment, according to which the state should guarantee 80% of rent. The Senate supported an amendment of the Consumer Credit Act, which sets a threshold for maximal sanctions caused by delayed instalments by self-employed people. The Senate also approved an amendment of the Act on the Czech National Bank, which temporarily eases limitation in trades on the free market. Senators also approved the possibility to postpone the payment of loans and mortgages concluded before March 26, 2020 for a period of up to six months.

 

EY: COVID-19 pandemic will change face of economy

(ČIA) COVID-19 represents an unprecedented global crisis. Company representatives now have a chance to transform it into an opportunity. And to plan what the world will look like once the pandemic passes. This is the result of an analysis by EY, which says that supply chains and production will change. One possible scenario is abandoning the strategy of offshoring. COVID-19 will also speed up the introduction of technologies, including digital transactions, virtual workshops and videoconferences. Telemedicine and 3D print are also developing on an unprecedented scale. The digital literacy of the population has made a leap in progress that under normal circumstances would have possibly even required several years. The role of e-commerce which is markedly strengthened during the crisis will also determine retail after the crisis.

 

IndustryMin preparing COVID III for Prague entrepreneurs

(ČIA) The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic has announced the update of the first call of the Expansion Guarantee Program: COVID II with modification of conditions valid from April 2, 2020. Support is provided in the form of portfolio guarantees provided by the Czech-Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank. Since COVID II is funded by the EU, it is not possible to support projects in Prague. However, it will be possible to use the upcoming COVID III program to support Prague entrepreneurs.

 

HK ČR advised senators to amend two rental laws

(ČIA) The Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic (HK ČR) has fundamental objections to the Lease Acts on the program of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic for April 16, 2020. In the first case, tenant payment are postponed for the lease or sublease of business premises. According to HK ČR, although the law relieves entrepreneurs in the role of tenants, it leaves the landlord without any compensation and shifts to them fully the consequences of extraordinary measures due to the pandemic. In the second case, the Chamber points out that the bill narrows the whole issue only to termination notice due to delay in rent payments.

 

ODS presents plan for CR’s restoration after pandemic

(ČIA) The Civic Democratic Party (ODS) presented its plan for restoring the Czech Republic following the Covid-19 pandemic. The plan's points include the second economic package, preparation of the health system for the next steps, rules for facilitating the release of measures, categorization of the opening of closed shops, decision to open schools and summer camps, help for others and respect for democratic principles.

 

SPS, ZSPS request access to workers from neighbouring country

(ČIA) Construction companies from the Czech Republic and Slovakia need access to cross-border workers located in the territory of a neighboring country to continue construction. The Association of Building Entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic (SPS) and the Association of Building Entrepreneurs of Slovakia (ZSPS) therefore called on the prime ministers of both states to allow construction workers to enter the territory of both countries, so that any potential quarantine will be ordered in one territory only. For strategic constructions of transport, water and energy infrastructure, the associations call for the entry and departure of specific experts without compulsory quarantine.

 

MPO: 50,000 requests from self-employed for nursing fees

(ČIA) The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) has registered more than 50,000 applications in two weeks from self-employed persons for so-called nursing allowances. Of the total, the ministry reviewed ca. 10,000 applications, approved 5,000 and returned 5,000 for completion or reworking. The ministry started to pay the subsidy on April 14, 2020. In the first wave, roughly CZK 22m will be paid to ca. 3,000 people. The average amount of subsidy for approved applications is CZK 7,000 per person.

 

Govt plans to lift restrictions in five steps until June 8

(ČIA) Czech government plans to lift the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 disease in five waves. From April 20, crafts, farmers' markets, car showrooms and outdoor training activities will be permitted. From April 27, shops sized up to 200 m2 will follow, unless they are in shopping centres sized over 5,000 m2. From May 11 establishments sized up to 1,000 m2 (outside shopping centres), will open, together with driving schools and fitness centre. They will be followed by restaurants on May 25, through window sales or in beer gardens, hairdresser’s and other beauty services, museums, galleries and zoos. In the last wave, restrictions will be abolished for all business premises in shopping centres as well as for business premises over 1,000 not located in shopping centres. Restrictions will no longer apply to restaurants, hotels, taxis, theatres or mass events with a defined number of participants.

 

GALARD: cotton face masks with nano filters

The tailoring company GALARD Prague temporarily switched their production line from suit and shirts to cotton face masks with nano filters. No matter if you need just a few pieces for your personal use or higher quantities for your company, you can contact Karel Repa for prices and more details. Email: repa@galard.cz, Mobile phone: +420 778 801 802.

 

Twisto: Pandemic changing e-commerce, cash on delivery disappearing

(ČIA) The option of cash on delivery will soon disappear from e-shops and will be replaced by cashless means of payment. This is predicted by Twisto, which added that customers' shopping habits have changed dramatically in connection with the pandemic. Sales of tickets, tours and fashion have ceased while sales of food, drugstore, pet supplies and food delivery are on the rise. The current situation, according to Twisto, changes a number of established schemes and it will be interesting to see how new habits will be reflected in the future. It is not just about payments, but also about delivering and receiving goods or choosing a store.

 

ČS cooperated with the Tatum startup on the Save Your Company project

(ČIA) Česká spořitelna (ČS) in cooperation with the blockchain start-up Tatum launched the non-profit project Save Your Company. It aims to help small businesses with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic by purchasing vouchers worth CZK 100 to 1,000.

 

The CovPoint team ensured the acquisition of five EIT devices

(ČIA) The CovPoint team, composed of representatives of CzechInvest, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, ensured the acquisition of five devices of Electric Impedance Tomography (EIT). They will help patients with a severe course of COVID-19. The project was coordinated by persons from the General University Hospital in Prague, the 1st Medical Faculty of Charles University and LINET. The purchase price of one device is approximately CZK 2 million. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is now looking for funds for purchasing EIT also for hospitals in Hradec Králové, Brno and Ostrava.

 

AKČR: Smart Quarantine is ready for launch in regions

(ČIA) Smart quarantine is ready to run in all regions. This was stated by the Association of Regions of the Czech Republic (AKČR). The goal is to quarantine people suspected of being infected with coronavirus faster and more effectively within three days of the test.

 

MPs supported the proposal to postpone rent for companies

(ČIA) On April 8, 2020, the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic passed, in summary form, a government bill on certain measures to mitigate the effects of the SARS CoV-2 coronavirus epidemic on tenants of business premises. Companies that had to close down operations due to measures in the context of the pandemic will be able to take advantage of the possibility of deferring rent. The withdrawal period will run from March 12, when the state of emergency was declared and will last until June 30, 2020. The landlord will not be able to give notice to the entrepreneur for inability to pay rent. The deadline for payment of installments will be two years, until March 31, 2022

 

ERO is preparing a new pricing decision due to COVID-19

(ČIA) The Energy Regulatory Office (ERO) has prepared a proposal to amend the price decision on regulated prices related to gas supply in connection with the announcement of the emergency situation due to the COVID-19 epidemic. It aims to mitigate the consequences of the measures taken. The ERO launched a public consultation process on the new proposal.

 

PSP approves amendments on ČNB, budgetary responsibility and deferral of rent

(ČIA) The Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic (PSP) has approved the amendment on the Czech National Bank (ČNB) act, which temporarily relaxes the institution’s restrictions on trading on the open market. MPs also approved an amendment to the Act on Budgetary Accountability Rules. The standard creates a fiscal space of a structural deficit of 4 % of GDP for 2021. The draft enabling companies to defer rent payments also received support.

 

H&P: Možnosti elektronizace právního jednání, obrana proti nepřiměřeným cenám a další

(H&P) Aktuální krizová situace a mimořádná opatření s ní související nám znemožňují řešit řadu záležitostí osobním jednáním, jak jsme byli dosud zvyklí. S kolegy jsme se proto v našem novém eFlashi rozhodli shrnout, které úkony je v současnosti možné provádět elektronicky, jak široké využití má elektronický podpis zejména při uzavírání smluv a jednání s úřady či zda je reálné, že se Vám podaří na dálku vyřídit pracovněprávní změnu. Naše kancelář dlouhodobě usiluje o to, aby české právo i rozhodovací praxe českých soudů uznaly liberalizaci elektronického právního jednání a jeho zrovnoprávnění s listinnou podobou dokumentů. Toto téma nabralo v čase pandemie významně na aktuálnosti.

- celý článek -

 

HOTEL DUO is open for corporate clients

We are glad to inform you that our HOTEL DUO has the permission to host corporate clients again. As one of the first in Prague, we have already launched the accommodation process in April, after the short break. If you are looking for some place where to spend your business trip you are warmly welcome at our facility where we have successfully completed the final phase of the room renovation in previous days.

Our other hotel from Jan Hotels group HOTEL CAROL , would welcome you from the very beginning of the month of May.

Last but not least, more reopenings are being prepared for upcoming summer regarding the HOTEL LEONARDO in Prague and our next HOTEL RŮŽE in Český Krumlov. For both hotels, we are working on special offers for summer stay, which would be finally available also for your families.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact our sales manager Andrej Krajčoviech E: sales.manager4@janhotels.cz  M: +420 727 823 736 . For reservation please contact our reservation department on: E:resduo@janhotels.cz or T: +420 266 133 011

 

 

ABSL: 56% of Czech business service centers face new opportunities

(ČIA) A total of 56% of Czech business service centers are facing new development opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a survey conducted by the Association of Business Service Leaders in the Czech Republic (ABSL), 12% take over the processes from their sister organizations in Asia, which had to temporarily reduce operations. These include IT support for home workers, data consolidation, digitization projects and the introduction of robotic automation.

- source -

 

PSP extends state of emergency until end of April

(ČIA) The Chamber of Deputies (PSP) has approved the extension of the state of emergency until April 30, 2020. Compared to the originally announced extension until May 11, ODS chairman Petr Fiala considers it a compromise. He believes that the government will present a plan for the next steps to loosen the existing restrictions.

 

Hamáček: Mandatory quarantine after travelling abroad

(ČIA) The cancellation of the blanket ban to travel out of the Czech Republic, approved by the government and effective from April 14, 2020, does not mean an opening of the border. This statement was made by Minister of the Interior Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) who added that the movement-restriction order was still in force. He added that anyone who fulfilled the conditions and travelled abroad would be placed into two-week quarantine after returning. Quarantine exceptions are for commuters working abroad in healthcare, social services, integrated rescue system units and critical infrastructure. Other commuters will be subject to a two-weeks-at-work-and-two-weeks-at-home regime.

 

HK ČR supports self-employed contribution of CZK 30,000

(ČIA) The Czech Chamber of Commerce (HK ČR) proposes to expand support for the self-employed to all those in need that cannot do their business in the current state of crisis. According to the Chamber, the current government proposal by the Czech Ministry of Finance omits a significant part of the sole traders. HK ČR’s support is also with the proposals of the opposition, such as increasing the compensation to CZK 30,000 and at least partially covering fixed costs of the self-employed, for instance rents. The state should also partially help those who run their trade as a supplementary gainful activity.

 

H&P: možnosti krizového financování ve formě tzv. programu COVID PLUS.

Až 200 miliard korun formou záruk za bankovní úvěry by měla poskytnout Exportní garanční a pojišťovací společnost („EGAP“) v rámci dalšího balíčku krizového financování. Podle posledních informací by o tuto formu podpory mohly žádat:

společnosti s více než 250 zaměstnanci, u kterých
alespoň 20 % tržeb za loňský rok pochází z exportu, a to i v rámci subdodávek exportním společnostem.

Možnosti využití finančních prostředků z tohoto programu COVID PLUS jsou také podstatně širší, než tomu bylo u programu COVID II pro malé a střední podniky. Prostředky ze zaručeného úvěru bude možné použít na:

refinancování nebo restrukturalizace stávajícího úvěru;
nový úvěr na financování provozních potřeb i
nový úvěr na financování investic, případně kombinaci všech uvedených.

- celý článek -

 

H&P: COMPANIES IN QUARANTINE: WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE NEW MEASURES ENSURING THE OPERATION

The current emergency measures adopted in response to the new coronavirus, SARS CoV-2 epidemic, in the Czech Republic affect the life of each of us as well as companies, their shareholders and members of their corporate bodies. . In this respect, the Ministry of Justice prepared a bill (referred to as Lex Covid) that is to allow, among other things, the work of corporate bodies under the current state of emergency and related epidemiologic measures. The bill is expected to come into effect in the next few days (“Lex Covid”).

- read more -

 

Platforma SPOJUJEME ČESKO / CovPoint A VÝZVA AMSP ČR

AMSP ČR se připojuje ke specializovanému týmu složenému ze zástupců agentury CzechInvest, Ministerstva průmyslu a obchodu a Ministerstva zdravotnictví. Za podpory Svazu průmyslu ČR pomáhá v boji proti Covid-19 zejména propojováním potřeb s nabídkami firem. Tým vznikl již před časem jako reakce na novou situaci,

- celý článek - 

www.covpoint.org

www.spojujemecesko.cz

 

Prague to help small businesses with CZK 500m

(ČIA) The City of Prague will redirect more than CZK 500m from OP Prague - Growth Pole to the Prague version of the bailout program, Covid PRAHA. The money will be used to help small and medium-sized enterprises. The city of Prague will cooperate on the bailout program with the Czech-Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank. Jiří Pospíšil, chairman of the United Forces for Prague, added that the city has asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade for a guarantee of state funding if the European Commission does not approve the transfer of funds in the future.

 

NBS informs about extraordinary financial measures

(ČIA) The National Bank of Slovakia (NBS) reported that, as of April 4, 2020, Act no. 67/2020 CFU, on certain emergency financial measures in relation to the spread of dangerous contagious human disease COVID-19 has been in force. It enables NBS to interrupt the sanction and authorisation procedures conducted by the NBS, extend the deadlines for NBS' acts or extend the deadlines for supervised entities and other entities arising from special regulations in the financial market area. The Act also regulates the possibility and conditions of electronic communication between supervised and other entities in relation to the NBS during a pandemic.

 

ČBA: Banks received 140,000 requests for deferral

(ČIA) Banks in the Czech Republic are preparing for a law on the repayment moratorium, according to which the debtor will be able to choose between 3 and 6 months of grace from payment. The Chamber of Deputies is scheduled to discuss the law on April 7, 2020. As of April 6, 2020, banking institutions received almost 140,000 requests for deferral of instalments. Most of them requests concern consumer loans (60%), another 30% of applications are for mortgage loans and 10% are for business loans. This stems from the data from the Czech Banking Association (ČBA).

 

MZ to allow doctors from third countries to work without exams

(ČIA) The Ministry of Health (MZ) will permit doctors from outside the EU to work in the Czech Republic without qualification examinations. The government approved the measure at its session on April 6, 2020, for the period of emergency and three months after its end.

 

MPO: Virtual hackathon to help against coronavirus

(ČIA) CzechInvest, in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, launches the virtual hackathon Hack the Crisis. The concept brings together the state, regions, universities, companies and associations to accelerate the implementation of selected projects reflecting the Czech Republic's priorities in the fight against coronavirus. The hackaton is roofed by the Spojujeme Česko (We Connect Czech Republic) platform. Thanks to the involvement of all relevant components of the state, the ministry and CzechInvest want to coordinate support for projects that encounter obstacles to their implementation, from lack of funding, lack of contacts, know-how and capacities to lengthy processes.

 

MPSV expects unemployment to grow to up to 8%

(ČIA) The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MPSV) expects the unemployment rate might rise to up to 8% due to coronavirus. This statement was made by Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Jana Maláčová (ČSSD) on Czech Television’s debate, Otázky Václava Moravce. She added this was a black scenario corresponding to the crisis in 2008-2009. She did not want to estimate if unemployment will jump up in April or if the rise will be gradual.

 

Maláčová: Govt to discuss entry into key companies

(ČIA) The government will discuss the proposal put forth by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) that the state could enter into key companies if they faced problems due to the economic impact of the coronavirus epidemic. This statement was made by Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Jana Maláčová (ČSSD) on Czech Television’s debate, Otázky Václava Moravce. She added that the privatisation of ČSA had been a mistake in the past and if the state gets rid of strategic firms, it needs to save them in times of crisis anyway. However, the profits will remain private and losses will be public. CERGE-EI economist Filip Matějka added that large firms can be secured by banks that will find a way how to help them. The state should focus on flat assistance, especially to small and mid-sized companies.

 

Maláčová: Antivirus to be launched on April 6

(ČIA) The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs will launch the Antivirus programme for the protection of employment at noon on April 6, 2020. This statement was made by Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Jana Maláčová (ČSSD) on Czech Television’s debate, Otázky Václava Moravce. The programme concerns up to 3.1m employees and 280,000 companies. The state will provide two types of contributions: It will cover 80% of wages to people from closed establishments during the ordered closure up to the amount of CZK 39,000. In case of raw material outages or lower demand, the state will provide 60% of wages up to the amount of CZK 29,000. Support will be calculated from the super-gross wage. Employers will have to pay wages and levies first, and the Labour Office will then reimburse the given part.

 

Govt to discuss opening of some shops

(ČIA) At its meeting on April 6, 2020, the Czech government will discuss the opening of selected shops and establishments from Thursday, April 9, 2020. They should include shops selling working clothes, children’s clothes, prams and baby car seats, stationery shops, hobby markets, shops selling and repairing shoes and ironmongeries. Selected sports venues should also be made available. Andrej Babiš (ANO) added this step would be conditioned with the consent of epidemiologists based on the statistics of the spread of coronavirus on April 8, 2020.

 

Babiš refused to freeze minimum wage and test seniors

(ČIA) Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) rejected proposals by President Miloš Zeman and Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Jana Maláčová (ČSSD) on further measures against coronavirus. President Zeman suggested the freezing of the minimum wage and Jana Maláčová general testing of seniors.

 

ČSOB: Revenue significantly decreases in 60% of companies

(ČIA) Many companies have to deal immediately with a significant drop in sales. According to a ČSOB survey, they fall among nearly 60% of the surveyed clients. The lack of cash therefore leads to the fact that more than half of the surveyed clients would like to use loans guaranteed by the Czech-Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank (ČMZRB). The current demand for operating financing is only CZK 1.7bn among small and medium-sized companies in Prague. If the bank takes into account its market share, it is the total need for operating financing of CZK 6.3bn in Prague alone in relation to the effects of coronavirus. It is therefore evident that small and medium-sized businesses are under high liquidity pressure.

 

Hamáček: State of emergency should be extended by one month

(ČIA) The state of emergency should apply from April 11, 2020 for another month. Minister of the Interior Jan Hamáček (ČSSD) said on TV Prima's debate Partie that if the MPs did not extend the state of emergency for a month, the government cannot effectively fight coronavirus. If it only approved until the end of April, Hamáček would then request a further extension.

 

SP ČR: Manuál pro firmy, jak žádat o kompenzace v programu Antivirus

Vláda schválila příspěvek na kompenzaci mzdových nákladů zaměstnanců od 12. 3. do konce dubna 2020.

- celý článek -

 

AMSP: Podpora OSVČ bude plošná, podmínka poklesu příjmů zmizí

(AMSP( Ministryně financí Alena Schillerová vyslyšela argumenty AMSP ČR a chystá výrazné zmírnění podmínek pro přiznání pětadvacetitisícové podpory. Podmínka poklesu příjmů z návrhu zcela zmizí, bonus navíc budou moci získat třeba i podnikající studenti.

- zdroj -

 

SP ČR: Velikonoční výzva SP ČR: 6 opatření pro restart ekonomiky

(SP ČR)  ŠEST OPATŘENÍ KLÍČOVÝCH PRO RESTART EKONOMIKY
Svaz průmyslu a dopravy ČR vyzývá vládu, aby urychleně ještě před Velikonocemi přijala opatření v šesti oblastech klíčových pro první fázi restartu ekonomiky.

- článek - 

 

Govt supports liberation package expansion

(ČIA) UPDATE - The government approved on March 30, 2020, the extension of the limitation of free movement of persons until April 11. The cabinet also approved proposal to waive off VAT for the free delivery of s masks, respirators, disinfectants and raw materials for their production and other protective equipment. The waiver applies from March 12 for the entire duration of the state of emergency. The government has also supported the expansion of the liberation package, under which taxpayers will be able to pay road tax advances due in April and July until October 15, 2020. Minister of Transport Karel Havlíček (for ANO) added that construction companies can expect an increase in the State Transport Fund’s budget by CZK 6.5bn to record CZK 113bn.

 

MSp: Govt approves firms’ protection against insolvency

(ČIA) The government approved the so-called lex covid justice, which protects entrepreneurs from insolvency and alleviates the conditions of people in debt relief. The information was provided by the Ministry of Justice, with the fact that the execution will also stop, in which nothing has been recovered in the last three years.

 

Gov’t approved moratorium on loan and mortgage installments

(ČIA) UPDATE - On April 1, 2020 the government of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) approved a proposal to declare a moratorium on the payment of loans and mortgages. Debtors from the ranks of individuals and companies will be able to choose an interruption of payments for three or six months. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (for ANO) stated that following approval by the Parliament of the Czech Republic and coming into effect the measure will be binding for all banks and non-banking companies. The deferral of payments will be voluntary and no fees will be tied to it. In reaction to the government decision, the Czech Banking Association stressed that the legislation only allows for deferral of payments for those clients who have suffered negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Prague to offer entrepreneurs own guarantees for loans

(ČIA) The Prague City Hall is planning to offer within a few weeks guarantees for loans that would help entrepreneurs from going bankrupt. According to Hospodářské noviny, this will be a measure that can cost the city up to CZK 1bn. Prague has already invested the same amount in the fight against coronavirus, especially for the purchase of medical supplies.

 

 

AMSP proposes to compensate more self-employed

(ČIA) The Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Sole Traders (AMSP) proposed simplification of the rules for the payment of compensation of CZK 25,000 for self-employed persons. According to the association, the parameters set by the government in the original proposal are unfortunate and many sole traders would not be able to get help. Therefore, the AMSP proposed a system with the widest possible inclusion of types of self-employed persons. The measure should newly cover also those who do not do business all year or have started their business in 2020, as well as entrepreneurs who interrupted their activities in March due to unclear situation. The association also requests information on the schedule for the gradual release of restrictions.

 

MPO: Government approves deferred rent for entrepreneurs

(ČIA) The Czech government has approved a draft bill to defer rent for entrepreneurs who had to close their operations due to the measures against the spreading of the coronavirus. This information was provided by the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO), adding that the protective period would last from March 12 to June 30, 2020. The companies will have two years – until March 31, 2022 – to cover the instalments. The draft will be submitted to the Chamber of Deputies in a state of legislative emergency.

 

EC wants to spend EUR 100bn on employment protection

(ČIA) The European Commission (EC) has proposed a new temporary support tool to mitigate the risks of unemployment (SURE) and to protect jobs in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Within the framework of the programme, EU countries should have the possibility to draw financial assistance in the form of loans with a total volume of up to EUR 100bn. There is no pre-set amount for the respective member states. The loans should be used by the member states to finance programmes enabling companies in economic problems to temporarily decrease the number of hours worked by their employees.

 

Havlíček increases COVID 2 loan limit to CZK 5bn

(ČIA) The Czech-Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank (ČMZRB) has begun providing COVID 2 interest-free loans. The interest in them exhausted the CZK 1.5bn limit in three hours. This information was provided by Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček (for ANO) who said that he decided to increase the limit to CZK 5bn. Applications are therefore still being received. The ČMZRB has increased the number of staff for that reason.

 

ODS: COVID II reflects insufficient government help

(ČIA) The exhaustion of the CZK 1.5bn allotment for the COVID II programme in less than three hours hints at the government’s insufficient help for enterprises. This statement was made by ODS MPs club chairman Zbyněk Stanjura who added that the filling-up of the forms took more than two hours and 700 application were satisfied. Moreover, ODS is criticising the government’s intention to wait until April 20, 2020 to announce another round of the programme. At the same time, it is asking where the CZK 33bn that was released by the EU to help small and medium-sized enterprises is.

 

ODS to submit support for self-employed - sole traders

(ČIA) ODS will submit to the Chamber of Deputies an edited proposal to support the self-employed. This information was provided by ODS MPs club chairman Zbyněk Stanjura who said that within the framework of the government proposal, sole traders had no chance to get this support. Stanjura added that compared to the government proposal, ODS would increase the support by CZK 5,000 to CZK 30,000. The contribution should be tax-exempt and the state has to allow an online submission of the application for compensation.

 

GfK: People's concerns about impact of epidemic on economy are higher than health

(ČIA) Compared to Czechs, Slovak buyers are more worried about coronavirus infection when shopping. According to a survey conducted by GfK, most worried buyers are aged 60+. Activities at the top of the preventive activities include more frequent hand washing, compliance with government hygiene recommendations, and avoiding places with a higher concentration of people/public places. The survey also shows that Czechs and Slovaks are more concerned about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the economy than on their own health.

 

AMSP: COVID II. za půlden naplněn, další kolo 20. dubna 2020

(AMSP) První kolo záručního programu COVID II bylo naplněno. O záruku za provozní úvěr požádalo více než 700 živnostníků, malých a středních podniků. Hodnota předložených úvěrů přesahuje 1,5 miliardy korun. Všechny žádosti budou vyhodnoceny v následujících 10 pracovních dnech. Druhé kolo programu COVID II bude spuštěno 20. dubna 2020.

 

The Government approved an amendment to the Act on Budgetary Accountability Rules

(ČIA) On April 1, 2020, the Government of the Czech Republic passed an amendment to the Act on Budgetary Accountability Rules, which responds to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The standard proposes to create a fiscal space at the level of a structural deficit totaling 4% of GDP for 2021. In the following years, public finances would then be consolidated according to the EU Council Regulation by half a percentage point year on year. As a result, the Czech Republic will again meet the medium-term budgetary target by 2028 and the economy will not be destabilized by excessive one-off negative fiscal shocks.

- czech -

 

HK ČR: V. Dlouhý: Postponement of corporate loans will improve cash flow

(ČIA) According to the Czech Chamber of Commerce (HK ČR), the government's decision to postpone mortgage payments, corporate or consumer loans is another positive step of the state to relieve citizens and entrepreneurs in the current coronavirus crisis. HK CR President Vladimir Dlouhy said that this is another measure that will improve many companies' cash flow. According to him, the good news is that the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic is not implementing the measure across the board, but only for those who request the postponement of installments themselves.

- czech -

 

LaborMin: Companies applying for support in the Antivirus program will not have to prove their debtlessness

(ČIA) On April 1, 2020, the government of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) approved draft legislative changes in the area of employment submitted by the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Jana Maláčková (ČSSD). Their goal is to make the Antivirus program work better, to relieve the Labor Office and also to relieve the citizens themselves so that they can register more easily and online from anywhere at the Labor Office. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Czech Republic has stated that during the state of emergency no confirmation of debt will be required from companies applying for support under the Antivirus program. The resort also proposes a change in order not to reduce the contribution for the employment of persons with disabilities by pay compensation for obstacles.

- czech -

 

Gov’t approved moratorium on loan and mortgage installments

(ČIA) UPDATE - On April 1, 2020 the government of Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) approved a proposal to declare a moratorium on the payment of loans and mortgages. Debtors from the ranks of individuals and companies will be able to choose an interruption of payments for three or six months. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (for ANO) stated that following approval by the Parliament of the Czech Republic and coming into effect the measure will be binding for all banks and non-banking companies. The deferral of payments will be voluntary and no fees will be tied to it. In reaction to the government decision, the Czech Banking Association stressed that the legislation only allows for deferral of payments for those clients who have suffered negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Evropská komise zveřejnila Pokyny pro volný pohyb pracovníků v EU během pandemie

(SP ČR) Evropská komise zveřejnila 30. 3. 2020 Pokyny pro realizaci volného pohybu pracovníků v Evropské unii v době šíření viru COVID-19 - C (2020) 2051. Navázala tak na vodítka pro opatření v oblasti správy hranic v zájmu ochrany zdraví a dostupnosti zboží a nezbytných služeb – C (2020) 1753, která stanovila základní principy integrované spolupráce.

- detail -

 

Koro-NERV 20

(Penize.cz) Leading economists set up the KoroNERV-20 initiative. They want to assess the actions of public institutions and look for short-term solutions to steer the economy in crisis caused by the effects of coronavirus, but also to come up with long-term proposals to return the Czech Republic to prosperity. The project initiators include Danuše Nerudová, Petr Stuchlík, Mojmír Hampl, Tomáš Sedláček and Mariana Čapková. 

 

H&P: MIMOŘÁDNÉ ZMĚNY INSOLVENČNÍHO ZÁKONA

(H&P) 

MIMOŘÁDNÉ MORATORIUM JAKO RYCHLÝ NÁSTROJ PRO OCHRANU ŽIVOTASCHOPNÉHO PODNIKATELE


Za zásadní považujeme zejména úpravu mimořádného moratoria, na jehož přípravě jsme se vedle dalších odborníků na insolvenční právo podíleli. Hlavní cíl mimořádného moratoria spočívá v dočasné ochraně jinak konkurenceschopných podniků v době mimořádné krize a umožnění překonat výpadek disponibilních prostředků prostřednictvím dočasného omezení realizace zajištění či zahájení vykonávacího řízení či exekuce. Má vytvořit jakýsi dýchací prostor a umožnit dlužníkovi větší komfort pro dojednání případné dohody s věřiteli. To je klíčové především po účinnosti občanského zákoníku, který značně zjednodušil postup při výkonu zajištění. Oproti standardnímu moratoriu není nicméně zakázáno započtení. Úprava zároveň s tím poskytuje i určitou ochranu věřitelům, když v dnešní době je více než kdy jindy každý dlužníkem i věřitelem.

- celý článek -

 

Sweden could lift state ownership in large companies due to virus crisis - finance minister

The Swedish government could increase its holdings in large companies should they need taxpayer capital to ride out the economic slump due to the coronavirus pandemic, Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson said. The centre-left government has launched a raft of measures in support of the economy since the coronavirus crisis hit, for example through loan guarantees, though it has so far not moved to introduce outright capital injections to struggling firms. Andersson told daily Dagens Nyheter that while the government was not in a position to take on ownership in the many smaller firms facing difficulties, doing so for larger corporations was a possibility. “That is how we usually do things in Sweden. The taxpayer takes on a risk and should have the opportunity to be in on the recovery, when it comes, and be able to recoup some of the money.” Andersson also said that it could anger taxpayers if companies receiving state support were at the same time making large dividends to shareholders.

- Reuters -

 

Monitoring světových obchodních a investičních bariér / COVID-19: Trade and trade-related measures

(SP ČR) Dovolujeme si Vás informovat o aktuálním seznamu omezujících opatření ve světě v souvislosti s krizí COVID-19, která negativně ovlivňují obchod, investice a globální řetězce.

Aktualizovaný (k 29. 3. 2020) seznam bariér vydaný sekretariátem WTO k dispozici - zde -

 

Hospodářská komora spouští celostátní projekt Zachraň práci!

(HK ČR)  Hospodářská komora vyzývá zaměstnavatele, aby se zapojili do celostátního projektu Zachraň práci! Umožní jim místo propouštění zaměstnanců je dočasně přidělit jinému zaměstnavateli. První poptávky a nabídky zaměstnavatelů dispečeři dnes začali přijímat na bezplatné lince 800 222 121, zpřístupněna jim je aplikace :WorldLinks.com

- celý článek -

 

SP ČR: ABYCHOM ČESKOU EKONOMIKU ZACHRÁNILI, OČEKÁVÁME OD VLÁDY RYCHLOU AKCI A POMOC

(SP CŘ)  Každý měsíc utlumení ekonomiky kvůli boji s epidemií koronaviru sníží roční tempo růstu HDP o 2 procentní body. Jen cestovní ruch přijde o 70 procent svého výkonu. Mnoho zemí letos spadne do recese, vyplývá z březnové analýzy Organizace pro hospodářskou spolupráci a rozvoj (OECD). Vlády ovšem už musí začít pracovat na opatřeních, která pomohou vrátit ekonomiku co nejdříve k normálu. Svaz průmyslu radí mimo jiné zavést srozumitelný a flexibilní kurzarbeit, zavést příspěvky na fixní náklady a uvolňovat restrikce, jakmile to bude možné.

- celý článek -

 

M. Zahradníček: NCTB has cure for coronavirus

(ČIA) The National Tissue and Cell Center (NCTB) can produce billions of cells fighting COVID-19 without significant investment; one billion cells can serve ca. 20 patients. This was stated in an interview for daily E15 by Michal Zahradníček, the co-owner of PrimeCell, a biotechnology company, which NTCTB is part of. He says that the drug's research cost CZK 150m. The laboratory is now waiting for a statement from the State Institute for Drug Control.

 

 

ODS: Govt should postpone insurance payments for employees

(ČIA) The government should postpone health and social insurance payments for employees. Businesses must be left with money for net wages. According to ODS deputy chairman Zbyněk Stanjura, the government should begin to compensate for fixed costs for companies that lose profits and sales. He added that in Denmark the government pays 80-100% of fixed costs to companies that have lost their profits by 80-100%, 50% to businesses with a 60-80% drop in profits and 25% to fixed costs if profits drop by 40-60%. ODS called on the government to take this model as a basis for negotiations and to make a decision on how to pay fixed costs so that companies survive and not lose jobs.

- source -

 

MSp: Govt approves firms’ protection against insolvency

(ČIA) The government approved the so-called lex covid justice, which protects entrepreneurs from insolvency and alleviates the conditions of people in debt relief. The information was provided by the Ministry of Justice, with the fact that the execution will also stop, in which nothing has been recovered in the last three years.

 

Govt OKs Antivirus program, support for self-employed

(ČIA) Czech government approved the Antivirus program on March 31, 2020. Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Jana Maláčová (Social Democrats, ČSSD) said that entrepreneurs may apply to the state for wage compensation for the period from March 12 until the end of April 2020. The program foresees two schemes. The first applies to quarantined persons and enterprises closed by the state’s decision; e.g. they have reduced sales or lack of subcontracting. The program will be calculated from the super-gross wage. In mode A it will cover 80% with a maximum of CZK 39,000 and in mode B 60% with a limit of CZK 29,000. The impact on the state budget will reach almost CZK 33bn. The government also supported compensation for self-employed persons limited by COVID-19, amounting to CZK 500 per day between March 12 and the end of April.

- source -

 

HK ČR: Government support for entrepreneurs is a good compromise

(ČIA) The specific parameters for the support of entrepreneurs presented by the government on March 31, 2020 reflect in many respects the requirements of entrepreneurs and the Czech Chamber of Commerce. The chamber announced that the government gave a clear position, and so companies at least in general can prepare financial plans for the next weeks and months.

-HK ČR -

 

AMSP: Jednodušší kurzarbeit?

(AMSP) Po včerejší výzvě AMSP ČR, zveřejněné v tiskové zprávě a kritizující zbytečnou komplikovanost připraveného kurzarbeitu, dnes ve vládě projednává ministryně práce a sociálních věcí tuto zjednodušenou variantu. Podnikatelé netrpělivě čekají na výsledek a rovněž na prováděcí předpisy k celému procesu

- celý návrh -

 

AMSP: COVID III. v přípravě pro pražské firmy a podnikatele

(AMSP) Dle dnešního (30.3.2020) oznámení ČMZRB se připravuje pro podporu podnikatelů z Prahy program COVID III., probíhají jednání s Magistrátem. Spuštění se očekává ca do dvou týdnů. Program COVID II., kde startuje příjem žádostí ve čtvrtek 2. dubna 2020, se týká žadatelů ze všech regionů ČR vyjma hl.m.Prahy.

 

HK ČR: Companies lack information on how to get state aid

(ČIA) Employers and sole traders continue to lack specific information, under what conditions and when they will be eligible for government-sponsored support. For example, a survey of nearly 1,400 sole traders and companies in the Czech Chamber of Commerce (HK ČR) shows that two fifths of employers intend to use the so-called kurzarbeit (short-term work) because they have significant sales problems. However, details of the possibility to use the short-term work are still missing.

 

Government supports liberation package expansion

(ČIA) The government approved on March 30, 2020, the proposal to waive off VAT for the free delivery of goods that helps mitigate the effects of the spread of the disease. The measure covers masks, respirators and other protective equipment, but also disinfectants and raw materials for their production. The waiver applies from March 12 for the entire duration of the state of emergency. This was stated by Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová (for ANO). The government has also supported the expansion of the liberation package, under which taxpayers will be able to pay road tax advances due in April and July until October 15, 2020. Minister of Transport Karel Havlíček (for ANO) added that construction companies can expect an increase in the State Transport Fund’s budget by CZK 6.5bn to record CZK 113bn.

 

SFDI to get CZK 6.5bn extra, Railway Admin CZK 3.5bn

(ČIA) The government approved on March 30, 2020, a series of measures to support transport. Road tolls and road tax payments by cargo transporters will be postponed. Investment in infrastructure will also be strengthened by increasing the budget of the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure (SFDI) by CZK 6.5bn. The Railway Administration was asked to prepare further investments in the railway sector in the amount of CZK 3.5bn above the current budget. The ministries of industry, transport and the interior should further elaborate the procedure to extend the touristic regime for foreign workers.

 

SP CR: Jak za současné situace řešit exekuce a insolvence?

(SP CR) V souvislosti s vládními opatřeními zaměřenými na omezení šíření onemocnění COVID-19 může osobám samostatně výdělečně činným a zaměstnancům hrozit nižší příjem nebo jeho celková ztráta.

Celá situace může být komplikovanější pro toho, kdo je navíc v exekuci nebo insolvenci. Věděli jste, že lidé v exekuci mají možnost požádat o její odklad a lidem v insolvenci pak zjednoduší situaci snížení měsíčních splátek nebo jejich přerušení?

- více info -

 

Reaction of the Foreign Chambers of Commerce on the Government „Program Antivirus"

(March 26) Many businesses have experienced sharp drops in revenue stemming from drops in demand, shortage of supply, and/or government measure. Clearly delineating the source of the drop in revenue is academic detective work. The important issue is that the drop in revenue has created major cash flow issues inside these companies and compelling companies to cut costs. The concern is that companies will cut employment as result, and that the cumulative effect of lower employment will lead to cycle of lower demand and further job loss.

The Czech government has reacted to this situation with a package of employment support measures targeted at specific causes of revenue loss: quarantine (two programs), government emergency measures, loss of supply due to the coronavirus, and loss of demand for product and service. The government has placed a range of government wage compensation based on the cause.

-CZE/ENG document -

 

AMSP: Předložený kurzarbeit je příliš komplikovaný a pro podnikatele zcela nedostačující

(AMSP) Asociace malých a středních podniků a živnostníků ČR (AMSP ČR) považuje navržený model kurzarbeitu za komplikovaný a nepřehledný pro podnikatele. Jde o čas. Požaduje jej proto sjednotit na jeden režim stejný pro všechny. Skutečný příspěvek státu podle předloženého modelu je na úrovni pouhých ca 35 %. AMSP ČR požaduje zvýšení tohoto procenta a převzetí 100 % odvodů za zaměstnance ze strany státu. Horní hranici zastropovat. Spodní hranice je sociálně neúnosná.

- článek -

 

Doporučení SP ČR na opatření pro pomoc firmám a ekonomice

Svaz průmyslu a dopravy ČR předložil vládě a jednotlivým ministerstvům souhrn dalších opatření na podporu firem během nynějšího nouzového stavu. Cílem Svazu je minimalizovat dopady nynější situace na podniky a jejich zaměstnance a zajistit, aby po skončení opatření proti šíření koronaviru, mohli podnikatelé a firmy co nejrychleji obnovit svou činnost.

- odkaz - 

 

V. Dlouhý: Kurzarbeit chce využít 40 procent podniků, postrádají ale informace od vlády

(E15.cz) Z nového bleskového šetření mezi téměř 1400 živnostníky a firmami v Hospodářské komoře podle jejího šéfa Vladimíra Dlouhého mimo jiné vyplývá, že dvě pětiny zaměstnavatelů hodlají využít tzv. kurzarbeit, protože mají významné problémy s odbytem. "Ačkoliv vláda schválila toto opatření už před týdnem, jak a kdy mohou zaměstnavatelé pomoc získat se možná dozvědí teprve dnes, uvedl Dlouhý.

Více na 

 

Křetínský: State must eliminate unnecessary unemployment

(ČIA) The state must do its utmost to eliminate unnecessary unemployment and help smaller businesses to overcome a complete loss of income. Entrepreneur Daniel Křetínský also stated in an interview with E15 on the coronavirus pandemic that the second measure is good care for the new unemployed. The third key pillar is to ensure the availability of loans to companies.

 

Member to Member: need help applying for COVID II?

Českomoravská záruční a rozvojová banka SPUSTÍ PRO PODNIKATELE postižené krizí COVID-19 již toto pondělí tj. 30.března 2020 program COVID II.


Půjde přibližně o 30 mld. Kč v bankovních zárukách na bezúročné úvěry.


Dle zkušeností z prvního programu COVID I. , lze opět očekávat velký zájem, tudíž kapacita vyčerpanosti programu COVID II. bude opět během několika dnů vyčerpána. Proto doporučujeme, v případě Vašeho zájmu čerpat tuto půjčku, dlouho nečekat !

Odbornou pomoc nabízejí:

HAVEL & PARTNERS: Mgr. Štěpán Černý, Senior Advocat, stepan.cerny@havelpartners.cz, mob: +420 731 541 965

NSG Morison: Ing.Dalibor Baštýř, daňový ředitel, mob: + 420739357120

 

ČMZRB schválila první žádosti o úvěr COVID I

(AMSP) Českomoravská záruční a rozvojová banka (ČMZRB) schválila první žádosti malých a středních podnikatelů o bezúročný úvěr z programu COVID I v objemu 90 mil. Kč. Příloha ke stažení zde: ČMZRB schválila první žádosti o úvěr COVID I ...

- více info -

 

AMSP: Ohlášeno půlroční moratorium na splácení veškerých úvěrů a půjček

(AMSP) Ministerstvo financí oznámilo, že na středeční zasedání vlády předloží návrh na půlroční moratorium na splácení všech úvěrů. Vicepremiérka a ministryně financí Alena Schillerová dnes (29.3.2020) v pořadu Partie tv Prima uvedla, že by lidé i firmy mohli půl roku přestat splácet své spotřebitelské a podnikatelské úvěry...

- více info -

 

Schillerová to propose moratorium on loan payments

(ČIA) Minister of Finance Alena Schillerová (for ANO) will propose a six-month moratorium on the repayment of mortgages, consumer credits and business loans. She added on TV Prima’s debate Partie that credit interest should also be reduced during this interruption. ČNB Governor Jiří Rusnok sees this measure as an economic necessity now. Chairman of the Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions Josef Středula said on Czech Television’s debate Otázky Václava Moravce that he would extend the moratorium on loan repayments to one year.

 

Havlíček: Economy may lack up to CZK 700bn

(ČIA) Sources totalling up to CZK 700bn might be missing in the economy by June 30, 2020, Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček (for ANO) said on TV Prima’s debate Partie. The government is ready to give about CZK 1tn to help the economy, he added. The cabinet wants to keep the economy isolated as it is now until June 30 and then plans to gradually release the restrictions for sole traders, retail and small businesses.

 

Bird&Bird: Czech Republic & COVID-19 & Financial guarantees and help for businesses

In order to mitigate impacts of state measures adopted in connection with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Government of the Czech Republic in cooperation with the Czech-Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank ("CMGDB") introduced special loan programs aimed at facilitating entrepreneurs' access to operational financing.

- read more -

 

ČMZRB approves 1ST COVID I loans applications

(ČIA) The Czech-Moravian Guarantee and Development Bank (CMZRB) approved the first applications of small and medium-sized enterprises for an interest-free loan from the COVID I program in the volume of CZK 90m. Thanks to cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO), the applications were approved prior to the originally scheduled start date of the program on April 1, 2020. The bank finalizes preparations for the follow-up COVID II guarantee program, which will be opened on April 1, 2020. The bank supported in 2019 almost 6200 projects worth CZK 16.3bn with its products.

 

AMSP sends government proposals and suggestions to address crisis

(ČIA) The Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Sole Traders of the Czech Republic (AMSP) sent several points and suggestions to the government based on suggestions from the membership base to address the coronavirus crisis. The urgent production and distribution of protective equipment and disinfection to companies can be considered as key points. AMSP e.g. proposes to increase compensation for kurzarbeit (short-term work) or take over employee payments, deferment of VAT by 6 months, waiver of VAT on unpaid invoices, deferment or rent reduction, and strengthening government contracts and investments. It will also help to increase the R&D coefficient, permit tour trips abroad, abolish the obligation to conduct tenders for the Covid and Czech Rise Up programs and a set of measures for gastronomic operations.

- CZE version -

 

AMSP: Česká gastronomie vs. COVID-19 – návrhy řešení

(AMSP) obrazek ke stazeni - zde -

 

COVID-19: Finanční záruky a pomoc pro podnikatele / Financial guarantees and help for businesses

(Bird&Bird) Za účelem zmírnění dopadů státních opatření přijatých v souvislosti s pandemií koronaviru COVID-19 vláda České republiky ve spolupráci s Českomoravskou záruční a rozvojovou bankou ("ČMZRB") představila speciální úvěrové programy, jejichž cílem je usnadnit podnikatelům přístup k provoznímu financování.

- více info -

 

COVID-19: International Restructuring & Insolvency update

(Bird & Bird) As the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the globe, people and businesses are facing unprecedented challenges, both immediate and strategic. Governments in various jurisdictions have announced various measures to try to alleviate the distress caused by the numerous issues that have arisen and continue to arise, particularly around cashflow and employees.

Bird & Bird's International Restructuring & Insolvency Group has collated the various government responses from its offices around the world and a brief summary of each is set out behind the links below.

 

- more info -

 

Zeman signs acts to support firms and labour market

(ČIA) On March 26, in connection with the extraordinary pandemic measures of 2020, President Miloš Zeman signed acts on some changes to the areas of social security, social insurance, contribution to state employment policy, pension insurance and public health insurance. He also signed the suspension of electronic revenue registration (EET) and an act on special rules on admission to some types of education and their termination in the 2019/2020 academic year.

 

ČESMAD BOHEMIA wants subsidies or option not to pay toll

(ČIA) Within the framework of the COVID-19 situation, Association of Road Transport Operators ČESMAD BOHEMIA is asking for a one-off operational subsidy of CZK 120,000 per large vehicle and CZK 80,000 per smaller vehicle for the operators, as well as deferred payments of health insurance and social insurance, compensation of some part of employee wages, deferred advance payments of the road tax and suspended toll payments. Other demands include not paying VAT from unpaid invoices, provision of longer due dates, setting up COVID II and III loans also for operators, and extension of leasing payments.

 

HK ČR: VAT on unpaid invoices can be a big problem

(ČIA) Paying VAT on unpaid invoices can be a big problem for businesses. The Chamber of Commerce of the Czech Republic (HK ČR) said that the state should abolish this obligation in the current situation. The Chamber proposes to the government to introduce the cash principle of VAT payment, which allows for payments of VAT only for actually paid invoices.

 

- ČIA - is offering Nordic Chamber Members 30 days free access to all Press Releases

 

Spojujeme Česko v boji proti Covid-19

Spojujeme Česko v boji proti Covid-19

Specializovaný tým složený ze zástupců agentury CzechInvest, Ministerstva průmyslu a obchodu a Ministerstva zdravotnictví. Za podpory Svazu průmyslu a dopravy pomáhájí v boji proti Covid-19, a to i po ekonomické stránce.

Vznikl jako reakce na novou situaci, která vytváří i zcela nové potřeby a kapacity, jak na straně státu, tak na straně trhu. Misí je propojit co nejvíce firem ochotných pomoci státu s příslušnými orgány a zároveň spojovat současnou poptávku a nabídku firem tak, aby jejich spolupráce byla co nejefektivnější a pomohli jsme tak zmírnit dopady této situace.

- SpojumemeCesko -

 

COVID II. startuje v pondělí 30. března 2020

Cílová skupina: zejména OSVČ a MSP Forma: záruka za komerční úvěr od 10 tis. – 15 mil. Kč s finančním příspěvkem na úhradu úroků Splatnost: 2 roky Odklad splátek možný až o 12 měsíců O úvěr žádá klient u SVÉ BANKY, následně ČMZRB poskytuje záruku Alokace: 5 mld. Kč Příjem žádostí: od 30. března 2020 Tento program...

- celá zpráva -

- AMSP -

 

Schváleny všechny návrhy vlády na podporu podnikatelů a živnostníků

Další protikrizová opatření na podporu zaměstnavatelů, zemědělců i OSVČ ve stavu legislativní nouze připravila vláda, projednala Poslanecká sněmovna a dnes (25.3.2020) schválil i Senát. Očekává se i rychlý podpis prezidenta.

Jedná se především o:odpouštění minimální povinné platby na důchodové pojištění po dobu 6 měsíců pro OSVČ, dále i odvodů na zdravotní pojištění, odložení spuštění závěrečné fáze EET do doby uplynutí tří měsíců od ukončení stavu nouze, Liberační balíček – prominutí červnové zálohy na daň z příjmů fyzických a právnických osob, zavedení institutu zpětného působení daňové ztráty, zavedení kurzarbeitu, pomoc zemědělcům, úvěr COVID I., program COVID II., ošetřovné pro OSVČ (vyplácení zpětně) – zatím nejsou definitivně schváleny parametry, zrušení poplatků za odesílání zpráv datovou schránkou, programy Technologie COVID 19 a Czech Rise Up.

- Více informací -

 

- ASMP -

 

SEZNAM.CZ nabízí pomoc – nenechame-vas-v-tom.cz

Největší český internetový vyhledávač nabízí pomoc českým firmám a živnostníkům, jejichž podnikání bylo nejvíce zasažené koronavirovou nákazou, v podobě zvýhodněné, či bezplatné inzerce, a to v celkové výši 100 mil. Kč. Pro mnoho firem a podnikatelů jsme důležitým obchodním partnerem. Seznam.cz si uvědomuje, že se aktuální koronavirová krize na spoustě jeho klientů podepíše, ať už tím, že jim klesnou tržby, nebo že budou muset i přes pokles příjmů nadále platit své fixní náklady. Proto je chce podpořit v opětovném nastartování jejich byznysu.

- Více informací -

- ASMP -

 

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