The amendment, approved by Czech President Peter Pavel, significantly increases recruitment and retention benefits for Czech soldiers in a bid to address critical army staffing shortages.

Czech President Petr Pavel has signed a key amendment aimed at strengthening the Czech Army by significantly increasing recruitment and retention benefits for professional soldiers. The move, backed by the government, seeks to address the increasingly concerning personnel shortfall in the armed forces.

Under the new legislation, the recruitment allowance for new soldiers will rise sharply to a maximum of CZK 1 million, quadrupling the previous ceiling of CZK 250,000. This allowance will be paid out as a one-time bonus, but only after the completion of a three-month probationary period.

In addition to the recruitment incentive, the amendment enhances several other benefits, including the stabilization allowance, housing support, and subsidies for service abroad. The Czech defense ministry estimates that the additional measures will cost the state budget CZK 375 million annually.

Defense Minister Jana Černochová and Chief of the General Staff Karel Řehka have consistently raised concerns over the army’s personnel shortage. Řehka has stressed that to meet strategic defense goals, the military needs a net annual increase of 1,200 soldiers.

Just 27,826 professional soldiers and 4,266 reservists were reportedly on the military’s books at the beginning of last year, according to the Czech defense ministry. However, Řehka noted that only around 24,000 soldiers are actively serving.

Czech news outlet Echo24 reported on the military’s long-term ambition to grow its forces to 30,000 professional troops and 10,000 reservists by 2030.

Moreover, new NATO alliance requirements suggest that Czechia may need up to 37,500 soldiers to meet collective defence objectives.

The bill also updates the eligibility criteria for enlistment, reaffirming that recruits must have a clean criminal record. It reintroduces the principle of recognizing expunged convictions for most crimes, though individuals convicted of particularly serious offenses or those stripped of military rank remain barred from service.

Lastly, the amendment includes a new provision requiring soldiers to inform their superiors of travel to non-EU and non-NATO countries — designed to help prevent security risks.

Despite attempts to incentivize its citizens and boost military numbers, a survey published last month revealed that only a small fraction would volunteer to join the military if Czechia or a NATO ally were attacked.

The poll, conducted last month by the Median agency for Czech Radio, found just 6 percent said they would definitely sign up to defend the country from attack, while 14 percent said they would consider it.

The 10th edition of the Beer and Burger (‘Pivo a Burger’) Festival will return to Karlínské náměstí on May 18!

Prague Zoo has officially begun construction on a new Arctic pavilion, which will feature state-of-the-art enclosures for polar bears and harbour seals.

The project was announced by Pavel Brandl, curator of mammal breeding, on Saturday during the zoo’s 94th season opening. The event included a ceremonial laying of the foundation stone for the Arctic exhibition complex.

The pavilion will consist of three enclosures: one with a watercourse for polar bears and two for harbour seals. According to the zoo’s director, Miroslav Bobek, the facility will offer visitors a unique underwater view of the bears, enhancing the educational and observational experience.

Bobek emphasised that the new pavilion aligns with the latest research on polar bear care while continuing Prague Zoo’s long-standing tradition of breeding them. The zoo has housed polar bears since 1932 and achieved a world-first in 1942 with the successful artificial rearing of a cub.

Despite these milestones, breeding polar bears remains complex. Female bears sometimes reject or harm their young, and replicating their milk for artificial rearing poses a significant challenge.

The construction is expected to take around three years and cost 755 million CZK—well below the initial estimate of over one billion CZK.

Spanning 8,000 square meters in the zoo’s northwest section near Gočárový domů, the Arctic complex will include not only animal enclosures but also visitor-friendly spaces such as a restaurant and other facilities.

Alongside the Arctic pavilion announcement, Prague Zoo unveiled a new exhibit featuring critically endangered lobsters, named Ball’s Pyramid after the world’s tallest sea stack, where the species was discovered in the 1960s.

The zoo has also introduced an interactive programme for visitors, offering face painting at the Gočár Houses and Bororo Reservation, an Arctic-themed play area, and guided feeding sessions.

Guests can watch feedings of meerkats, ring-tailed lemurs, and South African sea lions, including their popular veterinary training demonstrations.

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Fifty years after opening as a luxury hotel, the Fairmont Golden Prague is set to return this summer following an extensive multi-million euro renovation.

The brutalist landmark, located in Prague’s Old Town near Pařížská Street and overlooking the Vltava River, is owned by Czech billionaire Oldřich Šlemr’s investment group, R2G.

Originally built in the 1970s, the hotel blends its storied architecture with a modern design, incorporating Czech art and glassmaking into its interiors. It will feature 320 newly designed rooms, suites, and apartments, many offering panoramic views of Prague Castle and the city’s historic skyline.

Dining options will include six restaurants and bars, with a mix of Czech, Asian, and European cuisine. Among the highlights are Zlatá Praha Restaurant, the Green House, and Golden Eye, promising a refined yet relaxed experience.

Let’s discover more.

Zlatá Praha

The crown jewel of the hotel’s culinary scene. This exclusive rooftop restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of Prague’s historic center and the elegant Pařížská Street. The menu focuses on contemporary Czech dishes, and the space itself is designed with a modern aesthetic. A terrace is available for outdoor dining.

Greenhouse

This informal yet stylish restaurant celebrates Czech beer culture while offering a terrace adorned with lush greenery and herb beds. Inside, the nature-inspired design blends organic materials with sleek accents of metal and concrete, creating a modern yet inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the riverside setting.

Golden Eye

This rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the river and city. The interior design, done with a British studio, uses gold and brass, dark wood, and mirrors, aiming for a 1970s cosmopolitan look. They serve modern Asian dishes with live DJ sets.

Coocoo’s Nest

The hotel’s lobby bar is connected to an art gallery. It’s named after the Miloš Forman film, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” highlighting a link to Czech-American cinema. Here you can experience a fusion of artistic ambiance and exceptional service in this one-of-a-kind venue.

Kafka Brasserie

This restaurant, Kafka Brasserie, showcases wooden sculptures by Čestmír Kafka and features guild crests in its ceiling. It also includes a glass piece by Jan Černohorský and Czech film posters. It’s designed for breakfast, group lunches, and brunches.

Tilia Garden

Tilia Garden offers a relaxing dining experience inspired by the Czech national symbol, the linden tree. The restaurant’s interior blends nature with modern Czech design, featuring sky-blue ceramic tiles, brass accents, and expansive glass surfaces, creating an airy, peaceful atmosphere.

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Jakub Menšík will never forget how he won his first ATP Tour title.

Czech teenager Tomáš Menšík defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6, 7-6 to win the Miami Open presented by Itau title on Sunday.

The 19-year-old became the second-youngest titlist in tournament history behind Carlos Alcaraz, who lifted the trophy in 2022 as an 18-year-old.

“To be honest, I don’t know what to say. It feels incredible, obviously,” Menšík said in his on-court interview.

“It was probably the biggest day of my life, and I did super, which I’m really glad [about], to show the performance and keep the nerves outside of the court before the match. I feel just super happy,y and I think that the feelings will come later.”

The defeat leaves Djokovic, who appeared to struggle with an issue underneath his right eye, without a title on tour since the ATP Finals in 2023. His only success in 2024 came at the Olympics.

“There is no harder task in tennis than to beat him in the finals,” said Menšík, who lost his only previous meeting with Djokovic in Shanghai. “You’re the one I idolised when I was young. I started playing tennis because of you.

This is your moment Jakub ❤️

And oh does the future looks bright 💫@MiamiOpen | @mensik_jakub_ | #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/oBGHPcLMvt

— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 31, 2025

Djokovic admitted his opponent – 18 years his junior – was better and congratulated him on an “unbelievable tournament”.

“This is Jakub’s moment – moment of his team, moment of his family. Congratulations, unbelievable tournament,” Djokovic said.

“It hurts me to admit it but you were better! In the clutch moments, you delivered the goods. Unbelievable serving and just a phenomenal effort mentally, to stay tough in a difficult moment.”

“His serve is incredible, powerful, precise and he wins a lot of free points with the first serve,” 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic added.

“Backhand as well. Czech school, they always have a great backhand. But forehand, he’s improved a lot. And movement for a tall, big guy like that, he slides and moves well.

“He still can improve, of course, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing him around.

This weekend, a shopping frenzy erupted at a Lidl store in Prague’s Štěrboholy district, turning the supermarket into a battleground.

Shoppers clashed over a batch of umbrellas sold at an extremely low price, leading to chaos that only ended with police intervention.

The situation spiraled out of control when Lidl introduced new stock, including umbrellas priced at just a few crowns.

Customers began grabbing at boxes before they even hit the shelves, leading to a physical struggle. A viral video circulating on social media captures the moment when shoppers tugged fiercely at the merchandise, with some pulling so hard they nearly fell over.

A Lidl employee desperately attempted to restore order, shouting “Enough!”, but her pleas went ignored as the fight escalated. The situation became so intense that store security was forced to intervene.

Ti lidi se v tom Lidl outletu jednou navzájem pozabíjejí.🤦‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/cWMSAM1yYG

— Barbora Mercury 🇨🇿✌️🇪🇺 (@MercuryBarbora) March 26, 2025

Lidl Responds with New Security Measures

Following the incident, Lidl issued a statement addressing the brawl. “We take the safety of our customers and employees seriously. We have already implemented measures to prevent similar situations, including increasing security on high-traffic days and limiting the number of items each customer can purchase,” said Lidl spokesperson Eliška Froschová Stehlíková.

The company insists that this was an isolated event and believes the new precautions will prevent future disruptions.

“At this moment, we are not aware of any similar incidents occurring again. If customers witness any situation that poses a safety risk, we strongly advise them to report it to security or contact the Czech Police,” the spokesperson told iDnes.cz.

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After winter break, the magnificent Wallenstein Garden reopened today, April 1. What about escaping from the rush of Prague for a moment?

Visitors can now stroll through the garden’s scenic grounds daily:

• Weekdays: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Weekends and holidays: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

On Saturdays, a visit to the garden can be combined with a free tour of the interior of the Walledstein Palace. Its historic halls will be open every Saturday (starting from April 5) from 09:00 to 16:00 (last admission at 15:30) until November.

This chance to explore the palace’s historical interiors runs until November, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

Check out the Wallenstein Garden’s website, which includes more information and a calendar of events.

You can get to the garden via public transit, as several tram stops are spread throughout the area. The Malostranská subway station is next to the entrance.

Unsurprisingly, the Wallenstein Garden sits outside the Wallenstein Palace, home of the Senate of Czechia, in Prague’s Mala Strana.

Both the geometrically designed garden and the adjacent palace were built between 1623 and 1629.

Given the era of the garden’s construction, its baroque style and immense sala (a type of pavilion) are even more impressive.

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The Prague Tomorrow? app gives users a detailed view of upcoming construction projects that will reshape the city’s landscape.

Prague is buzzing with major developments: the Nový Hlavák (Prague’s Main Train Station) terminal, the transformation of Rohanský and Libeňský ostrov, and a modernized Smíchov transport hub.

But how will these projects impact the city? What new bridges will span the Vltava River? And how will former industrial areas, or brownfields, be revitalized?

The Institute of Planning and Development (IPR) has launched a new app called Prague Tomorrow?, offering an interactive overview of both large and small-scale construction projects that will shape the future of the capital.

This app allows users to virtually explore these developments, gaining insight into how Prague will evolve.

Each project has a dedicated profile card with key details—from project status and location layouts to images and a brief description.

“I am delighted that we have successfully launched this application, which we have been developing for the past few years,” said Ondřej Boháč, Director of IPR. “We believe it will help residents stay informed about the changes happening in their neighborhoods and throughout the city.”

Boháč also pointed out that the app doesn’t just cover high-profile projects but also highlights smaller developments, such as tram line extensions and new footbridges or walkways, which can significantly improve the quality of life for locals.

“While large-scale projects often make headlines, it’s the smaller, more localized interventions that frequently have the most meaningful impact,” he added.

In addition to well-known projects, the app features a variety of other significant developments, such as the fourth quadrant of Vítězné náměstí, the Bubny-Výstaviště train line, and the Hradebni Korzo.

According to Štěpán Bärtl, head of the Center for Architecture and Urban Planning (CAMP), “Our goal is to ensure that all the information in the app remains up-to-date. In the next phase, we plan to involve citizens and investors directly, allowing them to contribute to the planning of projects in their local areas.”

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Prague’s Václav Havel Airport is preparing for a major infrastructure overhaul, with its main runway set to close for four and a half months starting today, March 31.

The extensive renovation will divert air traffic to the airport’s secondary runway, leading to increased flights over densely populated areas, including Prague, Kladno, and parts of Central Bohemia.

The maintenance project includes 15 construction and technological upgrades, focusing on taxiway repairs and sewer system reconstruction. Airport officials stress that the proximity of these works to the main runway makes regular flight operations impossible during this period.

Eva Krejčí, the airport’s Communications and Marketing Director, explained that the closure was scheduled during a time of minimal fog to mitigate disruptions, as the secondary runway lacks equipment for low-visibility conditions.

While the main runway itself was fully reconstructed in 2012-2013 and does not require renovation, the surrounding infrastructure work will continue until 2026.

Looking further ahead, the airport remains committed to its long-planned parallel runway project, an initiative first proposed in the 1960s. With environmental impact approvals in place and legal hurdles cleared, construction is expected to begin after 2030.

The expansion plan has stirred debate among local authorities. Prague 6 Mayor Jakub Stárek (ODS) has urged an accelerated timeline for the parallel runway to prevent future disruptions.

However, officials from Suchdol and Nebušice remain opposed, citing concerns over increased air traffic and noise pollution.

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On Saturday, June 14, Eden Stadium will host OKTAGON 72, where over 28,000 fans will gather for a night of world-class MMA action.

This isn’t just any fight night – it’s the conclusion of the most intense rivalry in European MMA.

In the main event, two legends – Karlos Vémola and Attila Végh – will face off for the third and final time. The score is tied at 1–1, and this fight will settle the question once and for all: Who is the greatest fighter in Czech and Slovak MMA history?

Their story is legendary. Végh shocked the MMA world in 2019 when he knocked out Vémola in the first round of the original “Fight of the Century.” Vémola, driven by revenge, got his payback in 2024 at Eden Stadium, choking out Végh in the second round in front of a record-breaking crowd.

Now, with both men declaring this their final fight, Judgment Day is here. Everything is on the line. This is more than a fight – it’s a legacy-defining moment.

The co-main event features a fight we’ve waited six years to see. Two of the best middleweights in Europe – Makhmud Muradov and Patrik Kincl – will finally meet in a high-stakes clash for the interim middleweight title. Muradov’s power and striking face off against Kincl’s elite grappling – this one is guaranteed fireworks.

Plus, Bojan Veličković, the winner of the Tipsport Gamechanger tournament and Europe’s top welterweight, takes on former lightweight champion and European MMA finalist Rony Paradeiser. Paradeiser is making his move to welterweight, but Veličković won’t give up his crown without a fight.

And that’s not all – the card is stacked with the biggest names in OKTAGON MMA, bringing the action and atmosphere of a world-class MMA event to the heart of Prague.

If you’ve never experienced an OKTAGON event, this is the one to be at. The energy, the passion, and the drama of two careers coming to an epic conclusion – it doesn’t get bigger than this.

Tickets for OKTAGON 72 are on sale now – secure yours before they’re gone on Ticketportal!

The Czech Republic is set for another sharp temperature drop this week, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ).

The beginning of the week will bring cold and humid air from northwestern Europe, followed by a brief warming period. However, by Friday, a cold front will sweep through, bringing another round of chilly weather.

Throughout the week, the weather will be cloudy and rainy, with snowfall in higher elevations. While the weekend will start with relatively mild temperatures, a significant cooling trend will follow. Here’s what meteorologists predict for the upcoming days.

Monday and Tuesday: Rain, Snow, and Low Temperatures

If you have outdoor plans on Monday, prepare for rain and snow in the mountains. The sky will remain mostly cloudy, with showers and mixed precipitation above 700 meters. Evening rainfall may subside. Nighttime temperatures will range from 6 to 2°C, while daytime highs will only reach 5 to 9°C, with some areas in Moravia hitting 12°C. A northwest to north wind will continue throughout the day.

On Tuesday, the pattern remains unchanged. Expect cloudy skies with occasional showers, with snow above 900 meters. Precipitation should taper off in the evening, allowing for decreasing cloud cover. Night temperatures will drop to 5 to 1°C, potentially -1°C in western Bohemia. Daytime temperatures will range from 9 to 13°C, with South Moravia reaching 15°C. A light north to northeast wind will persist.

Midweek Brings a Brief Weather Improvement

By Wednesday, meteorologists forecast clear to partly cloudy skies, though morning fog or low cloud cover may appear. Nighttime temperatures will remain between 5 and 1°C, with possible dips to -1°C in wind-sheltered areas. The day will feel warmer, with temperatures rising to 17°C in some regions. The northeast to east wind will weaken by the evening.

Thursday will see similar conditions, with clear skies and mild spring temperatures ranging from 14 to 18°C. A light variable wind will blow at speeds of up to 4 m/s.

Sharp Cooling Over the Weekend

The warm spell will be short-lived, as Friday brings increasing cloud cover from the northwest, with rain, showers, and snow in higher altitudes. The weekend will remain mostly cloudy, with nighttime temperatures dropping from 6 to 1°C and eventually reaching -3°C.

Daytime highs will plummet, starting at 14 to 19°C on Saturday but dropping to just 3 to 8°C by Sunday. So, despite the brief spring-like warmth, don’t put away your winter coat just yet—you’ll still need it.

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Prague is home to one of Europe’s most stunning gardens: the Vrtba Garden, a Baroque masterpiece in Malá Strana.

The Vrtba Garden (Vrtbovská zahrada) was placed in the international Garden Awards competition as the 2nd most beautiful garden in Europe for the years 2019/2020.

Yet, despite its reputation, many people unknowingly walk past its entrance on Karmelitská Street, unaware of the hidden oasis beyond the gates.

The garden dates back to the early 18th century and combines historic Baroque elements with modern restorations.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a series of elegantly arranged terraces, but the real highlight awaits at the top.

Climbing to the highest level reveals an unparalleled panoramic view of Prague, featuring Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church, and even a tower of Charles Bridge.

The History Behind the Name

The garden is named after the Vrtbovský Palace, which once belonged to the noble Counts of Vrtba, originally from the Pilsen region. It was Jan Josef of Vrtba who commissioned the garden more than 300 years ago, transforming the hillside into a harmonious landscape.

Art and Architecture in a Hidden Haven

Despite the steep elevation of 15 meters, the architects seamlessly connected the levels with staircases, creating a flowing, scenic experience.

The garden is also home to sculptures by Matyáš Bernard Braun, one of Bohemia’s most renowned Baroque sculptors, whose work can also be admired at Kuks Castle. In addition, frescoes adorn the walls, adding to the garden’s artistic significance.

Due to its discreet entrance, many locals and tourists overlook this hidden treasure. However, twice a year, the Vrtbovská Garden transforms into something truly extraordinary. In spring and autumn, a special illumination event bathes the garden for just two evenings.

While the exact date for this year’s spring illumination has yet to be announced, it typically takes place in early April.

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