Czech Republic

The Czech Republic ranks 42nd in the CCPI, up seven spots but remaining an overall low performer. It rates medium in GHG Emissions and Energy Use, and low in Renewable Energy and Climate Policy.

The country’s overarching framework is based on the Long-Term Strategy (LTS) 2017 – a governmental plan not enshrined in law. The CCPI country experts indicate it suffers from weak governance, diffusion of responsibilities, and limited integration between climate and social policy. The LTS outlines a linear trajectory toward an 80% emissions reduction by 2050, but it includes no sectoral targets or carbon budget. Its update, which would have relied on stronger analytical foundations, was not approved in 2024 because of political opposition. The experts note that the overall framework focuses mainly on technological measures while overlooking the transition’s social and behavioural dimensions.

Coal appears to be on the path to full removal, but there’s no legal target for ending fossil fuel

In the energy sector, the government approved legislation in 2025 to speed up the deployment of renewable energy sources. The combination of the EU ETS and national subsidies should make coal uncompetitive by 2030, with coal mining scheduled to end by 2033. However, the experts point out there is no legally binding target for the complete cessation of fossil fuel use, including coal; there are only economic incentives (ETS and subsidies for alternatives).

The experts look favourable on how energy efficiency measures are comparatively well developed. The New Green Savings Programme supports clean energy generation and building renovation. Municipalities and businesses also are increasingly investing in heat pumps and e-mobility solutions. Nevertheless, the experts emphasise that sufficiency measures, such as promoting sustainable mobility, compact urban design, and reduced energy demand, are absent.

Agricultural and forestry emissions need more attention, despite strong forest management

The Czech Republic is self-sufficient and an exporting country for wood pellets. These are mainly used for heating in the residential sector. The experts note that emissions reduction measures receive less attention in agriculture and forestry than in the power and industrial sectors. They note that the country maintains strong rules for forest management and afforestation subsidies, but the overall contribution of these sectors to national mitigation remains limited.

Internationally, the Czech Republic largely aligns with EU climate policy and plays a limited independent role.

The experts recommend establishing sectoral emissions reduction targets and a national carbon budget, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, completing the coal exit, and expanding measures to decarbonise transport and promote behavioural change in energy use.

Key Outcomes

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

• Martin Abel (AMO – Asociace pro mezinárodní otázky)