Czechia

Czechia Is Getting Ready for Driverless Cars

Starting in 2026, the Czech Republic will implement a ‘conditional automation’ system, allowing drivers to use autopilot in certain situations, while still requiring them to be ready to take control if necessary. This milestone aligns with the European Union’s push to modernize road traffic laws to accommodate autonomous vehicles. “Autonomous driving is a major trend in the automotive industry,” said Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS), emphasizing the need for updates to current legislation. The upcoming amendment will introduce “Level 3” autonomous systems, enabling vehicles to take over driving tasks on designated sections of highways, but with the requirement that drivers remain prepared to resume control. Conditional Automation: What Drivers Need to Know Under the new system, drivers can temporarily relinquish control to the autopilot on pre-approved stretches of road. However, they must take over when prompted. If a driver fails to act within 10 seconds, the vehicle will initiate a “minimal risk maneuver,” pulling over to stop safely. Liability during autonomous driving depends on the situation: If the car operates independently and causes an accident, the manufacturer is liable. If the system requests driver intervention and the driver fails to respond, the driver assumes responsibility. Authorities will assess fault using...

 by Prague Morning Nov 27, 2024

New Index Shows Locations with Best Quality of Life in Czechia

Říčany has once again been crowned the best city to live in the Czech Republic in 2024. This conclusion comes from a comprehensive study conducted by Deloitte in collaboration with the “Community in Data” project, which analyzed 206 of the largest cities and towns in the country. Evaluation Criteria Each city was assessed based on 29 key criteria derived from official statistics. These included: Average life expectancy Population growth trends Crime and road accident rates Availability of medical care and doctors Access to schools, kindergartens, and other educational institutions Support for sustainable development Levels of environmental cleanliness Unemployment rates and median salary sizes Access to restaurants, pharmacies, ATMs, and leisure facilities Říčany, located in the Středočeský kraj (Praha-Východ district), claimed the top spot for the seventh consecutive year. The city stood out for its low unemployment rates, excellent medical care for children, high-quality schools, and a strong sense of safety. Additionally, its efficient transport links and abundance of pharmacies further solidify its position as the best place to live in the Czech Republic. Prague secured second place, while the South Moravian town of Hustopeče rounded out the top three. Purpose of the Study The goal of this research is to...

 by Prague Morning Nov 27, 2024

Czech GPs Will be Able to Prescribe Medical Cannabis Next Year

Patients suffering from chronic pain in the Czech Republic will soon have greater access to medicinal cannabis, following a new decree from the Ministry of Health. Starting April 1, 2025, general practitioners will be authorized to prescribe cannabis for pain relief, a significant step toward meeting patient demand and reducing dependency on traditional analgesics and opiates. The decision comes after years of lobbying by patients and medical professionals. Ministry spokesperson Ondřej Jakob confirmed to Novinky and Právo that the new rules are designed to simplify access. “The decree allows GPs to prescribe medicinal cannabis for chronic, intractable pain,” Jakob said, highlighting efforts to accommodate reasonable proposals during the drafting process. Petr Šonka, Chairman of the Association of GPs of the Czech Republic, has welcomed the change. “If GPs can prescribe opiates such as morphine, it is logical they should also be allowed to prescribe medicinal cannabis,” he explained. Šonka emphasized that cannabis could be especially valuable for terminal cancer patients experiencing severe pain. Until now, cannabis prescriptions were restricted to specialists, significantly limiting access. Official data reveals that only 8,000 patients currently use cannabis legally, while demand far exceeds this number. Widespread Home Use Highlights Need for Reform In stark...

 by Prague Morning Nov 26, 2024

Survey: Nearly a Million Czechs Struggle with Problematic Sexual Behaviors

A new survey has revealed that 9% of the Czech population experiences at least one form of sexual deviation, commonly known as paraphilia. This study, conducted after a decade, sheds light on the state of sexual health in the Czech Republic. Approximately 30% of people with paraphilic preferences could benefit from professional intervention. However, only 6.9% of affected individuals seek help, according to Kateřina Klapilová, head of the Center for Sexual Health and Interventions at the National Institute of Mental Health. “It’s important to note that having a paraphilic preference does not equate to committing a crime,” Klapilová emphasizes. This distinction helps combat stigma, particularly the misconception that pedophiles or other paraphilic individuals are inherently violent. Sexual Deviations in Numbers Preliminary data from the CZECHSEX survey, the first nationwide research of its kind in ten years, highlights that approximately 930,000 people in the Czech Republic live with some form of sexual deviation. Men are disproportionately affected, with 11.3% of men experiencing paraphilic disorders compared to 6.4% of women. The most common forms include: Biastophilia (4.5%): A preference for acts involving rape or immobilization. Frotteurism (3%): Unconsented touching or rubbing against strangers in public spaces. Non-consensual sadomasochism (2.7%): Involving pain or...

 by Prague Morning Nov 25, 2024

Is Czechia Ready for the Euro? Government Reveals Key Pros and Cons

The Czech government is evaluating whether the country is ready to adopt the euro, following an assessment prepared by the National Economic Council of the Government (NERV). This unpublished analysis, obtained by the Czech media outlet E15, explores the potential benefits, drawbacks, and risks of transitioning to the European currency. However, economists have not yet endorsed entry into the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II)—a necessary precursor to adopting the euro. The decision will likely be left to the next administration. A Strategic Review of Readiness In February, Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s cabinet reviewed a report from the Ministry of Finance and the Czech National Bank assessing the fulfillment of the Maastricht criteria and the Czech Republic’s economic alignment with the eurozone. Subsequently, NERV was tasked with delivering a detailed analysis tailored to the country’s specific economic conditions. Economist Mojmír Hampl, a member of NERV and one of the report’s authors, said to E15: “This wasn’t about whether to adopt the euro, but whether we should enter the ‘anteroom’—ERM II. The consensus was that the government must first set a concrete adoption date. You don’t enter the anteroom without intending to step into the living room.” No Immediate Steps Expected...

 by Prague Morning Nov 24, 2024

Weather Forecast: Warming and Rain Expected in Czechia This Week

Meteorologists predict a rise in temperatures across the Czech Republic, but this warming trend will come with rain, cloudiness, and even some snowfall in certain regions. On Monday, a mix of clear skies and low clouds will dominate, with fog likely in some areas. Occasional drizzle, which could freeze, may occur during the morning. By evening, western Bohemia is expected to see increasing cloud cover as another weather front approaches. Daytime temperatures will range from 4 to 9°C, occasionally climbing to 13°C in sunnier areas, though regions with persistent cloud cover may remain colder, at around 2°C. Tuesday will start bright in the mountains and eastern parts of the country, with clear to partly cloudy skies, but conditions will deteriorate as rain spreads from the west. At higher altitudes above 1,000 meters, the rain will turn to snow. Precipitation and cloudiness will taper off later in the day. Temperatures will range from 6 to 11°C, though parts of Moravia and northeastern Bohemia may see highs closer to 4°C. Wednesday’s forecast brings cloudy to overcast skies with intermittent rain or showers. Snowfall is expected in mountainous areas above 900 meters. Highs will be slightly cooler, reaching 4 to 8°C. On Thursday,...

 by Prague Morning Nov 24, 2024

Black Friday 2024 Starts Early in Czechia: Deals You Can’t Miss

Black Friday has arrived in the Czech Republic, with retailers across the country offering significant discounts. While Black Friday sales in Czechia offer an array of discounts, buyers should exercise caution. Many retailers use the event to clear out unsold inventory or offer only a handful of discounted items, making some of the advertised 50-80% discounts feel more like marketing tactics. Despite this, many stores feature genuine offers, typically ranging between 15-30% off, making the sales worthwhile for careful shoppers. Although Black Friday 2024 officially falls on November 29, many stores began their sales earlier and are extending them over several weeks. This provides plenty of time to hunt for the best bargains. Here’s a comprehensive list of stores and what you can expect during Black Friday 2024: Alza.cz The largest online retailer in Czechia is leading the Black Friday charge with discounts ranging from 10% to 70%. Popular items include televisions, smartphones, kitchen appliances, and sports equipment. Alza’s sale began early and runs until November 30. Make sure to check daily updates for flash deals. Mall.cz Another giant in Czech e-commerce, Mall.cz, offers similar deals to Alza, with discounts across a wide range of products. Electronics, home goods, and...

 by Prague Morning Nov 23, 2024

Czechia Likely to Record Warmest Year in History

For the first time since records began, the Czech Republic’s average annual temperature is expected to surpass 10 degrees Celsius. If November and December maintain average conditions, the annual average will reach 10.3°C—0.6°C higher than 2023. This historic milestone was reported by Jáchym Brzezina, a meteorologist from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute in Brno, on the X social network. The country’s temperature records date back to 1775 in Prague’s Klementinum and to 1800 in Brno. A Year of Unbroken Records Every month in 2024 has been above the 1991–2020 average, making this year exceptional compared to previous warm years. February, in particular, stood out with a record-breaking temperature increase of more than 6°C above average. March was nearly 4°C warmer, while August and September exceeded average temperatures by at least 2°C. The last month to record below-average temperatures was May 2023. Meteorologist Brzezina predicts that November will also be above average based on current trends, further solidifying this year’s record-breaking status. Comparing Historical Trends Recent years highlight the rapid warming of the Czech climate. In 2023, the country was 1.4°C warmer than the 1991–2020 average, and 2.2°C warmer than the 1961–1990 baseline. If 2024’s predicted annual temperature of 10.3°C holds, it...

 by Prague Morning Nov 22, 2024

“Memories of a Nation”: Reflecting on Karel Jaromír Erben

Karel Jaromír Erben was a patriot of the Czech people—a historian, collector of cultural relics, and poet. His most notable work, Kytice z pověstí národních (Bouquet of National Legends), stands as one of the most profound relics of Czech literature. To this day, Erben is revered for his impact on the Czech identity and his dedication to preserving it through his work. Born on November 7th, 1811, Erben didn’t arrive in Prague until 1831, where he began studying philosophy and law. His career eventually led him to the National Museum, where he served as archival secretary, and he held editorial roles in various Prague newspapers. Today, November 21st marks the anniversary of Erben’s death in 1870 due to tuberculosis. The Czech National Revival Erben played a pivotal role in the Czech National Revival, a movement aimed at reviving the language, culture, and national identity of the Czech people. This movement arose in response to the Germanization that followed the Battle of White Mountain in 1620, when the Habsburgs imposed German as the dominant language in state, education, and church affairs. In defiance of this cultural suppression, the Czech nobility funded research into literature, history, and folklore in the Czech language....

 by Prague Morning Nov 21, 2024

Snowfall Warning Issued Across the Czech Republic

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has issued a snowfall warning, effective from 10:00 PM on Thursday, November 21, until 12:00 PM on Friday, November 22. The advisory primarily applies to the country’s eastern regions, where significant snowfall is expected to impact daily life and transportation. Meteorologists predict 5 to 12 centimeters of snow accumulating within 12 hours in areas including the South Moravian, Zlín, Olomouc, and Moravian-Silesian regions. Parts of the Highlands and Pardubice regions will also experience snowfall. The snow is not limited to mountainous regions but will also cover lowland areas, marking the season’s first significant snow cover at all altitudes. Transportation Warnings Authorities have cautioned that the snowfall will likely cause disruptions in transportation networks, especially on roads and highways. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant, monitor traffic updates, and equip their vehicles appropriately for winter conditions. “This is the first major snowfall of the season, expected to create complications across all elevations,” reads the official statement from ČHMÚ. “We strongly recommend using winter tires with sufficient tread depth for city driving and anti-skid chains for mountain trips.” Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for potential disruptions, including delays in public transport and school closures. Would...

 by Prague Morning Nov 21, 2024

“The Heart of Czechoslovakia”: The Enduring Legacy of Charlotte Garrigue Masaryk

On this day, November 20th, 1850, Charlotte Garrigue Masaryk, the American First Lady of Czechoslovakia, was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was the daughter of Rudolph Garrigue, a successful businessman of Danish and German descent, and Charlotte Garrigue, for whom she was named. Charlotte was part of a progressive and loving family that valued education and equality, concepts that were far ahead of their time. These principles shaped Charlotte into a staunch advocate for women’s rights. Affectionately called “Charlie” by her 10 siblings, showed an early passion for music. At 17, she traveled to Leipzig, Germany, to advance her studies. Despite her dedication, the intensive practice caused irreparable damage to her hands, forcing her to transition to teaching piano. Undeterred, Charlotte continued her education in mathematics and the arts, demonstrating her resilience and thirst for knowledge. In 1876, while in Leipzig, she met Tomáš Masaryk, a young student boarding with her family friends, the Georings. Their connection was instant, and the couple married at Charlotte’s parents’ home in the Bronx, New York. Inspired by her progressive ideals, Tomas adopted her maiden name as his middle name, becoming Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. A Partnership Built on Shared Ideals The early years...

 by Prague Morning Nov 19, 2024

Czechia Sees Surge in Cheaper Russian Gas Imports via Slovakia

Gas imports to the Czech Republic from Russia have soared in recent weeks, with over 95% of November’s supply coming from Slovakia, marking a significant shift in the country’s energy sourcing. Until recently, most gas entered the Czech Republic through Germany, but the rising cost of German transport fees and the lower market price of Russian gas have made Slovakia the preferred route, according to Net4Gas transport statistics. Russian Gas: The Cheapest Option for Czech Traders Gas supplies from Russia to the Czech Republic sharply declined after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with imports dropping to nearly zero for much of that year. However, since last autumn, Russian gas has made a slow but steady comeback. While earlier this year, 55% of gas imports arrived from Germany, this balance shifted dramatically in November, with gas from Slovakia accounting for more than 95% of the supply. On a single day in November, over 151 gigawatt hours of gas passed through the Lanžhot border point with Slovakia, while only 5 gigawatt hours flowed through the Brandov entry point from Germany. Analysts Explain the Trend The price advantage of Russian gas is a key driver behind this shift. Germany imposes...

 by Prague Morning Nov 19, 2024

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