Czechia

Foreigners Now Make Up One-Tenth of Czech Population

Foreigners legally residing in the Czech Republic now constitute ten percent of the total population, according to the latest figures published by the Czech Statistical Office on Wednesday.  The number of foreigners with legal residence at the end of last year rose by 455,305 year-on-year to 1.12 million people. Ukrainians were the nationality that saw the biggest increase in number, and they also make up over half of the total number of foreigners in Czechia, with over 630,000 registered in the country at the end of 2022. Slovak and Vietnamese citizens respectively make up the next largest groups. CSO Chairman Marek Rojíček highlighted that the surge was primarily attributed to foreigners with temporary residence, constituting 70% of the total, while 30% held permanent residence permits. Notably, 2,456 foreign citizens sought asylum in the Czech Republic. The demographic landscape underwent significant changes, with an influx of mothers and children from Ukraine. Women’s representation among foreigners reached a historic high of 51.1%, up from 43.5% in 2021. Additionally, the proportion of children under 14 rose from 10.6% to 16.5% during the same period. Despite these shifts, the ranking of the most represented nationalities remained stable. Ukrainians topped the list, experiencing a remarkable increase from 196,875 to 636,282 year-on-year, followed...

 by Prague Morning Dec 13, 2023

Říčany Boasts Best Quality of Life in Czechia, Prague Comes Second

According to a new index, Říčany is the best place to live and offers the highest quality of life in the Czech Republic, followed by Prague and Brandýs nad Labem. Říčany, a small town of over 16,000 souls in the Central Bohemian region located on the south-eastern outskirts of Prague, has – once again – been ranked as the place offering the best quality of life in the Czech Republic. The ranking, put together by data analysis company Obce v Datech in cooperation with consulting firm Deloitte in order to help municipalities identify possible deficiencies and people decide where to live, ranks over 200 Czech municipalities according to a number of criteria (health, environment, work, education, services, safety, transport, leisure, housing, etc.). According to Deloitte manager Filip Neterda, “our major goal is to actually help the cities to get their strategic priorities right, to better target the areas into which public investment is required […] We would be really happy if it could serve as a tool for public investment at the level of a city”. As a whole, the country’s two largest cities, Prague and Brno, along with their respective surrounding municipalities, performed better in the quality of life ranking....

 by Karolina Kubičková Dec 12, 2023

Czech Population Grows Mainly Due to Migration from Ukraine

The population of Czechia increased by 54,700 to 10.88 million in the first three quarters of this year, according to data published by the Czech Statistics Office on Tuesday. The increase is due to foreign migration, especially from Ukraine. From January to the end of September, 116,700 people immigrated to Czechia, while 48,600 people left the country. The figures include Ukrainians granted temporary protection due to Russian military aggression. According to the freshly released data, the first six months of 2022 saw 69,200 births, which is a drop of 11 percent year-on-year. Moreover, there was a decrease of over 10 percent in marriages compared to the previous year, accompanied by fewer deaths and divorces. Between January and September, 116,700 people moved to the country from abroad, while 48,600 people moved out. Two-fifths of those who left were registered in September, reflecting the conclusion of the stay for individuals with temporary protection who failed to comply with the deadline for visa sticker affixation to their travel documents. Czechia experienced a net loss of 13,300 residents through natural channels, marking an increase of 2,800 from the same period last year. In the first three quarters of the year, 41,500 couples got married,...

 by Jakub Dvorský Dec 12, 2023

How to Successfully Search for Real Estate on the Internet in Czechia

This article covers the most effective ways to search for properties to buy in the Czech Republic on the Internet. Most readers will be familiar with the feeling of fatigue and frustration from long hours of often unsuccessful internet surfing. If you follow the procedures below, you may not experience this feeling quite so strongly (I won’t give you a guarantee that you won’t experience it at all, I would say that it just comes with the search). A prerequisite for success is that we have a realistic idea of what we are looking for and for how much. If you don’t, then even the process below won’t help you. In the Czech real estate market, you basically have only two ways of searching. The first one is picking up on all the tempting news. The second way is to work with the so-called lagers. In the first way, we have to be quick, and sometimes we have to take no prisoners; in theysecond way, we have to be patient and be good negotiators. Picking up the news Set up a watchdog on the portals below and keep an eye on 99% of new offers on the internet. The watchdog is...

 by Daniel Kotula Dec 11, 2023

Lidl and Billa Take a Stand: No Live Christmas Carp Sales

In a notable move, major retail chains Lidl and Billa in the Czech Republic have opted against selling live Christmas carp outside their stores, marking a significant shift in their approach. The decision aims to prioritize both customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility. This isn’t the first time Lidl has taken such a stance. In 2022, the company emerged as the trailblazer in the Czech market by becoming the sole retail chain to refrain from live carp sales. According to Lidl’s spokesperson Tomáš Myler, “Responsible business means offering customers the highest quality goods while ensuring our operations remain sustainable in the long term. That’s why we’ve chosen to ban the sale of carp outside our supermarkets. Fresh, already packaged fish will now be conveniently available in the sales area.” Joining this ethical initiative for the first time, Billa’s decision aligns with their broader strategy to show respect for animals and the environment. Last year, the company also ceased selling amateur pyrotechnics as part of this commitment. However, rival chains Tesco, Kaufland, Albert, and Penny are not following suit. They intend to continue selling live carp outside their supermarkets through partner companies. It’s crucial to recognize that in the Czech Republic, carp...

 by Jakub Dvorský Dec 08, 2023

Czechs’ Neighborly Preferences: Positive Shifts for Vietnamese, Decline for Russians

A recent STEM study indicates that while Czechs have historically embraced Slovaks and individuals from developed nations as neighbors, their acceptance of Vietnamese neighbors has surged over the past decade. Senior analyst Kateřina Duspivová notes, “In 2023, 71% of Czech citizens are open to having Vietnamese neighbors, a significant increase from the 40% recorded in 2014, suggesting widespread acceptance of the Vietnamese community in Czech society.” The conflict in Ukraine has also reshaped Czech attitudes toward neighbors with Ukrainians now viewed more favorably than Russians. Prior to the conflict, the sentiment was the opposite. However, acceptance of Eastern nationalities such as Arabs, Syrians and Afghans remains consistently low. The TRENDY research series, which gauges Czech attitudes toward foreigners, reveals a continued positive disposition towards Slovaks (91%) and individuals from developed Western countries, including English, American, French and German citizens. Croatians also enjoy relatively high acceptance at 71%. Conversely, geographically and culturally distant nationalities, such as Arabs, Afghans, Syrians or Sudanese, are perceived as problematic or even unacceptable neighbors by less than a quarter of Czechs. While long-term preferences for Western neighbors remain unchanged, there are interesting shifts in the middle of the hierarchy. Due to the Ukraine conflict, acceptance of...

 by Prague Morning Dec 08, 2023

Czech Republic to Introduce Mandatory Collection of Textile Waste from 2025

The Czech Environment Ministry recently announced plans to enforce compulsory textile waste collection from 2025. The initiative, announced at a press conference by environment minister Petr Hladik, aims to align with the European directive on waste management. Producers will assist municipalities in bearing the collection costs. The priority is to foster textile reuse and efficient recycling practices, the minister said. Textiles often get discarded now into mixed waste bins, significantly affecting recycling efforts. The proposed strategy targets enhancing citizens’ engagement by setting up collection points across municipalities. Nearly 10,000 textile containers dot the Czech Republic, but the existing Waste Act merely mandates collection points, not recycling. Hladik underscored the lack of financial compensation to municipalities for establishing these collection points under the previous government, according to a Czech media outlet. The aim is to expand beyond containers, integrating collection points in varied locations like town halls and retail outlets. Recycling fees could potentially be shared between sellers and manufacturers, with eventual implications for consumer pricing. There has been a yearly rise in textile waste production in the country. Around 180,000 tonnes of textiles are discarded annually, with a mere 3-4 per cent entering mixed waste bins and 39,000 tonnes being...

 by Karolina Kubičková Dec 08, 2023

Drop in Czech Retail Sales Slowed Down to 1.4% in October

Czech retail sales decreased by 1.4% year on year and increased by 0.6% month on month in October, in the softest monthly drop in a year and a half. The drop in sales eased compared to the 4% y/y drop in September and the 2.8% y/y drop in August. “Compared to October 2022, sales of food and non-food goods decreased, whereas sales of automotive fuel increased,” commented Jana Gotvaldova of the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO). “All assortment types of stores except for those with cosmetic and toilet recorded a decrease in sales,” she added. Retail sales of clothing, footwear and leather goods in specialised stores decreased by 6.1% y/y, while sales of information and communication equipment decreased by 3.1%. Sales of other household equipment decreased by 2.9%, and food sales decreased by 2.4%. Sales of cosmetic and toilet articles increased by 5.9% y/y. Retail sales via internet and mail grew by 5.3%. Sales and repair of motor vehicles rose by 0.3% m/m and by 5.9% y/y. Analysts surveyed by the Czech Press Agency (CTK) say the dampened consumer situation in the country is slowly signalling an uptick, although an increase in retail sales is not expected until next year with lower inflation and growth of real...

 by Prague Morning Dec 07, 2023

Czech Hand-Made Glass Production Added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Czech glassmakers, celebrated for their craftsmanship with whistle, glass cutters, and engravers, have secured a remarkable success. The timeless art of handmade glass production, still practiced by numerous glassworks and studios across the Czech Republic, has been officially recognized and listed on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List. The move was made at a UNESCO meeting currently taking place in Botswana. The nomination was a collaborative effort prepared by six countries, including Czechia, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, and Spain. Milada Valečková, director of the Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou, emphasized, “This includes everything from the selection of glassmaking sand, the production of raw materials, to various techniques of manual glass processing, encompassing cutting, painting, and the crafting of winding beads.” With this success, the Czech Republic now boasts nine entries on the prestigious list of intangible cultural heritage. Among these are the Hlinecko region masopust (carnival), the slovácký verbuňk dance, falconry, the South Bohemian Ride of the Kings tradition, glass-blown Christmas beads from the Podkrkonoší region (added in 2020), and the most recent addition in the previous year—rafting. Valečková highlighted the pivotal role of Petr Nový, chief curator of the Jablonec Museum, for his knowledge and perseverance,...

 by Cara Stevenson Dec 06, 2023

Czech Mayor Under Investigation for Controversial Post on Palestinians

Prague’s police are investigating Řeporyje Mayor Pavel Novotný (ODS) for calling Palestinians “monkeys” on social media and suggesting their bombing. The now-deleted 100-word post on the X platform referenced a Jerusalem attack and came a day after Defense Minister Jana Černochová “liked” a similar post by Novotný, who has faced similar prosecutions in the past. While Novotný’s father is Jewish, the ODS spokesperson called such statements unacceptable. Legal experts say each alleged hate crime requires assessing freedom of expression limits and incident context. Incitement brings over two years of imprisonment under the Criminal Code. The mayor of Řeporyje wanted to run as an ODS candidate for the lower house in 2021, but his criminal record prevented him from doing so, according to the party’s bylaws. “I am on probation, which is about to expire. I am looking forward to trying to run for something again if I am off parole. In a little while I will be as clean as a lily,” Novotný told Seznam Zprávy. The Civic Democratic Party distanced itself from Novotný’s statements. “In the Civic Democratic Party we reject any manifestations of calls for violence and racism. Mayor Pavel Novotný has apologised for the inappropriate tweet,” Jakub...

 by Prague Morning Dec 05, 2023

Food Prices in Czech Supermarkets to Raise Despite Czech VAT Cut

From January 2024, the Czech Republic will witness a reduction in VAT on food products, dropping from the current 15% to 12%. Back in August, retailers assured the government that this decrease would be transparently reflected in final prices, bringing relief to shoppers. However, on Monday, December 4th, Tomáš Prouza, President of the Union of Trade and Tourism of the Czech Republic, revealed that there will be no reduction in food prices; instead, they are set to rise significantly in the new year. Prouza clarified, “We find ourselves compelled to raise prices. Producers have alerted us to a 10-15% increase in the cost of products. The decision by the Energy Regulatory Office of the Czech Republic will substantially escalate their electricity costs, and the government has declined assistance. A 3% VAT reduction won’t bridge this gap.” Disappointment marked the Minister of Agriculture’s response to the meeting. Vyborný expressed his disillusionment, stating, “Retail chain representatives assured me that the VAT reduction would genuinely impact food prices. Today, I am disheartened to hear that prices will surge from January 1st.” He pressed retail chain representatives at the meeting about the higher cost of products in Czech supermarkets compared to neighboring countries. Unfortunately,...

 by Cara McErlean Dec 05, 2023

Salvation Army Launches Annual Collection. How Can You Contribute?

The Salvation Army’s annual collection in aid of the needy, primarily single parents, elderly citizens and homeless people, starts on December 4.   How can you contribute? People can contribute to the cause by donating money to the organisation’s volunteers in the streets of Prague, Brno, Ostrava and other cities, as well as online. The collection will run until December 22. You can donate money through the Darujme.cz portal, by transferring it to an account, or physically on the streets of selected cities. The individuals collecting the money are referred to as “bell ringers”. You can contribute by placing your donation into the red kettle carried by the bell ringers. Who does the collection help? The funds will support initiatives for children, youth, families, and the elderly. For children, donations will primarily go towards organizing camps, clubs, or music and dance groups. For the elderly, money from the kettle collection will contribute to self-development and memory training clubs, reading clubs, as well as education in foreign languages, mobile literacy, and computer work. “The funds will also be utilized to assist the needy, individuals whom the Salvation Army Church will aid in challenging life situations and connect with social services. Last...

 by Prague Morning Dec 04, 2023

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