Czech government pushes civil code overhaul and stronger environmental inspection powers

The Czech government met on Monday to consider a revision of the civil code that would strengthen protections for children and permit spouses without under-age children to end their marriage without a mandatory hearing. The amendment explicitly instructs courts to evaluate whether parental responsibility should be withdrawn in instances of domestic abuse. The proposal, introduced by Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc of ANO, also seeks to clarify terminology in the divorce law that has been in force since the start of the year.

In the same meeting, lawmakers discussed broadening the mandate of the Czech Inspection of Environmental Protection, allowing it to order an immediate shutdown of any operation that threatens public health, such as a toxic spill or accident. Previously, the agency could only require corrective measures and set a compliance deadline. The expanded oversight would cover the mining sector, battery production facilities, and the lower hundreds of large-scale pig and poultry farms.