The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the Czech Republic violated the rights of a non-binary person by requiring sterilisation as a precondition for legal gender recognition.
The case was brought by T.H., a non-binary person who has spent over a decade fighting for the right to change their legal gender and personal identification number without being forced to undergo sterilisation.
Czech authorities consistently rejected the request, citing national law, which still mandates surgical sterilisation for legal gender changes.
In today’s judgment, the Strasbourg-based court declared that this requirement breaches Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees the right to private life. The Court emphasized that the Czech Republic must provide a clear legal framework that allows trans people to update their gender marker without invasive medical procedures.
While the Czech Constitutional Court overturned the sterilisation mandate in 2024, it delayed the change until July 1, 2025, giving the government time to prepare a new law. However, no viable legislation has been passed. The issue now hangs on non-binding ministerial guidelines, which have yet to be published and could be easily reversed after elections later this year.
T.H., the claimant in the case, welcomed the decision. “This is a great day for non-binary and trans people,” she said. “It’s essential that Europe follows a path of dignity, equality, and human rights — especially amid global efforts to roll back trans rights.”
T.H. has never identified with the male gender assigned at birth and uses she/her pronouns. For medical and personal reasons, she does not wish to undergo sterilisation.
Since 2012, she has filed multiple requests with the Czech Ministry of the Interior, all of which were denied due to her refusal to undergo surgery. After exhausting domestic legal options — including a failed appeal to the Constitutional Court in 2021 — she took her case to the European Court.
The 2024 Constitutional Court ruling, which came in a separate case involving a trans man, struck down the sterilisation requirement, calling it incompatible with human dignity. Yet, the absence of a new legal framework has left many in limbo. Without clear rules, decisions about gender recognition could shift with each new administration.
“This is one of the most serious human rights issues of the last decade in Czechia,” said Maroš Matiaško, T.H.’s lawyer. “The Court’s judgment not only provides closure, but also sends a strong message to the Czech government: adopt a safe, accessible, and dignified legal process.”
The ruling reflects broader European trends. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 90% of Czech trans people oppose the sterilisation requirement.
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Get ready for a stage experience like no other — an intense, immersive retelling of A Clockwork Orange is coming to Prague this June.
It will be performed at Rock Café on June 13 and 15 at 19:00, this adaptation blends ballet, opera, and physical theatre with the dark, dystopian world of Anthony Burgess’s cult classic.
The result is an artistic collision between beauty and violence, refinement and raw brutality.
At the center of the story is Alex, a teenage gang leader whose descent into crime, incarceration, and state-sponsored reform forces the audience to confront uncomfortable questions about power, control, free will, and redemption.
This version of A Clockwork Orange isn’t just theatre — it’s a sensory assault. Expect Beethoven, “a bit of the old ultra-violence,” and a jarring mix of classical and contemporary forms, all brought to life by an international creative team.
Directed by Christopher Adamson, co-founder and artistic director of D’Prompt Theatre, the show features choreography by Jade Becker of the First International Ballet School in Prague, with vocal coaching by Sav Bea, founder of Sav Bea Academy.
The production is led by Gordon L. Schmitz and his collective, The Mad and Merry Men.
Schmitz believes the story’s relevance has never been greater.
“There’s a strange absence of political counterculture today — either it’s been mainstreamed or replaced with the idolisation of corporate power. But then something shocking happens — a CEO is assassinated in New York and the killer is hailed as a folk hero. We’re closer to this dystopia than we think,” he says.
First published in 1962, A Clockwork Orange has left a lasting mark on literature, cinema, and music.
Its themes — the fight between the individual and the state, the moral cost of control, and the question of whether true reform is possible — remain as relevant now as they were over 60 years ago.
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Prague is no longer just a destination — it’s now a game.
Prague City Tourism (PCT) has released a mobile puzzle game called Playing Prague, aiming to promote the city through a blend of interactive storytelling, architecture, and local legends.
Created by independent studio Charles Games for 1.5 million CZK, the project is at the heart of this year’s Prague.eu and In Prague Like Home marketing campaigns.
According to PCT spokeswoman Klára Janderová, the game is now available for free in three languages — Czech, English, and German — on Google Play and the App Store.
Players solve strategic puzzles as they build iconic Prague monuments across different city districts. Each level highlights a different neighborhood and increases in difficulty. Along the way, users meet historical and cultural figures — from Mozart to Věra Čáslavská — all of whom have shaped Prague’s identity.
Charles Games’ developer Lukáš Kolek explains that the gameplay merges relaxation with challenge: “You build the city by combining tiles, unlocking levels dedicated to famous locations like the Powder Tower, Charles Bridge, or Petřín.”
He adds, “We tried to capture Prague’s distinct atmosphere — a city we love deeply. At the same time, we wanted to offer players the chance to build their own version of Prague.”
“We spent a whole year building this tribute to Prague,” said a representative from Charles Games. The game currently includes six levels, but future expansions are planned.
Players will explore Prague’s house signs, uncover the meaning behind each symbol, and reconstruct the city’s most iconic landmarks — all while learning about the personalities that shaped it.
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Czech transportation company RegioJet has launched its seasonal direct bus connection from Prague to the Croatian coastal city of Split for the second consecutive year.
The service, running through October 2025, aims to offer a convenient and affordable alternative to summer travel by plane or car.
The new route is operated by RegioJet’s most modern double-decker coach, the Setra S 531 DT. This top-of-the-line vehicle includes a new “Fun&Relax⁺” section offering enhanced comfort, alongside the standard seating options.
The journey, scheduled to last approximately 17 hours, includes planned stops in Brno, Bratislava, and several Croatian cities along the way. While the route currently runs three times a week, daily departures will begin from June 16.
Tickets start at CZK 1,590 for a standard seat, while seats in the Fun&Relax⁺ section are available from CZK 1,900. This upgraded section is located on the upper deck and features three seats per row instead of the usual four, offering more legroom and personal space.
Every seat in the comfort section is equipped with an integrated multimedia system, USB and USB-C charging ports, and a full 220V power outlet. Passengers can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi, climate control, and onboard restrooms.
On the lower deck, the bus features a standard 2+2 seating layout, including two family areas with tables, making it a flexible option for both solo travelers and families.
Last summer, RegioJet discontinued its Prague–Croatia train service, which had operated successfully for four years. The company decided to focus rail operations on routes to Ukraine, citing growing demand.
In response, the new bus service now fills the gap for passengers heading to the Adriatic coast.
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Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala appointed a new justice minister on Tuesday to replace political veteran Pavel Blažek, who triggered a political storm when he accepted a payment to the state from an ex-convict worth $45 million in bitcoin.
Outcry over the payment could dent the ruling coalition’s chances in an October 3-4 election in which they trail the opposition.
Blažek, a respected lawyer, has said he did nothing illegal but resigned his post and quit Fiala’s Civic Democrat (ODS) party after accepting the donation from a man convicted of running an online drug market.
Fiala named Eva Decroix as the new justice minister and said she was coming at an important time “to restore trust in the ministry and ensure full transparency around the donated bitcoins.” He told her to request an immediate independent audit.
The man who made the donation of 468 bitcoins was in jail from 2017 until 2021 after being convicted of involvement in the drug trade, fraud and illegal possession of weapons.
The opposition ANO party plans a no-confidence vote in the government that is likely to fail but may harm Fiala and his allies in voters’ eyes.
Blažek was attacked for possibly legitimising the ex-convict’s assets, instead of turning to prosecutors or police to help secure them.
Opposition leader Andrej Babis, a former prime minister whose ANO party looks on course to win the most votes in October’s election, has blasted the government for corruption.
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The Royal Garden of Prague Castle will once again host one of the most anticipated beer events of the year.
On June 13–14, 2025, the Microbrewery Festival returns for its 13th edition, offering visitors the chance to sample more than 50 craft beers from Czech and Moravian microbreweries, alongside special guests from Belgium.
Organized by the Czech-Moravian Microbrewery Association, the event combines world-class beer with one of the most scenic backdrops in Prague.
Held on the Shooting Trail beneath the Royal Summer Palace, the open-air festival provides panoramic views of the city, making it as much a visual experience as a tasting one.
For security reasons, entry is capped at 1,200 visitors per day, creating a relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere. Tickets include unlimited tastings, a souvenir tasting glass, and a festival catalog listing participating breweries.
The event begins Friday, June 13 at 1:13 PM—a nod to its 13th year—and runs until 8:00 PM. On Saturday, June 14, doors open at 12:00 PM and close again at 8:00 PM.
In addition to beer lovers from across Czechia, the event draws attendees from Ireland, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, the UK, Canada, and the United States—all eager to experience Czech beer culture in a unique setting.
Tickets are available online at smsticket.cz, and tend to sell out fast due to limited capacity.
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Prague Open Air 2025 will kick off on Tuesday, June 17, and run through Saturday, September 20, bringing a packed summer of open-air concerts to the Czech capital.
This year’s edition spans four venues: Riegrovy sady, Občanská plovárna, Terasa Smíchov, and the festival’s newest addition, Areál 7 in Holešovice.
After years at Ledárny Braník, organizers decided it was time for a change.
“We had outgrown the space at Ledárny,” said Tomáš Staněk, one of the event’s key organizers. “Areál 7 offers more room and can be adjusted depending on the number of visitors. It’s also better connected by public transport.”
The decision wasn’t based only on space constraints. Noise complaints from nearby residents had long plagued the Ledárny venue.
At one point, pressure from locals prompted the Prague municipality to propose a decree regulating large public events. This sparked backlash from the artistic community.
Musicians and event promoters launched a petition, warning the move could lead to a “shutdown of culture” in the city.
Former city councilor for legislation Hana Kordová Marvanová criticized the petition, calling it misleading. But rather than enforce sweeping restrictions, she met with organizers. Both sides agreed the issue wouldn’t be solved by regulation alone—it required cooperation and dialogue.
Ticket prices for Prague Open Air 2025 range from 500 to 800 CZK, offering an affordable way for audiences to enjoy live music under the open sky.
Full program:
June
July
August
September
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Prague’s cost of living is rising at twice the national pace, according to new data from the Czech Statistical Office.
While the Czech Republic recorded an average inflation rate of 2.4% in May, prices in the capital climbed by 3.6%, underscoring Prague’s growing economic disconnect from the rest of the country.
This gap isn’t just about numbers—it reflects deeper structural differences in housing, services, and lifestyle patterns in the city compared to the rest of Czechia.
“Inflation in Prague stands out due to faster growth in housing costs,” says Petr Dufek, chief economist at Creditas Bank. “Just the increase in apartment prices alone added 0.7 percentage points to the city’s inflation.”
Although the Czech National Bank (CNB) has mostly kept inflation within its target range of 2% ± 1 percentage point, Prague is becoming a statistical outlier.
Housing and services are the main culprits. According to economist David Marek from Deloitte, services make up a larger part of consumer spending in Prague than elsewhere in the country.
This shift in consumer behavior contributes to higher localized inflation, particularly as service prices continue to climb faster than those of goods.
A breakdown of inflation reveals the largest price increases occurred in food, accommodation, culture, and education—sectors where Prague consistently outpaces the rest of the country. For example:
- Food and accommodation costs rose by 5.3% in Prague, compared to 4.6% nationwide.
- Grocery prices climbed 5.6% in the capital, slightly more than the 5.4% national average.
- Spending on culture and education surged by more than 8% year-on-year in Prague.
Some price categories did offer minor relief. Costs for telecommunications, household goods, and some services dipped slightly in Prague, but these savings were outweighed by rising energy prices, which hit consumers across the country.
This inflationary divergence is nothing new. In 2023, the cost of living in Prague rose by 4%, while the national average increase was just 3%. These differences continue to reinforce the notion of Prague as a “state within a state”—with its own economic rhythm.
While May’s national inflation figure of 2.4% was only slightly above the CNB’s forecast, central bankers remain cautious.
Petr Sklenář, head of the CNB’s monetary section, noted that price stability has not yet been fully restored, warning that monetary policy must proceed carefully.
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The carrier will open a base in the northeast of England.
Prague Airport will gain a direct flight connection with the English city of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Low-cost carrier easyJet will open a new base there, and Prague is on the list of eleven planned destinations. The Newcastle-Prague connection will begin operations on August 2 next year.
It is scheduled to fly twice a week. Other new destinations for Newcastle will be Corfu, Malta, Faro, Dalaman, Nice, Rhodes, Antalya, Enfidha, Reus and Sharm el-Sheikh.
EasyJet already flies to eight other destinations from Newcastle. It will house three aircraft. This will create around 130 direct jobs for pilots, crew and technical staff.
“The opening of an 11th base in the UK is part of easyJet’s strategy to capitalise on key growth opportunities across its network. The additional base strengthens the company’s network by enabling it to further increase its share of the UK leisure market and support the rapid growth of easyJet holidays,” the airline said in a press release.
The UK is easyJet’s largest market, with 56% of all its customers flying to and from UK airports.
The carrier will also launch 44 new routes from the UK this summer.
As for easyJet’s offering from Prague, three months ago the airline announced plans to introduce a direct connection from Ruzyně to Bordeaux. The first flight will depart on 27 October.
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The beaver (Castor fiber) population in Prague has grown rapidly since its existence was first confirmed in 2015.
According to research by experts from the Czech University of Life Sciences, approximately 100 of these rodents lived in Prague in 2020, divided into 17 to 20 territories.
Current estimates now place their numbers at up to 150 individuals. They not only inhabit major rivers such as the Vltava and Berounka but are also gradually expanding into smaller waterways like the Rokytka.
These creatures are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of twigs, bark, and herbs. Their natural predators don’t live in the urban environment of Prague, so human activities and environmental changes remain the main threat to the city’s beavers.
The population expansion can be linked to the improving water quality in rivers, as well as the return of natural vegetation due to better landscape management.
Coexistence with beavers
Although beavers are able to survive in less clean habitats, they prefer environments with sufficient vegetation and stable water sources. The Vltava River has seen an improvement in water quality in recent years, which has contributed to improved conditions for beavers.
They play a key role in the creation of wetland ecosystems. By building dams and burrows, they help retain water in the environment and develop habitats for other species, such as amphibians and waterfowl.
On the other hand, beavers can damage trees and infrastructure. Preventing this damage requires coordination between nature conservation groups and the city’s administration.
The European beaver is a protected species in the Czech Republic, which means that its population is monitored and protected from capture or hunting. Therefore, the city of Prague only applies conservative preventative measures, such as protecting trees with netting.
But that is often not enough. Last spring, beavers gnawed on the trees on the banks of the Vltava River in front of the Holešovice Market so much they received media attention.
How to observe them
Beavers are active mainly at dusk and at night, so the best chance of seeing them is early in the morning or at dusk. They are shy, so it is important to remain quiet and not approach them too quickly.
Signs of beaver presence include trees that have been gnawed into a conical shape, webbed paw prints, dark droppings and, most importantly, dams and burrows.
Remember to not go close to their burrows and do use flashlights that could damage their sensitive eyesight.
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On Sunday, June 22, Prague will commemorate a century of public bus service with a parade of vintage and modern buses through the city’s historic center.
A total of 19 vehicles, ranging from the 1920s to the present day, will take part in the rolling celebration.
The event begins at 9:00 a.m. on Old Town Square, where all the buses will be on display for one hour. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to explore the vehicles up close and capture photographs before the convoy begins its journey.
At 10:00 a.m., the parade will depart from Staroměstské náměstí—where Prague’s bus history officially began 100 years ago—and travel to its final destination at Vítězné náměstí in Dejvice.
The route includes several designated photo spots, giving residents and visitors the chance to witness this unique mobile exhibition along key streets of the capital.
At Vítězné náměstí, the buses will remain on display until 3:30 p.m. as part of a wider event organized by the Museum of Public Transport in Prague, which will also present other exhibits and a full program of activities for families and enthusiasts.
Leading the convoy will be the Škoda 506 N, the oldest bus in the parade, dating back to 1929. It will be joined by iconic models such as the Škoda 706 RO (1951), Jelcz 272 (1973), Karosa ŠM 11 (1961), and the Ikarus 280 (1973), among others.
The parade pays tribute to the evolution of urban transport in Prague, offering a rare live exhibition of the city’s mechanical heritage.
The event is free to attend and is expected to draw large crowds of transport enthusiasts, families, and tourists.
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This Saturday, June 14, a public rally will take place on náměstí Jana Palacha at 2 pm as part of “No Kings” Day, a global day of action drawing attention to concerns about growing authoritarianism.
The event in Prague is being organized by Democrats Abroad Czech Republic together with the English-speaking Unitarian Church of Prague, and is part of a wider international movement happening in dozens of cities around the world.
The timing of the protests coincides with a large military parade in Washington, D.C., estimated to cost between $25 to $45 million, which critics have described as a show of power rather than a celebration of national values.
In response, demonstrations are being held in cities from Malmo to Mexico City, aiming to spotlight the importance of civil rights, democratic norms, and collective action.
In Prague, attendees can expect short speeches, public readings, and space for people to bring their own posters or messages. Organizers say the gathering is open to anyone who supports democracy and civil liberties, not just American citizens.
“We’re seeing more people speak out against rising authoritarianism,” said Martha McDevitt-Pugh, chair of Democrats Abroad International. “These global events are about standing together and showing solidarity with those resisting fear-based politics back home.”
The Prague event aims to bring together both American expatriates and local residents who want to express their support for democratic principles in a peaceful, community-oriented setting.