A new survey reveals that nearly half of Czech citizens believe current defense spending at 2 percent of GDP is sufficient, and 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 that half of the respondents were content with the current level of investment in defense, one third of people wanted to increase spending above NATO’s minimum threshold of 2 percent, while a quarter of those asked backed a reduction in spending.

The findings come just weeks after the Czech government announced plans to increase defense spending to at least 3 percent of GDP by 2030, a move Prime Minister Petr Fiala has described as both necessary and urgent.

The Chamber of Deputies is set to debate the nation’s defense capability this week, with President Petr Pavel scheduled to address an extraordinary session on the topic.

“Two percent is the minimum today, but not all states even meet that. We need to discuss whether higher spending is necessary and feasible,” Fiala said. He also highlighted the economic benefits of defense investment, including domestic industrial growth, innovation, and technological development.

“Regardless of whether Donald Trump or someone else would win in America, the readiness of the U.S. to provide the complete defense of Europe is decreasing,” Fiala said in January. “That’s enough to watch the internal social debate in the United States, and that’s why it’s in our interest to take care of our defense.”

The third year of the largest cycling event of the year, Prague Bike Fest, will welcome visitors once again to Výstaviště on the weekend of 26 – 27 April 2025.

Two days of a cycling trade fair, adrenaline, exhibitions, workshops, but also organised rides with well-known athletes, races and bike testing, along with a section of food with lots of savoury and sweet treats.

Visitors can test dozens of bikes as well as buy or just look at the new offerings and cycling accessories as part of this unique trade fair.

Just like every year, this year part of the trade fair will be for children, for whom a children’s test circuit will be prepared under the guidance of instructors from Trail Guide.

However, those who enjoy a dose of adrenaline more than anything cannot miss the Big Air show, led by Teodor Kováč and other well-known Czech and foreign riders.

They will be competing in a unique competition for prize money in the amount of CZK 100,000 in Big Air Eliminator.

At a height of up to 7 meters, riders will perform their most difficult tricks such as a double-back flip, front flip with no hands or 720-degree spin.

“Prague Bike Fest has gone beyond our expectations at Výstaviště and is great to see that this cycling trade fair is essentially the largest of its kind in Prague and the Czech Republic today. This year’s edition will also bring something brand new, namely a competition for quite a lot of money, which I believe will attract not only traditional lovers of adrenaline, but will also be attractive for many others who will enjoy seeing the best from the Czech and foreign cycling scenes soaring at an incredible height,” commented Tomáš Hübl, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Výstaviště Praha, a.s.

On Saturday evening, the Fixed Gear Race will be held on a closed track for testing bikes. This is a race designed for fans of cycling with one gear on bikes that will race together on a short circuit full of bends, slaloms and other elements, guaranteeing that the riders will never be far apart, so the spectators can look forward to a very attractive show full of twists.

The festival will be accompanied by a programme on the main stage, which will consist of travel lectures, panel discussions, video screenings, nutritional counselling and interviews with professionals.

The main stage will be located near the Křižík Fountain and will welcome interesting guests throughout the day all through the weekend.

Find the whole program here

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As for the most interesting Czech holidays and traditions, Easter sure gives Christmas a run for its peníze (i.e. money).

In addition to catching the beauty of spring, Eastertime visitors will come away from Prague with a pocketful of history and traditions to be shared back home (especially if a visit to the country’s more traditional Moravian region is involved).

For a preview of what to expect for Easter in the Czech Republic, read our 8 fascinating Easter facts!

1. Is it Easter… or a celebration of spring?

Velikonoce (Easter) comes from the expression velká noc, meaning “great night” after the day in which Jesus Christ rose from the dead. During Communist rule, however, the religious celebration was suppressed and the arrival of spring was recognized instead.

Since the Velvet Revolution and the collapse of Communism in 1989, Easter’s Christian roots have slowly been reestablished, though the holiday is still less overtly religious than visitors might expect (at least in the case in the capital city).

2. Easter Monday trumps Easter Sunday

The main day for Easter celebrations is on Easter Monday, also a national holiday. Easter Sunday (Velikonoční neděle), on the other hand, is typically spent preparing for the following day’s festivities during which ladies decorate the eggs and gentlemen prepare their pomlázky. Which brings us onto…

While women prepare the eggs, men prepare the pomlázky (Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

3. Being chased and whipped is a GOOD thing?!

Pomlázky are braided whips made from pussy-willow twigs and colorful ribbons, which are used by boys (and sometimes men) to chase and gently whip girls and women on Easter Monday morning while chanting “Hody, hody doprovody, dejte vejce malovaný, nedáte-li malovaný, dejte aspoň bílý, slepička vám snese jiný…”, a rhyme requesting eggs from the girls in return.

To clarify (as we sense your bewilderment), it’s a centuries-old playful tradition said to bring health and fertility to those whipped; therefore, to be on the receiving end does have some benefit! For those brave enough to try out the tradition on their home turf, find the colorful pomlázky for purchase at the Easter Markets in Prague (bonus: no license required!).

4. Decorated eggs are given to the whip bearers!

Decorating eggs (kraslice) is one of Czech’s best-known and widely practiced Easter traditions. Girls typically decorate the eggs to be hung in windows, put in baskets, or given to the boys who whip them on Easter Monday. Find elaborately decorated eggs for sale at the markets and shops throughout the Czech Republic. Proceed with caution if taking eggs home as souvenirs, however – they are very delicate so getting them home in one piece is a risk!

5. Red is the symbolic color at Easter

More so in past times, red was the most popular egg decorating color because it symbolizes the energy of new life (which comes with spring). Some Czechs still wear red at Eastertime to symbolize happiness, health, and new life.

6. Lamb is the most popular dish on the Easter menu

Lamb, whether meat or the sweet dough version (beránek), is perhaps the most recognized part of the Czech Easter feast. In addition, eggs, mazanec (sweet yeasted bread made with rum-soaked raisins and topped with almonds), gingerbread, and in some households, homemade plum brandy (slivovice), are usual staples on the table.

7. Boys shake rattles to scare off Judas

For 3 days during Holy Week, groups of boys head out into their villages shaking a řehtačka (wooden rattle). The tradition is said to scare off Judas, the apostle Christians believe betrayed Jesus. On the third day (White Saturday), the boys stop at home and make noise until they are given a present (usually money… and usually to make them stop!). 

Shaking a řehtačka is said to scare off Judas

8. Easter goes on for almost a week!

Days of preparation lead up to Easter Monday, each with their religious undertones and customs. Holy Week consists of:

• Ugly (Spy) Wednesday (Škaredá středa) is named after the day Judas betrayed Jesus. Children are let out of school so that they can spend time making Easter “beautiful” (i.e. cleaning and preparing).
• Green (Maundy) Thursday (Zelený čtvrtek) honors the Last Supper. It’s traditionally a day of fasting, whereby no meat is consumed (and green vegetables are encouraged). Nowadays in the Czech Republic, it’s possible to celebrate the day with zelene pivo (green beer!).
• Good Friday (Velký pátek) commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Last year, Good Friday joined Easter Monday as an official national holiday in the Czech Republic. The holiday actually ceased in the 1950s during the early years of the Communist regime.
• White Saturday (Bílá sobota) is known as the “Day of Light”, symbolizing Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. It’s also the last day Czech boys go around their villages shaking their wooden rattles (until they are given money).
• Easter Sunday (Velikonoční neděle) is the day for mass and continued preparations for Easter Monday (Velikonoční pondělí).
• Finally… Easter Monday. Veselé Velikonoce! Happy Easter!

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The Easter markets in Prague’s Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square will officially open on Saturday, April 5, and run until Sunday, April 27.

This year’s event will once again transform the city center into a festive spring marketplace, offering traditional Czech Easter decorations, crafts, and seasonal food.

“In smaller boxes, we will plant two-and-a-half to three-meter birch trees, which should already be in bloom. These will be decorated with eggs and traditional ribbons. Larger boxes will showcase pansies, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths,” explained decoration coordinator Tatiana Vomáčková.

Another new feature is the Easter gate, located near Železná Street, which will serve as a symbolic entrance to the markets.

“The gate will frame the view of Old Town Square and visually define the market area,” said Eva Poláčková, executive director of Decoled, the company responsible for market decorations. Easter photo corners will also be set up for visitors.

One Kilometer of Easter Garlands and Interactive Art Boards

The Easter decorations will extend throughout the markets, with one kilometer of wicker garlands adorning the Old Town Square stalls and an additional 300 meters of garlands on Wenceslas Square.

A new interactive attraction will be available behind the Jan Hus statue, where visitors can use chalk to draw on themed boards featuring Easter symbols like eggs, hares, and chicks. Assistants dressed in traditional folk costumes will distribute chalk and help visitors create their designs.

500 Performers and Cultural Entertainment

A rich cultural program will accompany the Easter markets, with performances scheduled on two main stages—one at Old Town Square and another at Wenceslas Square. More than 500 adult performers and nearly 1,000 children will take part in ethnographic and folklore performances, cimbalom music, brass bands, theater acts, and children’s singing and dance groups.

“The workshops for children will be even more diverse this year,” said Simona Čermáková, market program manager. The non-profit organization Mezi námi o.p.s. will host a special intergenerational workshop, where grandmothers will lead creative activities with children.

Over 100 Market Stalls Offering Seasonal Goods

Visitors can explore a wide selection of goods from 71 market stalls (plus three charity stands) in Old Town Square and 32 stalls in Wenceslas Square.

Vendors will offer a variety of Easter gifts, handicrafts, traditional Czech delicacies, and refreshments. Stalls will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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A new report by the energy think tank Ember finds that imports of Russian gas to the EU surged by 18% in 2024.

Despite plans to phase out Russian energy by 2027, increased imports into Italy, the Czech Republic, and France drove the rise.

Although demand did not grow, imports increased. Moreover, the EU plans to enhance its liquefied natural gas (LNG) import capacity by 54%, with member states seeking alternative gas suppliers.

According to the think tank, this expansion occurs despite stable demand until 2030. Analysts warn that such expansion could result in overcapacity, with fossil gas supply expected to surpass demand by 26% in 2030.

“This level of overinvestment, amounting to 131 billion cubic meters, matches the combined annual gas consumption of Germany, France, and Poland,” reads the press release.

“It is a scandal that the EU is still importing Russian gas,” said Ember analyst Dr Pawel Czyzak. “Instead of investing in true alternatives like renewables and efficiency to cut off Russian imports, Member States are burning money with expensive LNG capacity that won’t even be used.”

The analysis reveals that after years of price volatility driven by the war in Ukraine, gas prices surged by 59% in 2024. As a result, the European gas price benchmark is around double the pre-crisis levels.

At the same time, the reliability of gas supplies from foreign sources other than Russia has become more uncertain.

Escalating geopolitical tensions raise concerns about depending on US supply, even as the US expands its LNG export capacity.

Although the EU has proposed funding foreign LNG infrastructure and entering into long-term LNG contracts to reduce reliance on Russian gas, this strategy could deepen dependence on potentially unreliable suppliers.

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Delta Air Lines will resume direct flights between Prague and New York (JFK), reconnecting the two cities for the summer season.

The service will begin on May 8, 2025, and continue until October 6, 2025.

Flights will operate daily, with the route served by a Boeing 767-300. The journey is expected to take approximately 9 hours and 25 minutes.

Tickets are already available, with one-way fares starting at 15,000 CZK for the basic fare.

This seasonal connection is expected to boost tourism and business travel between Czechia and the United States, offering passengers a convenient non-stop option.

Jiří Pos, chairman of the board at Prague Airport, expressed hope that the connection could become year-round. “Before the Covid crisis, over 70,000 passengers traveled between Prague and New York annually, which suggested strong potential for a permanent direct route to the Czech capital,” he said in 2022.

However, that plan did not come to fruition.

Despite this, Prague Airport remains committed to securing more long-haul connections. “Expanding North American and Asian routes is a key priority, and we have been negotiating with airlines for some time,” said Jaroslav Procházka from Prague Airport.

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The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) is set to restore a historic sprinkler tram, a vehicle once essential for keeping the city’s streets clean.

The project involves reconstructing the tram’s chassis to create a fully functional replica of this unique maintenance vehicle.

The planned replica will be modeled after historic sprinkler tram No. 2505 from 1925.

DPP will install a refurbished water tank onto the chassis of tram No. 2196, originally built in 1929. The restoration process will include chassis leveling, the addition of missing parts, and the integration of both new and reconditioned components, including electrical systems.

Once completed, the tram will not only serve as a historical exhibit but will also retain its original gravity and pressurized sprinkling functions.

The entire project will be strictly supervised to ensure historical authenticity while meeting modern technical standards. DPP plans to use the restored vehicle for special events, highlighting Prague’s rich transport history and the crucial role these trams once played in urban maintenance.

A Glimpse Into the Past

Following World War I, maintaining Prague’s streets with traditional trucks proved to be too costly. As a result, the city’s Building Authority commissioned Electric Companies to design special sprinkler trams.

The first three models were introduced between 1921 and 1922, and their success led to further production in the following years. However, their operation ceased in 1961, when more modern street-cleaning vehicles replaced them.

A variation of tram sprinklers returned to Prague in 2016 when the city modified a Lubricating Tram by equipping it with a water tank. Since 2017, this tram has been used to regularly water grassy tram lanes during the summer months.

The project’s timeline states that the replica should be completed within 18 months after signing the contract.

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Car imports from China to the Czech Republic more than doubled last year, with Chinese brands now holding 3.3% of the domestic market for new passenger cars.

The latest player to enter the scene is BYD, one of China’s largest car manufacturers, which will officially launch its brand in the country on April 1, 2024.

Czech buyers purchased 7,675 cars from China in 2023, compared to 3,516 in 2022.

The rapid increase in Chinese car sales is driven not only by competitive pricing but also by a notable improvement in quality and technology. As these brands continue to evolve, their share of the European market is expected to grow further.

Despite this growth, Chinese carmakers could face obstacles in Europe.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, recently pointed out that US tariffs on Chinese imports imposed under Donald Trump’s policies might push Chinese manufacturers to shift their focus toward European markets. This could lead to increased competition for established European brands.

 

BYD’s European Expansion Plans

BYD is already making significant strides in Europe. The company is set to decide this year on the location of its third European factory. Its Hungarian plant will begin operations in October 2024, followed by another plant in Turkey in 2025.

The combined production capacity of these two factories is expected to reach 500,000 vehicles annually, according to Reuters.

However, BYD’s European expansion might not be without hurdles. The European Commission has launched an investigation into whether China provided illegal subsidies to support BYD’s Hungarian factory, according to a report by The Financial Times.

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A new Poesiomat has been installed in the lower part of Wenceslas Square, offering visitors a unique blend of literature and history.

The device, resembling a submarine periscope, plays 20 recordings tied to Prague’s past—including poetry, speeches, and key historical moments.

Among them are a speech by Václav Havel, the last words of Jan Palach, and the proclamation of Czechoslovakia in 1918.

The project was unveiled by Ondřej Kobza, the cultural activist behind Prague’s public pianos and chess tables. The machine, costing 280,000 CZK, was primarily funded by the city of Prague (250,000 CZK), with Prague 1 district contributing 30,000 CZK.

Unlike a traditional jukebox, this Poesiomat plays more than just poetry. Visitors can listen to Klement Gottwald’s 1948 speech beginning with the famous words, “I am just returning from the Castle,” or Marta Kubišová’s first public performance in 1989 after a 20-year ban.

The selection also includes:

• Poems by Vítězslav Nezval, Karel Šiktanc, and František Halas
• A short story by Jaroslav Hašek
• Popular children’s songs from the Semafor Theater
• A narration on Wenceslas Square in the 1920s by director Josef Vomáčka
• A historical account of the square’s architectural evolution, told by historian Richard Biegel

Deputy Mayor Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09) praised the project, calling it a perfect fusion of literature, technology, and cultural education in a public space. “Wenceslas Square is a symbol of Czech history, and this Poesiomat will spark curiosity while teaching visitors about the past through art,” he said.

From Prague to the World

This is the 80th Poesiomat in the Czech Republic, with similar machines in dozens of cities. Beyond Prague, poetry machines can be found in Paris, Dublin, and even Buffalo, New York.

The device is operated by turning a handle to select a recording. Once played, the voice of history echoes through the square, bringing the words of poets, politicians, and revolutionaries back to life.

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Prague has been awarded the title of European Forestry City 2025, marking the second time the Czech capital has received this recognition, following its win in 2021.

The city will also host an international conference, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and forestry experts to discuss urban green spaces and environmental sustainability.

One of Europe’s Greenest Cities

Prague stands out as one of Europe’s greenest cities, with approximately 4,900 hectares of forested land, covering about 10% of the city’s total area. These green spaces play a crucial role in environmental conservation, recreation, and the overall quality of urban life.

The city also manages over 2,600 hectares of gardens, parks, and green spaces, with parks making up 9% of this total. Notable green areas include Stromovka Park, Letná Gardens, and Kinský Garden.

Prague’s Expanding Green Spaces

Prague is continually expanding its green areas. While forested land was shrinking in the city until the late 19th century, the trend reversed in the 20th century. Since then, the total area of newly planted forests has reached nearly 1,500 hectares.

The HUGSI index, which measures urban greenery, reports that each Prague resident enjoys an average of 180 square meters of green space—one of the highest figures in Europe.

Easy Access to Nature – Even by Public Transport

A unique feature of Prague’s forests is their easy accessibility by public transport. Residents and visitors can reach these natural areas via metro, tram, or bus, making nature excursions more convenient than in many other European capitals.

• Kunratický les (South Prague) – Home to a 250-year-old oak tree, castle ruins, gazebos, lookout points, and a wildlife enclosure with fallow deer and roe deer. The forest is visited by 700,000 people annually.
• Prokopské Valley, Divoká Šárka, and Tichá Šárka (West Prague) – Popular among hikers and cyclists.
• Ďáblický háj (North Prague) – Known for its picturesque trails.
• Hostivař Forest Park (South Prague) – A great spot for outdoor activities.

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Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices in Czechia have surged by 26.4% over the past three years, aligning closely with the EU average of 26.9%.

While this increase is substantial, food prices have also climbed sharply across the European Union. In terms of the pace of price hikes, Czechia ranks 13th among EU nations.

However, recent data from Eurostat suggests that in short-term comparisons—year-on-year or month-to-month—the situation in Czechia is less favorable.

“The most relevant comparison is the three-year period from January 2022 to January 2024, as food prices began to spike dramatically in early 2022,” said Miroslav Novák, an analyst at Akcenta.

Czechia Follows EU Trend, But Some Items Are Cheaper Abroad

Novák notes that in this three-year perspective, Czechia does not stand out negatively, despite the 26.4% price surge. In fact, price growth in neighboring countries has been even higher: Slovakia saw a 37.1% increase, Poland 33.9%, and Germany 27.1%.

However, some widely recognized products remain cheaper abroad. Items like Nutella, or Pilsner Urquell beer, often cost less in Germany than in Czechia. When considering salaries and purchasing power, German consumers pay comparatively lower prices for food.

The steepest three-year increase was recorded in Hungary, where food and beverage prices soared by nearly 57%. At the other end of the spectrum, Finland had the lowest increase at just 18%.

Food Prices Have Stabilized – But Monthly Trends Are Concerning

“The idea that food is disproportionately expensive in Czechia, or that prices here are rising much faster than in neighboring countries, is more of an illusion than reality,” Novák added. “Sharp price hikes have affected all EU nations, regardless of whether they use the euro or not.”

From 2022 to 2023, Czech food prices rose faster than the EU average, but after peaking, growth slowed. By summer 2024, prices even recorded a slight year-on-year decline. A study by Cyrrus confirmed that over a five-year span, Czechia’s food price growth remained in line with the European average.

Czechia Sees Highest Monthly Food Price Increase in the EU

Despite this longer-term stabilization, the latest annual comparison is less optimistic. Between January 2023 and January 2024, food prices in Czechia rose by 4.8%, the fifth-highest increase among EU countries.

Even more striking, Czechia recorded the highest month-on-month food price increase in the EU this January, at 3.2%. The Eurozone average was only 0.5%.

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