Czech government approves eco-audit of legislation and discusses measures against the spread of foot-and-mouth disease

The government of Petr Fiala has prepared further measures to reduce the administrative burden on entrepreneurs and to strengthen the development and competitiveness of Czech companies. At its meeting on Wednesday 26 March 2025, it discussed another of its regular eco-audits, which found additional ways to make life easier for entrepreneurs in the field of environmental protection. It also discussed, for example, the draft of a new law on critical infrastructure or the proposal to establish a government commissioner for the Balkans, as well as measures taken by the Ministry of Agriculture against the spread of foot-and-mouth disease from Slovakia and Hungary.

The government discussed the results of the latest Eco-audit, a review of environmental legislation that assesses whether it is possible to reduce the obligations imposed on businesses by environmental regulations. The result of the review, which was carried out by the Ministries of the Environment and Industry and Trade on the basis of suggestions from the business sector, is 34 new specific tasks, changes to legislation that will simplify the lives of businesses, but at the same time will not reduce environmental protection below the level required by EU regulations. The first eco-audit took place in 2010 and the next ones are compiled in two-year cycles. Further details can be found in press release of the Ministry of the Environment or in press release of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The government also discussed a proposal for a new Critical Infrastructure Act. The new legislation is based on the requirements of the EU Critical Entities Resilience Directive (CER Directive) and introduces, for example, a completely new system for identifying critical infrastructure entities or sets out clear responsibilities, procedures, obligations and sanctions. It also aims to strengthen the digitalisation of the crisis management and critical infrastructure protection system through the Crisis Management Information System and the Critical Infrastructure Portal. At the same time, it excludes the issue of critical infrastructure from the Crisis Act. Details include press release of the Ministry of the Interior.

The government also approved a proposal Amendments to the End-of-Life Products Act. In particular, the amendment responds to the new EU Regulation on batteries and waste batteries and changes in other European regulations, which address, for example, how the whole life cycle of batteries should look like, what are the requirements for their performance, lifetime, recycling or the use of hazardous substances. More in press release of the Ministry of the Environment.

The Cabinet also agreed Increase of money for the Ministry for Regional Development's subsidy programmes Živel 3 and Affordable Rental Housing. The State Investment Support Fund will have an extra CZK 1.3 billion for the Živel 3 programme, which helps rebuild homes destroyed by last year's floods. At the same time, the government also approved changes in the program Element 3to expand the range of applicants for support to other groups of flood-affected citizens who have so far been unable to meet the conditions set, for example because they could not secure insurance for their rebuilt homes. More in press release of the Ministry for Regional Development.

The government also decided on Establishment of the post of Government Plenipotentiary for the Balkans and appointed the former Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the European Union, Edita Hrda, to this post with effect from 1 April. The Balkans, and in particular the Western Balkans, have long been a priority of Czech foreign policy and the new Commissioner will be tasked with ensuring that the Czech Republic's foreign policy in the region is more effective, consistent and balanced. Details in press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The government also took note of the steps to protect against the spread of dangerous foot-and-mouth disease, an infectious disease of cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and other cloven-hoofed animals, which occurred in farms in Hungary and then in neighbouring Slovakia. The disease is highly contagious and the Czech Republic has therefore taken maximum measures against the risk of its introduction, including strict controls at the border with Slovakia and a ban on the import of live animals at risk of infection. Emergency veterinary measures have also been declared in Czech farms. The Ministry of Agriculture is working closely with the Central Disease Commission and the State Veterinary Administration and other relevant bodies on the measures to be taken. The Government has also approved other emergency measures. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will be allowed to enter the Czech Republic only at four border crossings with Slovakia, where selected vehicles will be inspected and disinfected by passing over special mats. Details of the disease and the current situation can be found at the website of the Ministry of Agriculture.

government.gov.cz/ gnews,cz -RoZ