News
August brings significant changes to regulation of foreigners’ residence in the CR
An amendment to the Act on Residence of Foreign Nationals has undergone a dramatic legislative process. After being vetoed by the senate and subsequently overruled by the deputies, the amendment was signed by the president and promulgated in the Collection of Laws effective 2 August 2021. The amendment changes the rules for issuing certificates and the definition of family members and introduces a widely criticised monopoly for foreign nationals’ health insurance.
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Hidden amendment to the Income Taxes Act brings new relief for ceased enforcement proceedings
As part of the amendment to Act No. 120/2001 Coll., on Licensed Enforcement Agents and Enforcement Proceedings (Enforcement Act), among other things, Act No. 586/1992 Coll., on Income Taxes (ITA) has also been amended by inserting new relief for ceased enforcement proceedings with Act No. 286/2021 Coll. with effect from 1 January 2022. This relief will apply only to strictly defined historical enforcement proceedings and at the same time exclusively to low-value receivables not exceeding CZK 1,500. It is therefore not a long-term instrument, but rather a temporary measure following a change in the Enforcement Act.
Economy driven by consumption and investments; exports are the brake
According to a revised estimate, the Czech economy grew 1.0% qoq in 2Q21, after declining 0.4% in 1Q. A preliminary estimate showed growth of only 0.6%. In a year-on-year comparison, GDP grew at a rate of 8.2%, while the preliminary estimate showed 7.8%. Let us recall that the original expectations of economic development for the second quarter were significantly higher, the market consensus was around 2.0% quarter-on-quarter growth. So 1% growth is disappointing in light of the economy waking up after COVID-19 closures. However, given the level of uncertainty, such a surprise is understandable.
Strategic Directions for Czech Economic Policy
- Transition to High-Tech Manufacturing and Exports
- The City Campus as Idea Factory
- Government Programs and Processes That Drive Innovation
- Government as a Competitive Advantage, including Digitization
Advocacy Priorities for 2023
Technology, People, Infrastructure
Actions Recommended in Areas:
1. Establishing Policy Objectives for Research.
2. Research Investment and Cooperation. Big Bets (Key Technology Projects).
3. Establishing Databases for Tracking Public Policy Outcomes.
4. Public Procurement as an Innovation Tool.
5. Immigration of STEM Talents.
6. Digitization of Immigration.
7. Adult Reskilling and Upskilling.
8. Digitization of Land Use.
9. Infrastructure Development, including Technology Parks.
Read the documents in English and Czech.
Policy pipeline
In Policy Pipeline policy developments in the Czech Republic and abroad are monitored to bring better understanding of current topics and trends.
