1. Everyone is talking about the new law on Czech citizenship for Russians. What happened?

Right now, the Czech Parliament is debating an amendment that effectively blocks Russians from obtaining Czech citizenship – both new and existing applications.

The amendment is hidden within a bill on aid for Ukrainian refugees and presented as a requirement to renounce Russian citizenship.

The rush to pass the primary law on refugees allows this amendment to be pushed through without proper discussion, even though it should be debated as a separate subject. 

The new law’s wording is vague and open to interpretation, and even the politicians we’ve spoken to don’t fully understand its implications.

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2. Many countries don’t allow dual citizenship. How is that relevant to a full block?

That’s the problem. The amendment doesn’t just require renouncing Russian citizenship – it effectively freezes the process for Russians seeking Czech citizenship indefinitely – potentially for years or even decades.

The amendment has two conflicting points: one requires renouncing Russian citizenship, while the other indefinitely block the processing of new and existing applications. 

Moreover, the requirement to renounce citizenship applies only to Russians, creating an unprecedented case of nationality-based discrimination within European law.

The media portrays the law as a “simple” requirement to give up a second citizenship. But in reality, it will block access to Czech citizenship, particularly for Russians, for many years – and this crucial aspect remains unreported.

3. Doesn’t this contradict Czech and EU laws?

Yes, this amendment breaches several norms of Czech and European law:

1. It’s secreted within a law on refugee aid rather than the primary citizenship law.
2. Conflicting clauses create legal confusion and inconsistencies.
3. It applies retroactively to already submitted applications, which goes against the principle of non-retroactivity.
4. It discriminates against Russians as a separate category, regardless of their views, age, origin, politics, or ties to the Czech Republic.

It violates Article 16 of the 1997 European Convention on Nationality, as the initiator of the amendment has not analyzed the feasibility of renouncing Russian citizenship under current conditions.

4. Who will this bill affect if passed?

The bill will impact all Russians living in the Czech Republic. 

Even those who renounce their Russian citizenship won’t be able to obtain Czech citizenship due to the indefinite freeze on application processing.

Exceptions only apply to children under 15, political refugees, and distinguished figures – meaning most Russians won’t qualify.

Moreover, according to the “family citizenship unity principle,” children can only obtain Czech citizenship if one parent already holds it. As a result, citizenship will be blocked indefinitely for the entire family, including the children.

5. What are the law’s authors trying to achieve, and how effective is it?

The amendment was proposed by MPs from the STAN party, led by Martin Exner, with the stated goal of enhancing Czech security in light of the conflict in Ukraine. However, no precise mechanisms are outlined in the law to achieve this. 

The process of obtaining Czech citizenship is already one of the strictest in Europe: applicants must live in the country for at least 10 years and undergo multiple checks by the Ministry of the Interior and security services at every stage – from temporary visas to permanent residency and citizenship. 

The existing law (§13 (2), §22) already allows the denial of citizenship to individuals deemed a security risk and mandates the Ministry of the Interior to consult with the police and Czech intelligence services.

The legislators have not explained why current measures are insufficient.

6. Russians in the Czech Republic: Who are they, and what risks do they face?

The Czech Republic is home to one of the largest anti-war Russian diasporas. 

During the Russian presidential election at the embassy in Prague, Putin suffered a crushing defeat, and anti-war rallies organized by Russians were among the largest in Europe. 

Russians in the Czech Republic actively support Ukrainians, counter Kremlin propaganda, and are outspoken in the media. Because of this, renouncing Russian citizenship particularly carries significant risks for them:

1. Opposition activists, journalists, and anti-war advocates face criminal and administrative charges, making renunciation nearly impossible.
2. Men and women in military-related professions (e.g., doctors) who are subject to mobilization will be unable to give up their citizenship.
3. Renouncing citizenship often requires a personal return to Russia, which is particularly dangerous for anti-war Russians.
4. In Russia, phones and belongings are actively searched for any ties to Ukraine, leading to criminal charges and prison sentences for those opposing the war.

7. What are the chances the law will be passed, and when might it happen?

The amendment is part of a more extensive law supporting Ukraine, so passing the primary law is almost guaranteed. However, amendments are voted on separately, leaving an opportunity to influence the final form of the citizenship-related changes, ultimately deciding the fate of Russians in the Czech Republic. 

The law is currently being discussed in the Chamber of Deputies. The process typically takes several months: three readings in the Chamber, a review by the Senate, and finally, the president’s signature.

It is crucial to spread awareness and urge the public and deputies to call for a thorough analysis, open debate, and legal review of the law.

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