Czechia

Czech Lawmakers Push to Hike Tourist Tax to Fund Public Services

Czech lawmakers are backing a plan to increase the nightly accommodation tax for short-term visitors to align Czech tourist destinations with other European cities. A group of MPs has introduced an amendment to the tourism business law that would allow municipalities to raise the maximum nightly fee from 50 to 100 Czech crowns per person. The measure, if passed, would affect stays of up to 60 days and leave the final decision on pricing to local governments. One of the amendment’s backers, Michal Zuna of the TOP 09 party, argued that the increase brings the Czech Republic more in line with its European peers. “It’s a 100 percent increase, from 50 to 100 crowns. Four euros — that’s a mid-range amount in the European context,” he explained. The proposal has broad cross-party support and is signed by MPs from several parties, including STAN, ODS, and TOP 09. They argue that the current cap, set in 2021, is outdated and fails to reflect the financial demands posed by modern tourism, especially in areas dominated by short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. Supporters of the hike say municipalities are struggling to fund infrastructure and public services in the face of mass...

 by Prague Morning Jul 02, 2025

Czech Railways to Trial Elon Musk’s Starlink on Inter-City Trains

Czech Railways has begun testing high-speed satellite internet provided by Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink network on its InterPanter trains in an attempt to improve onboard internet access for passengers across the country’s rail network. The test phase will run for approximately three months, after which the state-owned company will assess the results and consider a broader rollout. The announcement was made at a press conference on Tuesday by Transport Minister Martin Kupka. “We want Czech Railways to offer the best possible service for passengers. And I firmly believe that this is another step that will help it in the future,” Kupka said. Michal Krapinec, Chairman and CEO of Czech Railways, explained the motivation behind the project. “We believe that satellite internet can be the answer to the question of how to provide our passengers with a stable and fast internet connection even where there is no quality signal from mobile operators available in the vicinity of the line. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of such white spots on the domestic railway network,” he said. “Thanks to it, we will have a faster internet connection during the journey. We can work on the train, watch videos, or play games — just...

 by Prague Morning Jul 02, 2025

Will the Shops Be Open on July 5th and 6th?

On Saturday, July 5, we celebrate the arrival of the Slavic evangelists Cyril and Methodius in the Czech lands, and on Sunday, July 6, we commemorate the Day of the Burning of Master Jan Hus. On March 1, 2016, a law restricting sales in areas of more than 200 square meters was enacted. It typically applies to large shopping centers and supermarkets, excluding small convenience stores, “večerky,” gas stations, and pharmacies. Will the shops be open this year? The answer is yes, for most. These public holidays are not subject to the Retail and Wholesale Sales Hours Act, which came into force on 1 October 2016. According to this law, stores over 200 square meters must be closed during designated public holidays. In addition to stores, second-hand stores, pawnbrokers and similar shops must remain closed. The law also divides public holidays into two categories according to whether or not the stores are closed. Public holidays when stores must be closed: January 1 – New Year’s Day April 1 – Easter Monday May 8 – Liberation Day September 28 – Statehood Day October 28 – Independence Day December 24 – Christmas Eve (after 12:00 pm) December 25 – Christmas Day December 26 – 2nd Day of Christmas Public holidays when stores can be open: March 29 – Good Friday May 1 – May...

 by Prague Morning Jul 01, 2025

Public Transport Gap: Prague Among Cheapest, Germany Most Expensive

If you’re commuting in Prague, consider yourself lucky. A new European comparison shows that the Czech capital ranks among the cheapest cities for public transport, while German cities dominate the top of the price charts. According to a survey by the HousingAnywhere platform, which analyzed ticket prices in 54 European cities, Munich leads the list as the most expensive place to buy a single public transport ticket, charging €4.10 per ride within the city center. Other German cities also rank high for cost. Stockholm came second at €3.94, followed by Hamburg (€3.90), with Berlin and Frankfurt (both €3.80) in joint fourth. The top ten also includes Cologne, Hanover, Essen, Düsseldorf, and Dortmund, where single fares range between €3.60 and €3.80, according to the German daily Bild. By comparison, Prague stands out at the affordable end, with a single ticket costing just €1.20. This places it alongside Athens, and below cities like Budapest, Vilnius, and several Polish cities including Warsaw, Wrocław, and Kraków. The cheapest tickets in Europe are found in Zagreb (€0.53), Bucharest (€0.60), Warsaw (€0.80), and Sofia (€0.82). The study notes that up to 12.5% of a household’s monthly budget in the EU goes toward mobility, making transport costs...

 by Prague Morning Jun 30, 2025

Weather Forecast: Czechia Faces Heatwave, Up to 37°C Expected

The Czech Republic is heading into one of the hottest weeks of the year, with the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) issuing a heat warning that could remain in effect for several days. A large high-pressure system moving eastward from Central Europe is driving the extreme temperatures. While the current heat alert was initially issued through Monday, meteorologists expect it will likely be extended into the middle and possibly the end of the week. According to ČHMÚ, Monday and Tuesday will bring daytime highs between 27°C and 32°C, with slightly cooler conditions in the northeast, where temperatures will range between 24°C and 27°C. The situation is expected to worsen from Wednesday, with temperatures climbing to 35°C, followed by Thursday, when parts of the country could experience up to 37°C. Skies will remain clear and sunny throughout the day, further increasing the risk of heat-related health issues. In response to the soaring temperatures, ČHMÚ has issued clear advice for the public. “It’s important to follow a proper drinking regimen, preferably by increasing the intake of unsweetened soft drinks and mineral water,” the institute said. “People should also limit physical activities, especially during the afternoon hours, when the heat peaks.” By Friday, a...

 by Prague Morning Jun 30, 2025

Czechia Drops Medical Requirements for Legal Gender Change

The Czech Republic will remove mandatory medical treatments from the legal gender-change process starting this July. Trans individuals will no longer be required to undergo hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgery to change their registered gender. This shift follows a landmark ruling last year by the Constitutional Court (Ústavní soud), which invalidated sections of the Civil Code and allowed a trans man to legally change his gender from female to male without surgery. In response, the Ministry of Health has updated its guidelines accordingly. Key Changes in the New Procedure Diagnosis by a Sexologist A formal diagnosis of gender dysphoria by a qualified sexologist remains mandatory. Once this is provided—and the individual has signed informed consent—the sexologist issues a certificate enabling the registry office to process the gender change. The diagnostic process typically takes 6–12 months, and other medical specialists may contribute. Gender Change Not Tied to Treatment The new rules explicitly state that legal gender recognition does not depend on continuing treatment. This means individuals can obtain official gender recognition before, during, or instead of undergoing any medical interventions. Name and Surname Adjustments After the legal change, individuals may update their first and last names accordingly. If no name change...

 by Prague Morning Jun 26, 2025

Czechia to Raise Defence Spending to 5% of GDP, Says Fiala

The Czech Republic has formally agreed to increase its defense budget to 5 percent of GDP, according to Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS). Speaking after Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, Fiala confirmed that the Czech delegation is authorized to finalize the commitment during the NATO leaders’ summit in The Hague. “At today’s meeting, we endorsed a mandate allowing us to support boosting defense expenditures to 5 percent of GDP,” Fiala announced, highlighting his confidence that the full NATO assembly would ratify the plan. At the summit, NATO members voiced support for increasing defense spending based on the proposal by North Atlantic Secretary General Mark Rutte. Under the plan, member states will raise combined military budgets from 2 percent to 5 percent of GDP by 2035—allocating 3.5 percent for direct military investment and 1.5 percent toward infrastructure enhancements. Leaders are also expected to reaffirm ongoing support for Ukraine, entering its third year of conflict with Russia. A meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is slated to occur during the summit’s closing session. U.S. Reaffirms NATO Commitments Ahead of the summit, uncertainty grew over the former U.S. commander-in-chief’s stance on Article Five, NATO’s cornerstone defense clause. Trump, en route to the summit, questioned its...

 by Prague Morning Jun 25, 2025

Czechia Secures €2.6B EU Loan for Rail and Road Projects

The announcement of hefty infrastructure investment is a timely one, just months away from crucial parliamentary elections. The Czech government has approved a 65 billion CZK (€2.6 billion) loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to support the country’s transport infrastructure, with the bulk of the funds allocated to railway development. Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS) announced the decision following a cabinet meeting, calling the loan a cost-effective way to meet urgent investment needs. According to Kupka, 55 billion crowns will be used for railway projects across the country, while 10 billion will go toward the construction of a key section of the Prague Ring Road, known as segment 511. This section will link the D1 and D11 motorways and is currently under construction, with completion expected in 2027. “The Czech Republic needs the money to repay its infrastructure debt as quickly as possible,” Kupka said, adding that the EIB loan terms are favorable compared to other financing options. “For each tranche, the Ministry of Finance decides whether it can obtain cheaper financing or whether to opt for an EIB loan. Today, the government has assessed that this loan is currently the best choice.” While specific railway projects funded by...

 by Prague Morning Jun 24, 2025

Heat and Rain Forecast Across Czechia This Week

The Czech Republic is heading into a week of intense summer heat with temperatures soaring well above 30°C – but the sunshine won’t last without interruptions. Strong storms are expected to break through the heat, bringing a mix of sun, showers, and sudden weather shifts. Stormy Start After a Sunny Monday The week will kick off with sunshine, but the weather will shift quickly. A cold front from the west is expected to reach Czechia on Monday, bringing showers and occasional strong thunderstorms across most of the country. Temperatures will peak between 25°C and 33°C, with Moravia likely to be the hottest region. Brief Cool-Down on Tuesday Following Monday’s stormy front, Tuesday brings a short-lived break in the extreme heat. Expect partly cloudy skies, especially in the northeast, where intermittent showers may still occur. Temperatures will stay comfortable, ranging from 23°C to 29°C, with light breezes throughout the day. Midweek Heat Peaks Again Summer will regain full strength on Wednesday. The forecast shows clear to partly cloudy skies with temperatures reaching up to 32°C. Dry air and light to moderate winds will make it an ideal day for outdoor activities — whether that’s a day by the pool, a hike,...

 by Prague Morning Jun 23, 2025

Czechia Ranked 19th Globally for Life-Work Balance in 2025

Life ain’t just for working, and in this day and age, we all deserve a healthy work-life balance. However, countries vary quite significantly in their attitudes towards work – some have adopted four-day working weeks while others are still lagging behind when it comes to paid time off and parental leave. Handily, Remote has just published its third annual Global Work-Life Balance Index, which assesses the top 60 GDP countries on statutory annual leave, paid maternity leave, sick leave, healthcare, public safety, public happiness, LGBTQ+ inclusivity and average working hours, granting each a score out of 100. And for the third year in a row, New Zealand has claimed the crown as the country with the best work-life balance. It got a score of 86.87 out of 100 overall, which is an improvement of six points compared to last year. Ireland came in second place with a score of 81.17, topping the ranks for Europe, and in third place it was Belgium with 75.91 overall. Czechia earned praise for its generous paid leave, accessible healthcare, and public safety—but slightly lower scores in categories like LGBTQ+ inclusivity and public happiness kept it from breaking into the top 15. These are the best countries for work-life balance New Zealand...

 by Prague Morning Jun 21, 2025

Weather Forecast: Czechia Expects 30°C Heat After Rainy Start

Czechia is in for a rollercoaster week of weather, as heavy rain and thunderstorms continue in some regions, before temperatures climb back to 30°C over the weekend, according to meteorologists from ČHMÚ (Czech Hydrometeorological Institute). After a tropical weekend that saw highs soar past 31°C, the country starts the new week with a sharp cooldown and widespread showers. Monday‘s storms—some of them severe—followed a pattern seen across the country over the weekend. According to ČHMÚ, rainfall totals during these events could reach 30 mm, with wind gusts as high as 70 km/h. By Tuesday, showers will become more scattered, and skies will begin to clear. Expect temperatures to reach 26°C, with light winds below 6 m/s. Wednesday is expected to be mostly clear to partly cloudy, with isolated rain in the northern highlands. The daily high will push towards 28–29°C, signaling a return to summer conditions. Thursday will see occasional light rain and cloudy intervals, mainly in the morning, but sunshine is expected later in the day. Temperatures will range from 11°C at night to 26°C during the day, with winds remaining gentle. Looking ahead to Friday and the weekend, weather models predict mostly sunny mornings, followed by afternoon thunderstorms...

 by Prague Morning Jun 16, 2025

Healing Waters of Louny: Czech Republic’s Most Potent Mineral Spring

Louny, a town in the Ústí nad Labem Region, holds a remarkable secret: it is home to what experts call the most healing mineral spring in Europe, and possibly the world. Comparable only to the famed springs in Borjomi, Georgia, and Vichy, France, this water’s unique composition sets it apart and attracts visitors from far beyond Czech borders—many of whom attest to its near-miraculous effects. If you find yourself in Louny, you should visit a small park tucked between Vladimirská, Palackého, U Pramenu, U Spravedlnosti, and Cítolibská streets. There, a rare mineral spring bubbles up from deep below—the Luna spring—offering therapeutic qualities unmatched anywhere else. A Discovery by Chance The Luna spring was uncovered in 1963 during geological surveys aimed at studying the Czech chalk subsoil. At a depth of 1,200 meters, workers found mineral-rich water naturally emerging under pressure. Early tests showed the water’s medicinal qualities, leading the Czech Ministry of Health to officially declare it a natural medicinal source in 1966. Since then, it has been recognized for its use in preventive healthcare. The Luna mineral water stands out for its high mineral content—an impressive 17.5 grams of dissolved salts per liter—making it hypertonic and highly acidic. This...

 by Lisa Goasdoue Jun 15, 2025

  • NEWSLETTER

    mail Subscribe for our daily news

    Powered by EmailOctopus

Search