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The imminent change-of-guard in Prague naturally poses questions about the country’s EU role and eventual adoption of the flagship single currency, the euro. Unlike the cautious approach of former center-right governments, the incoming finance minister Andrej Babiš says he has no problem with euro adoption. However, the assurance comes from an astute business magnate who is quick to add that the country is not prepared to guarantee the liabilities of indebted euro users such as Greece or Spain.

While one aspect of Martin Roman’s era at ČEZ, the Temelín tender, is slowly unwinding, another, the tie-up with MOL still lives uncomfortably on with no sign of closure.

Czech industry has given a mixed reaction to the latest European Commission climate change proposal, a swansong package which leave several key questions up in the air.

Economic growth forecasts for the Czech Republic may be looking a bit gloomy following the publication of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) latest upbeat predictions for the region. But not all the crystal ball gazers look like they are going to up their predictions.

The Czech National Bank’s latest snapshot of bank loans released on Tuesday provides some cautious grounds for optimism concerning the recovery and growth of local companies after the long recession.

Once seen a symbol of the comeback of capitalism, the Prague Stock Exchange has celebrated a somber two decades with share trading volume down in recent years and questions being asked about its long term role.

More than two months have gone by since the Czech National Bank launched its surprise foreign currency intervention to weaken the Czech crown. Complaints are still continuing from sections of industry but the central bank has no immediate need to alter its course.

Plans to build two more reactors at the Temelin nuclear power plant in south Bohemia are looking increasingly unlikely be realized. Incoming prime minister Bohuslav Sobotka said in an interview this week that his government would not offer guarantees on the purchase price of electricity from the new reactors which alone would make the estimated $15 billion project economically feasible.

Two state controlled Czech export credit and insurance institutions are at the centre of plans to boost the country’s export growth. But an expected strengthening of their role would appear to depend on dealing with problems from the recent past.

For some a cash cow, for others an administrative and legal minefield, public tenders Czech style are a massive but problematic slice of the economy. A fundamental rules change since the start of the year plus a dose of economic growth could help turnaround the struggling sector.