Czech Snemovna Lowers Self-Employed Insurance Contributions Amid Economic Pressure

The Czech lower house passed legislation reducing social insurance contribution rates for self-employed workers back to 2025 levels and arranging reimbursement of overpayments since January 2026. The move responds to economic pressure from rising energy costs driven by the Iran-war oil shock and Druzhba pipeline disruption. Czech February bankruptcies held at 54, but new filings rose to 103, signaling potential economic deterioration. The koruna failed to sustain early gains against the euro.