Other Government measures supporting the Economy, COVID-19 as of February 23

economic measures supporting economy approved by czech authorities (valid)

national economic council NERV established.

The Government renewed the Národní ekonomická rada vlády (National Economic Council of Government) to identify economic issues or provide recommendations during the preparation procedure of strategic economic government documents. The Council should also assess anti-COVID measures and propose measures related to State Budget for 2021. 

The members of the Council will be Tomáš Salomon, General Director of České spořitelna, Jan Juchelka, General Director of Komerční banka, Miroslav Singer, Former Governor of ČNB, Vladimír Dlouhý, President of Hospodářská komora ČR, Jan Švejnar, Director of Centrum pro globální hospodářskou politiku, Štěpán Jurajda, Professor at CERGE-EI, Daniel Beneš, General Director of ČEZ, Bohdan Vojnar, Škoda Auto Board Member, Petr Jonák, Coca-Cola Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Director CZ/SK, Miroslav Zámečník, independent Economist, Lukáš Kovanda, Czech Fund Chief Economist, Tomáš Sedláček, ČSOB Economist, Daniel Prokop, PAQ Research Sociologist, Jakub Havrlant, General Director of Rockaway Capital, Ladislav Bartoníček, O2 Supervisory Board Chair, Ilona Švihlíková, Economist and Vice-Rector VSO.  

budgetary responsibility rules.

The Chamber of Deputies amended  the rules of budgetary responsibility to increase the structural deficit to 4% of GDP in 2021, followed by a drop by 0.5 percentage points every year until 2028. That staged reduction would return the country to the EU's required structural deficit in eight years. The Deputies thereby vetoed proposed Senate changes to the rules.

state budget act for 2020.

The Government approved a new amendment of the State Budget Act for 2020, to increase the state deficit to CZK 300 billion. The increased deficit stems from increased expenditures from economic recovery measures (raised from the previously approved CZK 200 billion). Compared to the amendment approved by the Parliament at the beginning of April, the revenues are now expected to decrease by CZK 60.1 billion, while expenditures will rise by CZK 39.9 billion. After the Senate returned  the bill, the amendment was approved by the Chamber of Deputies on April 22. According to the amendment to the State Budget Act for 2020, the total revenues will amount to CZK 1,488.3 billion and expenditures to CZK 1,688.3 billion.

The Parliament approved a proposal of the Finance Ministry for the State Budget Act for 2021, to cancel the requirement to present a preliminary budget for 2021 to the Government by the end of May, and for that proposal to be approved by the Government by the end of June. 

The Ministry of Finance also proposed to postpone the final budget schedule by one month. The budget should be submitted to the Government by the end of September (initially by the end of August) and to the Parliament by the end of October (initially September). The proposed delay would allow the Ministry to take into consideration the forecast for income and expenditure (to be published on August 10) and the forecast by the Statistics Office (published in September). The amendment will be addressed by the Parliament in the state of legislative emergency.

further growth of state budget deficit.

The Government approved a further increase of state budget deficit to CZK 500 billion in 2020. The Ministry of Finance plans to cover the deficit by issuing government bonds.

Government, Parliament approved budget for 2021.

On October 19, the Government approved a draft budget for 2021 with a deficit of CZK 320 billion, including financial support from EU recovery funds, growth in investment or increased expenses in health care and social sectors. The Chamber of Deputies should adopt final decision on draft budget in December. The 2021 budget was approved by the Parliament. 

Budget deficit increase to CZK500bn.
On February 18, the Chamber of Deputies passed the increase of the 2021 budget deficit from CZK320bn to CZK500bn. The bill is heading to the Senate. The reasons behind are Covid support programs, termination of supergross wage, or tax packages (waivers), compensation to front line workers in the fight agains the pandemic, and other expenditures such as strengthening the Government's employment policies.

National Program of Reforms.

The Government approved the National Program of Reforms for the Czech Republic. The National Program is regularly presented to the EU. The current program includes how the Czech Republic plans to overcome the coronavirus crisis. The Government confirmed all planned investment projects into infrastructure programs (113 bn CZK), especially investments into education, research and innovation (totaling 2% of GDP). 

Czech national bank increasing its authority.

The Parliament voted in favor of an amendment to the Act on the Czech National Bank which gives the central bank authority to trade instruments with maturity longer than one year. CNB now can also carry out trade with other entities such as insurance and pension companies or other institutional investors. Everything was carried out within the framework of the rules of ECB and the aim of this amendment is to strengthen the stability of the Czech Financial Market.

rates lowered by CNB.

On May 7,  the Bank Board of the Czech National Bank lowered the two-week repo rate (2W repo rate) by 75 basis points to 0.25%. At the same time, it lowered the Lombard rate to 1.00%. The discount rate remains unchanged at 0.05%. The new interest rate levels come into effect on May 11, 2020. 

At its latest meeting on November 5, the Bank Board unanimously kept its interest rates unchanged. The CNB Board considers it likely that interest rates will be lef at a low level than assumed in the baseline scenario of the forecast. 

CNB relaxed mortgage limits and lowered countercyclical.

The Bank Board of the Czech National Bank today confirmed the LTV (loan-to-value) limit of 90% and abolished the DSTI (debt-service-to-income) limit. The CNB Bank Board lowered the countercyclical capital buffer rate to 0.5% with effect from 1 July 2020 (from the current level of 1%). The partial release of the countercyclical capital buffer will support banks’ ability to lend to non-financial corporations and households without interruption.

mortgage limits recommendation relaxed by CNB.

With effect from April 1, 2020, the CNB Bank Board has relaxed its recommendation for the assessment of new mortgages. The limit on the LTV ratio (the size of the loan relative to the value of the pledged property) has been increased to 90% (from 80%). The limit on the DSTI ratio (total debt service relative to net monthly income) has been increased to 50% (from 45%).

Overview of all CNB measures.

VAT on critical goods and services.

The Government decided to waive VAT on delivery of goods or services to the Integrated Rescue System, the military, health care providers and social service facilities, for the period of the state of emergency from March 12, 2020. The European Commission also waived customs duties and VAT on the import of medical material and devices from the non-EU countries to the member states. 

amendment to excise tax.

The amendment to the Excise Tax Act was approved. By extending the storage period for unit packs of cigarettes, the proposal intends to maintain a smooth transition to the new tax rate, even under difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

consumer loans support.

The Parliament approved amendment to Consumer Credit Act which expanded the range of loans for which penalties are capped for the period of the deferral. The Act also stipulates the maximum penalties for late repayments of loans of self-employed persons. In case of delay longer than 90 days, the penalty amount cannot exceed 0.1% of the amount due per day. 

Hack the Crisis Czech Republic.

The government decided to use a financial gift of CZK 10 million, to reward and support the best projects within the Hack the Crisis Czech Republic hackathon. The gift was donated to the Czech Republic by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech to support the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, CzechInvest will be in charge of awarding a special prize for the best-rated participants in the hackathon.

Program Czech Rise Up 2.0.

In spring 2020, the Ministry of Industry and Trade increased the amount allocated for the Program Czech Rise Up by CZK 100 million (from the original CZK 200 million), for projects that support technological solutions that facilitate the fight against coronavirus and protect health. The ministry said it is ready to increase the allocated amount if more projects with functional solutions apply.

Rise Up 2.0, Covid-19 research.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade decided to continue support program Czech Rise Up 2.0 which should focus on research and health care. The call for applications by entrepreneurs and research organizations is open from November 18 until December 17, 2020. The support will be provided in the form of subsidy to cover eligible expenses incurred within the project. The maximum amount for one applicant per one project is CZK 10 million and the support rate is set at 75% of the eligible project expenditures. Applications can be submitted only through the data box of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, ID: bxtaaw4, questions at CzechRiseUp2.0@mpo.cz.

Council for Support of Strategic Technologies and Products to be established. 

The Government decided to establish a Council for the support of strategic technologies and products that will be administered by the Ministry of Industry of Trade. Members of the Council will include representatives of ministries, key institutions and regions. The goal of the Council is to support research and development, smart investments and certifications or the purchase of strategic products that the Czech Republic is lacking. There are currently a total of six institutions in the Czech Republic that are authorized to certify personal protective equipment.

support for tourism sector, digital platforms.

An approved amendment to Act on Certain Conditions of Business and on the Performance of Certain Activities in the area of Tourism proposed by the Ministry of Regional Development introduces a new obligation for digital platforms (e.g. AirBnb) to report the number of concluded contracts for tourism services, the total price of the services and the address of the accommodation to the trade licensing office, at its request. The foreign guests will be able to be traced in case of a threat of virus spreading. The change is supported by the City of Prague.

Crisis Action Plan to support tourism.

The Government debated a crisis action plan to support tourism. The plan contains 16 points that aim to reach the 2019 performance level of this sector of the economy. Some of the points have been in place (programs supporting the self-employed) and others will be implemented (6.7bn CZK allocated specifically to tourism recovery measures, such as lower VAT for accommodation, vouchers/Dovolena v Cesku, marketing campaigns). Dovolena v Cesku (later modified to COVID Spa program) project includes vouchers for stays in Czech spas where the Government will cover 40% of the cost up to a maximum of CZK 4,000 per voucher.

CEB´s loan on health-care expenses.

The government decided that the Czech Republic can accept a loan with a zero interest rate from the Council of Europe Development Bank in the amount of 300 million euro. The purpose of the loan is to finance expenses of health-care sector incurred during the coronavirus pandemic. The loan can be used for health-care material purchases already realized since the beginning of this year. 

increased wages for regional hygienic stations. 
On September 21, 2020 the Government allocated funds to increase the wages of staff at regional hygienic stations due to the unfavourable development related to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

increasing payments for insured persons by state.

The Parliament have approved a proposal of the Ministry of Health Care to amend the Act on Public Health Insurance, which would increase health insurance payments  by CZK 500 for insured persons paid by the state from June 1, 2020, followed by further CZK 200 increase from January 1, 2021. The expenditure in the health care budget would thereby increase by CZK 20 billion this year and by CZK 50 billion in 2021.

vaccination strategy finalized. 

The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Czech Vaccinological Society of the Czech Medical Association JEP and the National Immunization Commission of the Czech Republic, prepared the National Vaccination Strategy against Covid-19. The public could comment on the strategy until September 21 via e-mail: strategieockovani@mzcr.cz.  
The vaccination strategy was finalized at the end of December 2020.  

VAT on respirators FFP2 and higher waived.

The Governemnt approved a waiver for VAT on respirators category FFP2 and higher, in effect from February 3, 2021 until April 3, 2021. 

REACT-EU funds allocated.

The Government also approved allocation of REACT-EU funds (CZK 21.7bn) into the Integrated Regional Operational Program administered by the Ministry of Regional Development to support the areas of healthcare (equipment, buildings and emergency medical services); integrated rescue system, or infrastructure for social services.

The European Council and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on REACT-EU, an emergency legislative initiative to release €47.5 billion, which is part of EU Recovery Fund Next Generation, through the structural funds to EU members hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be available over two years (€37.5 billion in 2021, €10 billion in 2022). 

Temporary Framework extension enables governments direct support to businesses in H1 2021.

The European Commission decided to extend Temporary Framework enabling governments to directly support businesses hit by the outbreak of the pandemic by six months. Public support will newly be available to companies with turnover drop in a specified period by at least 30% year-on-year due to the pandemic outbreak.

option for investors to prolong investment incentives.

The Senate passed the amendment prepared by the Ministry of Industry and Trade introducing the option to extend by 5 years investment incentives provided to investors, based on an application on a case-by-case basis. This applies to 101 projects worth CZK 60bn of investment. In 2019, the parameters of incentives were modified (specific regions, research and development projects/manufacturing with high value added, eligibility for small and medium sized businesses). The current proposal applies to all projects using investment incentives, including those supported prior to the 2019 change in parameters. The bill was signed by the President.

support of Czech exporters.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will strengthen its economic diplomacy through the "Reconstruction Package (Rekonstrukční balíček)", supporting the Czech exporters on the foreign markets. 

university law amendment, distance learning.

The Chamber of Deputies approved an amendment to the Act on Higher Education Institutions that enables them to provide distance learning and examining, and to adjust study schedules, dates and conditions for entrance examinations, in case of emergency. The amendment is to be addressed by the Senate on November 19. 

expired drivers' licenses grace period for 3 months.

Tolerance for expired drivers' licenses for 3 months until March 31, 2021 was announced by the Ministry of Transport.

summary of current economic measures supporting economy approved by czech authorities (lapsed)

proof of debtlessness.

According to an amendment to the Act on Employment the companies now will not be obliged to prove debtlessness for the duration of the state of emergency. 

two-week repo rate lowered by CNB.

At its meeting on March 26, 2020 the Bank Board of the Czech National Bank lowered the two-week repo rate (2W repo rate) by 75 basis points to 1.00%. At the same time, it lowered the Lombard rate to 2.00% and the discount rate to 0.05%. The new interest rate levels came into effect on March 27, 2020.

At its extraordinary monetary policy meeting on March 16, the Bank Board of the Czech National Bank lowered the two-week repo rate by 50 basis points to 1.75%. At the same time, it lowered the Lombard rate to 2.75% and the discount rate to 0.75%. The change in rates took effect on March 17, 2020. 

directive on freezing rents cancelled.

The Government cancelled the price moratorium on apartment rents in effect since April 24.  

deferral of rental cost on housing.

The Parliament agreed to amend the Acts on Certain Measures to Mitigate the Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Tenants of Space for Housing. As for individuals, the Chamber of Deputies agreed with moratorium on rent payments to apartment owners by the end of July if the tenants owe the rent due to income fallout. However, the rent due is to be paid by the end of 2020. According to Government decision from April 23, apartment owners will not be able to increase rents until the end of the duration of emergency measures. The Government also decided that apartment owners are not allowed to increase rents within the duration of emergency measures.

support of regions and their budgets.

On August 10, the Ministry of Finance sent a one-off bonus of CZK 1,250 per citizen to municipalities to compensate for the loss of tax income due to the support for the self-employed. This bonus will total CZK 13.4 billion.

"Innovation into Practice" program within The Country for the Future strategy

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is evaluating the applications for subsidies in the competition of the "Innovation into Practice" program within The Country for the Future strategy, which focused on fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and mitigating its effects. Small and medium-sized enterprises applied with projects which introduced a process innovation and organizational innovation (a maximum of CZK 25 million per one project). Subsidies for the companies which invest into production or develop technology of medical products and devices to fight coronavirus outbreak amounting to CZK 500 billion. Pro project proposal could be submitted until May 15.

real estate brokerage act amendment.

Within an amendment to Real Estate Brokerage Act, the period for which the real estate brokers will be able to change their business activity from unqualified notifiable trade to regulated trade has been extended from six to ten months. 

CZK 111 million to regional tourism.

In July, the Ministry of Regional Development approved 72 projects to be supported by CZK 111 million from the National program for regional tourism support.  The financial support will be spent on navigation and information systems for tourists, services and equipment for hiking trails, maintaining cross-country ski trails and other infrastructure.

one-off operating allowance for state hospitals.

The Government also approved the one-off operating allowance in the amount of CZK 6.5 bn for six large state hospitals in Prague and Brno that were under greatest pressure during coronavirus outbreak, including Všeobecná fakultní nemocnice, Fakultní nemocnice Královské Vinohrady, Nemocnice na Bulovce, Thomayerova nemocnice, Fakultní nemocnice u sv. Anny in Brno and Fakultní nemocnice Brno. The hospitals will use the money to pay overdue liabilities.

innovation vouchers from the Ministry of Trade.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade launched a Call V. COVID-19 Program of Support "Innovation Vouchers", within Operational Program Podinikání a inovace pro konkurenceschopnost 2014-2020, to support communication, sharing of best practices and know-how between private sector and research institutions, to mitigate impacts of COVID-19 outbreak and to develop the preventive measures applied on the market. The amount is CZK 50 billion which is to be increased. The application could be submitted from April 17 until December 31, 2020.