The gender pay gap in Czechia is growing, placing the country at the bottom of the EU rankings.
In Czechia, the difference currently stands at 18%, meaning women work an additional 65 days to close the gap.
After years of gradual improvement, the pay disparity has started increasing again, according to the Business & Professional Women CR (BPWCR) organization.
The Equal Pay Day conference, scheduled for March 25-26, 2025, at the Clarion Congress Hotel Prague, will bring together experts, policymakers, and business leaders to explore solutions.
Gender Pay Gap Worsens Despite Past Progress
Between 2021 and 2022, Czechia’s gender pay gap reached a historic low of 15%, thanks to measures like raising the minimum wage and adjusting salary scales in undervalued sectors such as education and healthcare, where women make up the majority of the workforce.
However, these were one-time interventions rather than systemic changes, leading to a reversal of progress.
The largest pay disparities are found in management roles, specialist positions, medical professions, and university lecturing, where men continue to earn significantly more than their female counterparts.
Czechia at the Bottom of EU Rankings
With an average EU gender pay gap of 13%, Czechia ranks among the worst-performing countries. Nordic nations and Slovenia, where shared parental leave is legally mandated, lead in pay equity.
Despite women being more likely to complete higher education, this advantage does not translate into equal pay. In fact, female university graduates experience some of the highest wage disparities compared to their male peers.
Motherhood Penalty: Pay Gap Peaks at Age 35-44
The pay gap varies significantly by age. Women aged 35-44—many of whom are returning to work after maternity leave—face the highest wage disparity, averaging 22%. The lack of flexible work arrangements, limited childcare options, and the low uptake of shared parental leave all contribute to this problem.
Government Initiatives to Close the Gap
The Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has introduced several measures to ease the burden on working mothers. One initiative is the expansion of children’s groups, including smaller, neighborhood-based childcare services with professional caregivers. These aim to provide greater flexibility for parents.
Another policy allows a 5% discount on social insurance premiums for companies that hire employees on part-time contracts, encouraging businesses to offer more flexible work arrangements.
Additionally, the ministry’s Equal Pay project provides tools and guidance for companies to analyze pay gaps, implement fair salary structures, and adopt international best practices. A fair wage calculator is available to help employees compare earnings based on job position and personal characteristics.
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Easter celebrations will come with a higher price tag this year, as chocolate treats and eggs see sharp price increases.
According to an analysis by Kupi.cz, the cost of Easter chocolates has risen by as much as 20% compared to last year, with some items even doubling in price.
One of the most striking price hikes is Orion’s Chocolate Bunny with M&Ms. The 85-gram treat, which sold for 42.90 crowns last year, now retails at 89.90 crowns—a staggering 110% increase.
Even at a discount, the price remains 68% higher than in 2023. Meanwhile, not all confectionery has seen such dramatic jumps; Milka’s filled chocolate eggs (128g) have remained relatively stable, with only a modest 4% increase in promotional pricing.
Egg prices have also soared. A pack of ten now costs around 68 crowns, nearly 10% more than in February and about 50% higher than the same period last year.
The increase is largely attributed to bird flu outbreaks in coastal European countries and the United States, which have led to supply shortages.
Despite rising costs, shopping expert Monika Kopčilová advises consumers to watch for sales.
Discounts of around 28% are common in the weeks leading up to Easter, with some prices dropping by as much as 50% just before the holiday.
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Spring may have arrived, but winter isn’t done yet. After a stretch of pleasant sunshine, meteorologists warn that cold air will bring rain, thunderstorms, and even snow in higher elevations.
Cloudy Start to the Week
Monday will bring more cloudy skies, with occasional breaks. Morning fog may linger, followed by scattered showers. By the afternoon, thunderstorms could form in some regions.
Nighttime temperatures will drop to 9 to 5°C, with areas of clear skies cooling to 2°C. During the day, expect highs of 16°C, with South Moravia reaching 18°C. A light variable wind (1-4 m/s) will temporarily strengthen during heavier showers or storms.
Tuesday will begin mostly cloudy, with scattered showers or rain. By midday, precipitation will gradually clear from the northwest, leading to partly cloudy skies.
Nighttime temperatures will drop to 7 to 3°C, with some areas cooling to 1°C under clear skies. The day will bring highs of 11 to 15°C, with South Moravia slightly warmer at 17°C. A light variable wind (1-4 m/s) will persist.
Wednesday will see cloudy to overcast skies, with rain showers throughout the day. Above 1,200 meters, expect snowfall. Overnight temperatures will range between 6 to 2°C, but with clear skies, they may drop to 0°C. Daytime highs will be between 10 and 14°C, accompanied by a moderate northwest to north wind (2-6 m/s).
Thursday will remain cloudy, with rain at lower elevations and snow above 1,000 meters. Nighttime temperatures will again dip to 6 to 2°C, with light winds causing localized cooling to 0°C. The daytime high will only reach 8 to 12°C.
What About the Weekend?
Don’t expect much improvement by Friday and the weekend. The cloudy, rainy pattern will continue, with occasional mixed precipitation or snow in the mountains. Nighttime temperatures will hover between 7 to 3°C, dipping to 1°C in areas with clear skies. Daily highs will remain between 9 and 14°C.
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Czechia is prepared to take part in negotiations on the possible deployment of military forces in Ukraine.
If such forces are established, the country may join them, President Petr Pavel said.
“There was a meeting at the level of chiefs of staff in London. Its main purpose was to discuss the modalities of a potential military presence in Ukraine. And the Czech Republic is ready to be part of these negotiations. And if there is a final decision to create such forces, I truly believe that the Czech Republic will become part of them,” Pavel said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
However, according to the Czech president, it is very difficult to determine the mandate of military contingents before the start of negotiations.
“Therefore, first we need to have an agreement on military presence, then we need to discuss the mandate, mission, and its structure, composition,” Pavel explained.
Pavel reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support Saturday for Ukraine as he visited Kyiv, emphasizing continued military assistance, humanitarian aid, and long-term cooperation.
“I am proud of the Czech support for Ukraine,” Pavel said in a statement on X, noting that his country has been supplying medical supplies, weapons, and mobile drone jammers, as well as assisting in the preservation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
“I have come to Ukraine to emphasize that, even at a time of dynamic change, Czech support remains, will continue, and that we intend to contribute to the country’s post-war reconstruction,” Pavel stated.
The two leaders signed a declaration on strategic partnership, in which the Czech Republic pledged to deepen cooperation and support Ukraine’s path toward the EU.
Pavel has been a strong advocate of Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale “special military operation,” pushing for increased European military aid and advocating for Kyiv’s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.
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This year, Prague marks a milestone: 150 years of public transport and 100 years of permanent bus service.
To celebrate, the city will host a ceremonial bus parade in June and a tram parade in September, offering a unique glimpse into the rich history of urban transit in the Czech capital.
Prague’s public transport system, consistently ranked among the best in the world, has been serving the city since 1875.
This year, the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP) is commemorating these anniversaries with special full-body advertisements on selected buses and trams, highlighting the long history of transit in the city.
Major Events to Celebrate the Anniversaries
Two major parades will take place in Prague, showcasing historic and modern vehicles:
- Bus Parade – June 22
Route: Old Town Square – Mánesův Most – Strahov – Hradčanské Náměstí – Letenská Pláň - Tram Parade – September 21
Route: Karlín – Náměstí Republiky – Mánesův Most – National Theatre – Wenceslas Square – Špejchar
These events will bring transport enthusiasts and locals together to appreciate the evolution of Prague’s transit system over the past century and a half.
A System That Keeps Prague Moving
Prague’s integrated public transport is a model of efficiency, last year ranking second worldwide in a global survey.
The city’s bus and tram drivers navigate complex traffic daily, dealing with car congestion, cyclists, scooters, and unpredictable pedestrians. Their patience and skill keep the city running smoothly despite the challenges of modern urban mobility.
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Russia launched a mass drone strike on Odessa during a visit to the city by Czech President Petr Pavel on March 20.
“I arrived in Odessa, Ukraine, which has been resisting Russian aggression since the beginning of the war,” Pavel wrote on X.
Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba later said that during his meeting with Pavel, Russia launched three groups of Shahed-type drones at the city.
“It was during our meeting that Russia launched three groups of Shahed on the city. The entire civilized world should see Russia’s crimes against Ukraine,” Kuleba wrote.
Three people were injured during the attack, and civilian infrastructure was damaged, Odessa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper said.
The officials discussed maritime security, post-war reconstruction, and community development. Kuleba highlighted the urgent need for de-mining efforts, also noting that since summer 2023, Russia has fired more than 450 missiles at Ukraine’s port infrastructure.
Kuleba invited Pavel to attend the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, which is set to take place in Rome this summer.
The attack on Odesa’s infrastructure comes just two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a partial “ceasefire,” pledging to halt strikes on Ukraine’s civilian and energy infrastructure for 30 days.
Odessa, a key Black Sea port with a population of around 1 million, has been a frequent target of Russian drone and missile attacks throughout the full-scale war.
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Uklidme Cesko (“Let’s Clean Up Czechia”) will once again gather thousands of volunteers for its annual clean-up on 29 March.
The grassroots initiative aims to tackle one of the country’s persistent environmental challenges: illegal dumping and littering.
Volunteers from across the country will gather to clean up public spaces, helping to restore the beauty of their surroundings and raise awareness of the importance of environmental conservation.
It is easy for volunteers to get involved. After registering on the website, they can choose a clean-up group from an interactive map based on location or specific interest and, on the designated clean-up day, gather at their chosen clean-up ‘site’ and work together to restore it.
The range of people attending the event is diverse, bringing together people from all walks of life, including schoolchildren, pensioners, professionals, and even local politicians. From environmental activists to everyday citizens, everyone has a role to play.
The event is organized into different categories depending on the participants and the location. Municipal clean-ups are often coordinated by local governments and focus on cleaning up urban areas and their surroundings.
Schools also get involved by organizing their own clean-up events, where students, teachers and staff join forces to address environmental issues in their local communities.
Corporate teams also participate, with companies encouraging their employees to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean.
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Ester Ledecka added another trophy to her collection of silverware when she won the parallel giant slalom at the snowboard world championships Thursday.
The three-time Olympic champion, who won bronze in the downhill at the Alpine Skiing Worlds in February, was in a class of her own.
She dominated qualification then easily defeated all of her rivals en route to the final. There, she beat the defending women’s parallel giant slalom champion Tsubaki Miki of Japan.
It was Ledecka’s first snowboard world title in eight years. The versatile Czech athlete already had two golds and a silver from parallel giant slalom races at the snowboarding worlds in 2015 and 2017.
“It’s awesome,” Ledecka said. “I haven’t competed in a world championships since [2017] because it was difficult with timing because of skiing events.”
Aleksandra Krol-Walas of Poland won the bronze medal race over Ladina Caviezel of Switzerland.
Ledecka famously won Olympic gold in skiing’s super-G and snowboarding’s parallel GS at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and added another gold on her board in 2022 in Beijing.
A scheduling issue at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics — where the parallel GS in snowboarding and the Alpine downhill are both set for Feb. 8 at venues hours apart — could deny her a chance to replicate that achievement from 2018.
Italy’s Roland Fischnaller, 44, won the men’s title by defeating Stefan Baumeister of Germany in the final. Lee Sang-ho won the bronze medal.
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The Czech Republic remains among the world’s 20 happiest countries, outperforming nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy.
This ranking comes from the latest World Happiness Report, published in celebration of the International Day of Happiness.
Czechia Holds 20th Place, Ahead of Germany and Poland
According to the annual World Happiness Report, which evaluates life satisfaction across more than 140 countries, Czechia has secured the 20th position.
While this marks a slight drop from previous years, the country still ranks higher than Germany, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates. Slovakia, on the other hand, lags far behind, coming in 50th place.
Experts attribute Czechia’s strong ranking to its stable economy and robust social support systems. However, greater trust in institutions and society could further boost happiness levels.
Nordic Countries Lead the Way, But Surprises Appear
As in previous years, Nordic countries dominate the rankings. Finland has claimed the top spot for the eighth consecutive year, thanks to its strong social safety net, high-quality healthcare, and economic stability. Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden closely follow.
However, some unexpected nations also made it into the top 10. Despite ongoing conflict with Hamas, Israel ranked eighth, while Costa Rica (6th) and Mexico (10th) secured their highest-ever positions.
At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan remains the least happy country, particularly due to extreme hardship faced by women. Sierra Leone and Lebanon also rank among the world’s least happy nations.
Social Connections Play a Key Role in Happiness
Researchers highlight that happiness isn’t just about health and wealth—it’s also deeply linked to social connections.
Factors like sharing meals, having a strong support network, and living in larger households play a major role. The study found that households with four to five people report higher happiness levels, especially in Mexico and Europe.
Conversely, social isolation has increased. In the United States, the number of people eating alone has risen by 53% in the past two decades. Globally, 19% of young adults reported having no one to turn to for support—a 39% increase compared to 2006.
Trust in Others: A Crucial Factor
The study also suggests that belief in the kindness of others directly affects happiness. A key indicator of societal trust is whether people believe a lost wallet will be returned. Nordic countries rank highest in this category—and their residents actually do return lost wallets at a high rate.
Interestingly, most people underestimate how often others act kindly. The data suggests that lost wallets are returned twice as often as people expect—a reminder that societies where people feel cared for tend to be happier.
Western Nations Are Becoming Less Happy
The report also notes a decline in happiness levels across Western countries. Compared to 2005–2010, many industrialized nations are now less happy, a shift linked to political polarization and declining social trust.
“This year’s report challenges us to think beyond traditional measures like income and health,” said Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, director of the Wellbeing Research Centre at Oxford University.
“We now see that factors like sharing meals and trusting others are even stronger predictors of happiness. At a time of rising isolation and division, rebuilding social bonds is critical for individual and collective well-being.”
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One of Prague’s well-known international schools is undergoing a major transformation. Formerly known as Meridian, it has rebranded as Perrott Hill British School Prague, aligning itself with the respected Perrott Hill School in the UK.
But what does this change mean for students and parents? And how will the school position itself in Prague’s competitive international education market?
A Strategic Shift
Executive Headmaster Dr. Craig Wilson explains that the rebrand is more than a name change—it reflects a shift in approach. By joining the Perrott Hill Education group, which includes schools in the UK, Spain, and Lithuania, the Prague campus is moving into a more collaborative and resource-rich environment.
“This move allows us to maintain our high academic standards while benefiting from the support and expertise of a wider educational network,” Dr Wilson says. “It’s about strengthening our curriculum, broadening opportunities for students, and refining the overall experience for families.”
The school follows the National Curriculum of England, with small class sizes—capped at 16 students in Year 1 and 20 from Year 2 onwards—to ensure individual attention for students. With over 500 students from more than 50 nationalities, it remains one of the most diverse international schools in the Czech Republic.
Plans for Growth
Looking ahead, Dr Wilson envisions steady, sustainable development.
“We’re focused on change whichthe school can sustain without losing its strong sense of community,” he says. Some key priorities include:
- Expanding extracurricular activities, particularly in music, robotics, and competitive sports.
- Introducing instrumental music lessons, fostering talent and performance opportunities, and making lives easier for parents.
- Enhancing secondary education, with a modifiedcurriculum to better support students pursuing A-levels alongside .
- Strengthening sports programs, offering more competitive opportunities both locally and internationally.
- Upgrading facilities, with particular focus on the Primary and Secondary Schools and spaces for innovation and recreation.
While these developments aim to enhance the school, Dr Wilson stresses that its inclusive, family-oriented culture will remain intact. “We want to grow, but not at the expense of what makes us special.”
A Strong Foundation in Primary Education
While much of the school’s expansion focuses on secondary students, primary education remains a top priority. Parent feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of families stating they would recommend the school to others.
“We’re strengthening our English as a Second Language (ESL) support, recognizing that many of our students come from non-English-speaking backgrounds,” Dr Wilson says. “We also plan to expand our library and innovation lab, fostering literacy and creativity from an early age.”
Collaboration Across Schools
Being part of a larger education group opens up new opportunities for both students and staff.
For students, this means the potential for competitions in sports, arts, and public speaking, as well as the chance to participate in summer programs at Perrott Hill UK. Virtual collaborations with other schools in the network will also enhance the learning experience.
For teachers, shared resources and professional development opportunities will help refine teaching methods. “In my experience, schools thrive when they collaborate. Exchanging ideas across campuses strengthens everyone,” Dr Wilson notes.
What Stays the Same
Despite the changes, the school remains committed to being inclusive and welcoming to families from all backgrounds.
“What won’t change is our dedication to every student’s growth,” Dr Wilson says. “We support children with a range of ambitions—whether they’re aspiring to attend Oxford or MIT, or pursuing careers in entrepreneurship, the arts, or vocational fields. Our role is to help them find their path.”
With its new identity as Perrott Hill British School Prague, the institution aims to balance the best of both worlds: a close-knit community feel with the expanded opportunities that come from being part of an international education network.
As Dr Wilson puts it, “Our goal is simple—we want every student to thrive academically, socially, and personally, and to leave here ready for whatever future they choose.”
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The importance of “Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2” cannot be understated.
Set in 15th-century Bohemia, the title is steeped with accurate representations of buildings, towns, and castles from one of Czechia’s most historically significant regions.
When it launched early last month, the game became something of a phenomenon and quickly became one of the most-played single-player games on Steam.
According to Jan Pechač from LucyTours, the company has seen a rise in inquiries about its Kutná Hora tours, a key location in the game known as Kuttenberg.
While bookings haven’t surged yet, Pechač expects a sharp increase as spring and summer approach, when most tourists plan their trips. Interest is not limited to Kutná Hora—other historical sites like Trosky Castle ruins and Malešov Fort are also drawing attention.
Honza Pavelka from Czexperience confirms the trend, noting that the video game has sparked curiosity about Trosky Castle and Kutná Hora. He anticipates even greater demand as the main tourist season begins in April.
They also have partnered with the Kutná Hora municipality to launch an official Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 tour.
Lenka Lamačová from Premiant City Tour says they have updated tour descriptions to include references to the game’s story, while Real Prague Tours has updated information on two tours to highlight the connection to Warhorse Studios’ work.
Beyond tourism, the video game is making waves in Czechia in unexpected ways. One company recently hosted a medieval-themed feast to celebrate the game’s launch, and a local bank has even introduced special-edition virtual debit cards featuring in-game imagery.
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A five-meter-long, 800-kilogram glass skeleton, the largest of its kind in the world, is set to become the centerpiece of Prague’s Máj department store.
Crafted by master glassmakers in Železný Brod, the skeleton consists of 37 designed glass components, including a skull that alone weighs 200 kilograms.
The project, commissioned by the owners of Máj and their architects, took a year to bring from concept to reality. The renowned Lhotský Glass Studio led the effort, using cutting-edge techniques such as 3D modeling, wax molding, and sandstone casting.
“When they asked us if it was possible, we said, ‘Everything is possible,’” said Martina Kulhavá of Lhotský Glass Studio.
The team used a special type of glass called Banas Glass, chosen for its ability to handle large-scale sculpting. Each piece underwent an extensive process of sanding and polishing to achieve a deep blue hue, as requested by the project’s patrons.
Studio founder Zdeněk Lhotský described the process as extremely complex, using ancient casting techniques revived in the 20th century.
The skeleton will be installed in late March, suspended above a bar area using nearly invisible stainless steel cables.
The custom lighting system, developed by Artglass Studio in Jablonec nad Nisou, will enhance the sculpture’s ethereal appearance, making it seem as if it is floating in midair.
For the glassmakers of Železný Brod, this is yet another landmark project. Their past work includes a glass sarcophagus for the Danish royal family, one of the largest glass sculptures ever made at 4.5 tons.
