Czechia

How Many Ukrainian Refugees Are Working in Czechia? The Latest Data

As of late November 2024, 154,500 Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection visas were officially employed in the Czech Republic. An additional 15,990 refugees were registered with the Labor Office, actively seeking employment. They represent 5.5% of all job seekers registered in the country, regardless of nationality. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs released these figures on Monday, December 9. The highest numbers of employed Ukrainian refugees are concentrated in Prague (27,660 people), the Central Bohemia region (27,479), and the Pilsen region (20,478). Many are working in sectors such as assembly line production, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. A significant proportion of these workers are women—62%, or 95,619 individuals, according to the data. Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, a total of 62,265 Ukrainians with temporary protection visas have registered as job seekers with the Czech Labor Exchange. Addressing Workforce Shortages but Not Fully Tapping Potential The Ministry of Labor notes that while Ukrainian refugees have alleviated staffing shortages in some industries, their full potential remains underutilized, particularly in skilled professions. One of the primary challenges is the language barrier, which limits access to qualified positions. To tackle this issue, the Czech Labor Exchange offers free Czech...

 by Prague Morning Dec 10, 2024

Czech RegioJet Ranked Third Best Rail Carrier in Europe

A new study has ranked Italy’s Trenitalia as Europe’s best rail operator, with Eurostar coming in last. Germany’s Deutsche Bahn came last for reliability. Italy’s Trenitalia claimed the top spot in a ranking of rail operators in Europe, according to a new study released on Monday. The ranking was published by the European NGO Transport & Environment (T&E). Trenitalia was followed by Swiss operator SBB and Czech company RegioJet. Austria’s ÖBB came in fourth, ahead of France’s SCNF. “Trenitalia stands out for its travel experience, SBB is the most punctual operator in Europe and RegioJet has some of the most affordable tickets,” T&E said in the report. RegioJet is also the top private carrier, excelling in fares and passenger comfort but scoring lowest for bicycle transport, which contributes just five percent to the overall rating. The ranking is based on eight indicators, with fares accounting for 25 percent. Other factors include discount programs, punctuality, ticket-buying experience, passenger comfort, night services, and compensation for delays or cancellations. Eurostar performs the worst On the other hand, expensive and unreliable service put Eurostar, which links France, Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, at the bottom of the T&E ranking. Eurostar “charge nearly twice the European average price per kilometer” but...

 by Prague Morning Dec 09, 2024

Weather Forecast: Czechia Faces Further Cooling with Nighttime Lows of -6°

The Czech Republic is set to experience a chilly and overcast week, with temperatures dipping significantly, especially during nighttime. The weather will be characterized by persistent clouds, occasional snow showers, and rain in some areas. Monday: Overcast with Mixed Precipitation Monday brings cloudy to overcast skies across the country. In southwestern Bohemia and parts of Silesia, light snowfall or snow showers are expected, turning into mixed precipitation, including rain, as the day progresses. Night temperatures will fall to minus one degree Celsius, while daytime highs will range between 1°C and 4°C. Tuesday and Wednesday: Snow Showers in Mountain Areas On Tuesday, snow showers will occur on the windward sides of the mountains, while the rest of the country can expect cloudy skies with intermittent rain or showers. This pattern is likely to persist into Wednesday. Temperatures at night will hover between minus two and two degrees Celsius, climbing to around 4°C during the day. Second Half of the Week: Further Cooling The gloomy weather continues into the latter half of the week. Light snowfall is forecast in mountainous areas, while lower elevations will see a mix of snow and rain showers. Daytime temperatures will remain consistent with earlier in the...

 by Prague Morning Dec 08, 2024

Last New Year’s Eve with Fireworks? New Law to Limit Sales

As the year-end approaches, shops across the Czech Republic are stocking up on fireworks. Yet, many sellers report that public interest in pyrotechnics has declined in recent years. A proposed amendment to the law could bring even stricter regulations to the sale of fireworks. Approved by the government, the amendment is now pending review in the Chamber of Deputies. Despite current regulations, illegal sales remain a problem. Authorities have discovered unauthorized explosives, particularly in markets. For instance, in Prague’s SAPA market, inspectors uncovered 1,080 kilograms of explosive substances, far exceeding the legal limit of 80 kilograms. “The inspection revealed serious violations,” said František Kotrba, spokesperson for the Czech Trade Inspection Authority. Stricter Rules for High-Risk Fireworks The proposed amendment seeks to ban the sale of category F3 fireworks without a license. This means that New Year’s Eve 2024 could be the last opportunity for individuals to purchase F3 products freely. In the future, market stalls and street vendors will be restricted to selling only sparklers or the lowest-risk category, F1. “The amendment aims to restrict pyrotechnics sales to brick-and-mortar stores, except for category F1 items. High-risk fireworks in categories F3 and F4 will require a license,” explained Lukáš Trsek from...

 by Prague Morning Dec 06, 2024

Czech Republic Faces Severe Snowstorm: Warnings Issued

Massive snowfall is set to blanket the Czech Republic, with the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMI) issuing a severe weather warning. The alert applies to a significant portion of the country, including the regions of Liberec, Pardubice, Hradec Králové, and Olomouc, as well as parts of Moravia and northern Bohemia. The storm is expected to cause disruptions in transportation, energy supplies, and daily activities. Up to 25 cm of Snow in Just 12 Hours According to CHMI, 10 to 25 centimeters of snow could accumulate within 12 hours, particularly in mountainous areas. The warning is valid from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024. Meteorologists highlight the possibility of widespread road closures, reduced visibility, and major challenges for infrastructure and essential services. Critical Areas: Moravia and Northern Bohemia The most severe impacts are forecasted for Moravia and northern Bohemia, while additional warnings for heavy snowfall have been issued for the Moravian-Silesian, Zlín, South Moravian, and Vysočina regions. This alert is effective from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the same day. CHMI experts caution: “Roads may become impassable, and visibility will likely be reduced.” Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and adjust their driving behavior if traveling is...

 by Prague Morning Dec 06, 2024

Prague’s Klementinum Records Sixth Warmest Autumn Since 1775

This autumn in Prague was among the warmest ever recorded at the Klementinum weather station. The period from September through November 2024 ranked as the sixth to eighth warmest since measurements began in 1775. The average temperature during this time reached 12.1°C, which is 1.1°C above the 1991–2020 average, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ). The record-holder for the warmest autumn remains last year, with an average temperature of 13.6°C, while the coldest autumn occurred in 1786, with a mere 5.8°C average. An Exceptional Warm Trend “This year’s autumn ranks within the top 4% of the warmest autumns recorded over the past 250 years,” meteorologists noted. Seven of the eight warmest autumns in Klementinum’s history have been recorded in the 21st century, highlighting the recent trend of rising temperatures. September and October this year were particularly warm, while November fell within the “normal” temperature range. November’s average temperature of 5.5°C placed it between 77th and 82nd out of 250 Novembers recorded since 1775. “Approximately one-third of past Novembers were warmer, while two-thirds were colder,” the Czech Meteorological Institute stated. The warmest November on record at Klementinum occurred in 2015, with an average temperature of 8.7°C. By contrast, the coldest...

 by Prague Morning Dec 04, 2024

Will They Play Together? Sting and Shaggy Arrive at Colours of Ostrava

The Colours of Ostrava festival has announced more exciting names for next year’s edition. Sting will be performing at the festival, and he will be joined by his long-time collaborator Shaggy, who will also make his Czech solo debut. The festival will also welcome Snow Patrol to the Czech Republic for the first time. The diverse lineup for the 22nd edition of the festival will feature a range of genres, from reggae to indie rock and electro-pop. Sting is no stranger to Czech fans, having performed here many times before. However, what makes his upcoming performance truly special is the opportunity to see him share the stage with Shaggy, his close friend and musical partner. The two musicians have a rich history together. In 2018, they released the joint album 44/876, which brought Sting back to his reggae roots. In 2024, Shaggy will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of his breakthrough album Boombastic, and the 15th anniversary of his hugely successful Hot Shot, featuring hits like “Angel” and “It Wasn’t Me”. Given that Shaggy will be performing on the same day as Sting, there is a possibility of a surprise guest appearance during Sting’s set. “We’re thrilled to finally welcome Sting...

 by Prague Morning Dec 03, 2024

Prague’s New Campaign Highlights the Cruel Christmas Carp Traditions

Prague authorities have launched a public awareness campaign to promote the humane treatment of carp, a traditional symbol of Czech Christmas celebrations. Running until December 23, the campaign highlights carp suffering when handled improperly, such as being kept in bathtubs, killed unprofessionally, or released into rivers. “We want to emphasize that certain practices surrounding carp handling are extremely cruel and cause immense suffering for these animals,” said Deputy Mayor Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09) at a press conference. “This issue has been discussed for many years, and some retailers have already taken steps to address it. The initiative does not aim to ban the sale of live carp in Prague’s streets but seeks to encourage professional and humane practices.” Why Keeping Carp in Bathtubs is Harmful Experts warn that keeping live carp in bathtubs causes severe stress and health issues for the fish. “The temperature difference in bathtubs, combined with chlorinated water, creates an environment that is toxic and distressing for carp,” explained Ondřej Slavík, a specialist in fish behavior from the Czech University of Life Sciences. “The fish often exhibit signs of extreme stress, such as poor respiration, necrosis, and erratic swimming.” Slavík also pointed out that transporting carp in...

 by Prague Morning Dec 03, 2024

Czech Republic Tops EU for Lowest Unemployment in October

Czechia continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the whole of the European Union, as the bloc’s overall unemployment figure remained at 5.9% in October, unchanged from September. Compared to the same period last year, the EU unemployment rate has dropped by 0.2 percentage points, according to the latest report from Eurostat. In October, unemployment in the Czech Republic decreased by 0.2 percentage points from September, reaching 2.6%. It’s worth noting that Eurostat’s methodology differs from that of the Czech Labour Office. While the EU-wide unemployment rate held steady, the eurozone unemployment rate also remained at 6.3%, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 0.3 percentage points. Malta and Spain at Opposite Ends of the Spectrum Following the Czech Republic, Malta reported the second-lowest unemployment rate in October, holding steady at 3%, a 0.3 percentage point decline compared to the previous year. On the other hand, Spain recorded the highest unemployment rate among EU countries, standing at 11.2%, followed by Greece at 9.8%, which saw a significant month-on-month increase of 0.5 percentage points. Finland ranked third, with an 8.8% unemployment rate. Gender Disparities in EU Employment Eurostat’s report also highlighted disparities between men and women across the EU. In October, the...

 by Prague Morning Dec 02, 2024

Historic Shift: Czechia Ends Russian Oil Dependency After 60 Years

The Czech Republic is set to end its reliance on Russian oil as it closes the pipeline taps after more than 60 years. Starting December 5, the country will no longer benefit from an EU exemption on Russian oil imports, halting the flow of crude through the Druzhba oil pipeline. This decision marks a turning point in Czech energy independence and reflects broader European efforts to counter Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. The Druzhba pipeline, a Cold War-era project, was the first to deliver oil to Czechoslovakia, beginning in 1962. For decades, it served as a vital artery, delivering up to 18 million tons of oil annually before the fall of communism in 1989. Marek Vošahlík, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, confirmed the decision: “In light of the Czech Republic’s steps toward independence from Russian oil, there is no reason to extend the exemption.” Transitioning to Alternative Oil Supplies The Czech Republic has outlined a plan to replace Russian oil. Central to this strategy is the expansion of the Transalpine Pipeline (TAL), which will double its capacity to deliver up to eight million tons of oil annually starting next year. The country imports oil through two main sources: the Druzhba...

 by Prague Morning Dec 02, 2024

Pilsner Urquell to Represent Czech Craftsmanship at EXPO 2025 in Osaka

Pilsner Urquell is set to make its mark at the EXPO 2025 world exhibition in Osaka, Japan. The brewery has become a partner of the Czech pavilion, which this year will focus on the themes of talent and creativity. “At EXPO, we aim to showcase the best of our country. We are therefore delighted that Pilsner Urquell will be part of the event. This beer, which inspired the world and originated the pilsner category, is a testament to the creativity and skill of talented individuals,” stated Zdeněk Kovář, spokesperson for Plzeňský Prazdroj. Authentic Czech Beer Experience in Osaka Visitors to the Czech pavilion will have the opportunity to experience freshly tapped Pilsner Urquell beer, served directly from draft by specially trained bartenders. The brewery has emphasized its commitment to maintaining authentic quality, preparing the bartenders with comprehensive training in Pilsen. “Under the guidance of our commercial brewers, the team not only mastered proper beer-tapping techniques but also learned about the brewing process and the history of Pilsner Urquell. They even practiced tapping under high-pressure conditions in local restaurants,” explained Kovář. At the pavilion, visitors will learn the art of tapping three distinct styles of Pilsner beer: hladinka, šnyt, and mlíko....

 by Prague Morning Nov 30, 2024

New Discount Chain is Entering the Czech Market

The German discount chain Woolworth is launching in the Czech Republic, aiming to rival established players like Pepco, KiK, and Action. Offering a wide range of products including clothing, household items, shoes, cosmetics, stationery, toys, and home textiles, Woolworth’s prices will typically hover around 3 euros. This move places the company in direct competition with Pepco, Action, and KiK, all of which have been gaining traction in the Czech market. For example, KiK is set to open 11 new stores this year, bringing its total store count in the Czech Republic to 240, according to the Seznam Zprávy website. “The stores are not closing. I think they are doing well because people still want to save. They will buy a T-shirt in a Pepco store instead of in Gant,” commented Tomáš Soukup, director of the retail division at IO Partners. As large retailers, including hypermarkets and electronics stores, scale back their operations, many are leasing vacant spaces. At the same time, shopping parks are actively being developed. “Store sizes are naturally shrinking due to companies investing more in online and omnichannel strategies—where customers can view goods in-store and have them delivered, or vice versa,” explained Soukup. However, Woolworth’s success in...

 by Prague Morning Nov 29, 2024

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