Czechia

“Ukrainian Workers Are Crucial for Czech Economic Health,” Says Politician

Aleš Juchelka (ANO), deputy speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and shadow minister of labour and social affairs, stated that the “Czech economy heavily relies on Ukrainian workers”. He highlighted that culturally, the Czech Republic and Ukraine share many similarities, making the integration smoother. Juchelka expressed gratitude for the contributions of Ukrainians, without whom the Czech economy would struggle. Juchelka noted that around 120,000 Ukrainian refugees are now part of the Czech workforce, filling crucial roles such as drivers, waiters, and construction workers. He emphasized that these individuals are “not only working but also contributing to the system, underscoring their importance to the economy”. In addition to Ukrainians, Juchelka pointed out that the Czech Republic attracts people from Western countries as well. He mentioned that “many are drawn to the country because it is one of the safest places in the world. The safety factor is a significant pull for those looking to relocate, especially for those weary of illegal migration in other parts of Europe”. The politician also highlighted several other factors that make the Czech Republic appealing. He mentioned the country’s wealth, strategic location, and excellent healthcare system as major attractions. These aspects contribute to making the Czech...

 by Prague Morning Jul 05, 2024

Prehistoric Burial Ground Found Under Road Construction Site in Hradec Králové

The monumental burial mound dates from the 4th millennium BC – making it one of Europe’s earliest known funerary structures. A team of archaeologists from the University of Hradec Králové (UHK) discovered the prehistoric burial ground during rescue excavations along a highway in the eastern Bohemia region. The “long barrow” structure measures an impressive 190 meters in length, making it one of the longest of its kind in Central Europe – as well as one of the oldest. “Mounds of this type are found mainly in northwestern Bohemia. They have not yet been reliably documented in Eastern Bohemia,” Petr Krištuf, a professor in UHK’s Department of Archaeology, said in a statement. “In addition, the examined specimen represents the longest prehistoric mound not only in our region but probably in the whole of Europe.” Invisible above ground prior to the excavation, two central burials were revealed during the dig: two human skeletons, both laid on their left side facing north, the first accompanied by a ceramic vessel, and the second with five chipped artefacts. Researchers believe the orientation of the skeletons and offerings provides valuable information about the burial customs of the time. The burial mound was partially disturbed by a...

 by Prague Morning Jul 05, 2024

Czech Military Aid to Ukraine From Army Stores Reaches CZK 6.75 billion

The Czech Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that the country donated equipment from its army storage, including aircraft and ammunition, worth CZK 6.75 billion to Ukraine as of the end of May. Czechia has so far sent eight aircraft, including two this year. Supplies also included 94,860 artillery ammunition, including 10,000 this year. Previous supplies include 62 tanks, 131 infantry fighting vehicles, 26 chemical reconnaissance vehicles, 16 pieces of air defence vehicles, 13 howitzers, 12 multiple rocket launchers, and various ammunition and small arms. The Czechs have been among the staunch backers of Ukraine and the first to send heavy equipment soon after Russia’s full invasion started in February 2022. Apart from donating from their army storage, they have arranged much larger supplies of heavy equipment and ammunition with funding from allies and Ukraine itself. This includes half a million of artillery shells to be delivered under the so-called Czech initiative this year, or hundreds of pieces of heavy equipment including tanks. The government last week approved a $37 million national contribution to the Czech-led artillery ammunition scheme. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

 by Prague Morning Jul 04, 2024

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

For most of us, a long weekend is ahead. On Friday, July 5, we celebrate the arrival of the Slavic evangelists Cyril and Methodius in the Czech lands, and on Saturday, 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:...

 by Prague Morning Jul 04, 2024

Frosts Slash Czech Fruit Harvest by 77%, Apples Hit Hardest

The fruit harvest in the Czech Republic is expected to plummet by 77 percent this year compared to the five-year average, which may threaten many farmers’ livelihood, Martin Ludvík, chairman of the Fruit Growers’ Union told iRozhlas. Spring frosts have caused one of the worst crop damages in the last century, with the apple harvest particularly devastated. “In Bohemia, 90 percent of the apple production is destroyed,” added Ludvík. Traditionally, spring frosts primarily affect more sensitive fruit species like apricots, peaches, plums, and cherries. However, this year saw a slight decrease in damage to apricots and peaches, as these fruits are predominantly grown in southern Moravia, which experienced less frost damage. The unprecedented severity of the frosts has led to a dramatic reduction in the apple crop, with expectations of only about a fifth of the usual yield. The reduced harvest is likely to lead to a significant rise in the price of Czech fruit, particularly apples, which have a long selling period from autumn to the following summer. This situation mirrors the recent rise in cherry prices and foreshadows similar trends for apples. The most critical period for fruit growers will begin in January when the shortfall in apple...

 by Prague Morning Jul 02, 2024

Electric Car Boom: Over 1,500 New EVs Registered in Czechia in June 2024

In June 2024, over 1,500 new electric cars were registered in the Czech Republic, capturing nearly 7% of the market share. This milestone signals a larger trend within the country. This is the second time in history that more than 1,000 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have been registered in the Czech Republic in a single month. To understand the rise in popularity of BEVs, we can look back to May 2019 when the Ministry of Transport launched a grant program for alternative fuel infrastructure. The program allocated CZK 146 million to create additional charging stations, showing the government’s commitment to promoting BEVs. This support has directly contributed to the recent increase in their use. Currently, there are more than 27,600 BEVs in the M1 passenger vehicle category in the Czech Republic, reflecting an increase of over 5,000 in the first half of this year. The infrastructure to support these vehicles has also expanded, with more than 5,200 public charging points now available. Data from the Clean Transport website, based on information from the Ministry of Transport, highlights these developments. In 2023, global automotive markets rebounded significantly after a downturn caused by COVID-19 and other factors, marking a historic milestone....

 by Prague Morning Jul 02, 2024

Czech Olympic Uniforms for Opening Ceremony in Paris Revealed

In just a few weeks, Czech Olympians will debut their modern collection at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris. This year, however, their outfits will feature unique details on their coats, shoes, and scarves, which the president of the Czech Olympic Committee, Jiří Kejval, praises highly. “Even in the crowd, no one will miss us. This is what we want to achieve in the heart of Paris, the capital of fashion,” said Kejval. The most striking element of the distinctive and modern collection is a blue and white trench coat, also inspired by the Czech “baloňák” coat, which the head of the Czech Olympic Committee, Jiří Kejval, said in a press release was meant to honour the host country due to the clothing item’s popularity in France. This item was created in collaboration between the Czech Olympic Team, ALPINE PRO, and designer Jan Černý. “My generation may be surprised by the design of the Opening Ceremony collection, but it will be worn mainly by young people who appreciate Jan Černý’s work. If the athletes feel comfortable in the clothes, they will have the confidence needed for their sporting performance, which we are all looking forward to,” added Kejval. The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will take...

 by Prague Morning Jul 01, 2024

Historic Move: Old Catholic Church in Czechia to Allow Same-Sex Ceremonies

From January 1, 2025, the Old Catholic Church in the Czech Republic will recognize same-sex partnerships with church ceremonies. As Blesk.cz reports, the Old Catholic Church is the first church in the country to formally declare its intention to officiate same-sex partnerships with legal standing through church ceremonies. The Synod Council of the Old Catholic Church has already notified state authorities, seeking clarification on the administrative procedures required for these church ceremonies. The Civil Code Amendment introduces civil partnerships as a permanent union between two people of the same sex, similar to marriage. “This legislation allows for such partnerships to be concluded with a church ceremony if the church, which holds relevant special rights, decides to do so according to its internal regulations,” stated the Old Catholic Church. In 2022, the church already allowed blessings for couples, including same-sex couples, who could not marry. Previously, couples had to enter into a civil registered partnership separately from the church ceremony. “There are people in same-sex partnerships in our parishes, and the Church feels the need to care for them pastorally,” said Old Catholic Bishop Pavel Benedikt Stránský. He noted that this step confirms the permanence and seriousness of such partnerships and...

 by Prague Morning Jun 30, 2024

Czech Republic Leads Europe in Methamphetamine Labs

The Czech Republic has the largest number of small methamphetamine labs in Europe. Police prosecuted 3,415 people for drug-related offences last year. Methamphetamine and marijuana remain the most commonly used drugs in the Czech Republic. Last year, the police prosecuted 3,415 people for drug-related offences, a number similar to 2022 when 3,418 people were charged. “Classic Czech-made methamphetamine is typically produced in small domestic labs, while foreigners are significantly involved in the illegal trade,” stated officers from the National Drug Control Centre. Part of the methamphetamine produced is for personal consumption, with the rest sold to regular customers, mostly within the Czech Republic and occasionally to neighboring countries. According to the report, small labs produce about 50 grams of the drug per cycle. Methamphetamine from Mexico In recent years, large quantities of methamphetamine have been imported into European ports from Mexico, as well as from some African and Middle Eastern countries. “Hundreds of kilograms of Mexican methamphetamine are produced by criminal groups in laboratories in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium,” according to the National Drug Control Centre. Cheaper “Mexican methamphetamine” is increasingly found along the German border. However, in the Czech Republic, this methamphetamine has not gained much...

 by Prague Morning Jun 28, 2024

Prague-to-Budapest Train Collides with a Bus, Killing 7 People

A train traveling from Prague to Budapest collided with a local bus in southern Slovakia on Thursday, leaving at least seven people dead and five injured, officials said. Some 200 people were aboard the Eurocity train when the accident took place shortly after 5 p.m. (1500 GMT) near the town of Nove Zamky, police and the Slovak railway company ZSSK said. The deaths and injuries were confirmed by Slovakia´s rescue service, and ZSSK said none of the deaths were aboard the train. Video footage showed that the engine of the train was on fire, and railway officials said the bus was badly damaged in the crash and broken into two parts. Interior Minister Matus Sutai Estok visited the scene of the accident. He said the dead were not immediately identified. The major train track linking Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, with Budapest was to remain closed until at least 4 a.m. (0200 GMT). The stranded passengers aboard the stricken train were being transported by buses to the town of Sturovo on the Hungarian border, ZSSK said. The bus driver survived the crash. The injured were transported to hospitals in nearby towns and cities because the local one was closed Thursday after some...

 by Prague Morning Jun 28, 2024

Russia Blocks 81 European Media Outlets, 2 from Czechia

The list of banned outlets includes France’s AFP, German outlets Der Spiegel and FAZ, and Italian public broadcaster Rai. The Kremlin has blocked access inside Russia to 81 European news outlets in retaliation to the EU’s ban against four state-funded media, the country’s Foreign Ministry announced Tuesday. The list includes France’s AFP news service, German outlets Der Spiegel and FAZ, and Italian public broadcaster Rai, among others. In Czechia, Česká televize and Seznam Zpravy. In late May, the EU banned what it said were four Kremlin-linked propaganda networks, including Voice of Europe, RIA news agency, and Izvestia and Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspapers. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has banned multiple independent foreign and domestic outlets, accusing them of spreading “propaganda” and “extremist” views. “If restrictions on Russian media are lifted, the Russian side will also reconsider its decision in relation to the mentioned media operators,” the statement said. Russia denounced the EU sanctions as “politically motivated” and said the bloc’s decisions were “forcing Moscow to take mirror and proportionate countermeasures”. Russia has already blocked access to much of the Western media since sending troops to Ukraine, as well as to Western social media giants. Domestic media...

 by Prague Morning Jun 25, 2024

Prague Cable Car and Zoo Among Czechia’s Most Popular Attractions

Prague Castle was the most visited tourist destination in the Czech Republic last year, attracting 2.19 million tourists, a 54% increase from the previous year. The Petřín cable car came in second with 1.9 million visitors, followed by Prague Zoo with 1.36 million visitors. These three destinations also topped the list in 2022. The Aquapalace in Čestlice, Central Bohemia, also surpassed one million visitors last year, according to data published by the state agency CzechTourism. Other top ten destinations included the Dolní Vítkovice complex in Ostrava, Aqualand Moravia in Pasohlávky, the Zlín Zoo, Safari Park Dvůr Králové, the Petřín Lookout Tower, and the Ostrava Zoo. The rankings remained mostly unchanged year-on-year, with Špilberk Castle in Brno making the top ten last year, while the Petřín Lookout Tower was not listed. CzechTourism reported that 2023 was a successful year for domestic tourism, with visitor numbers significantly increasing nationwide. The current figures indicate that tourism is nearing pre-recession levels. In Central Bohemia and South Moravia, aquaparks were the top attractions, while the Pilsner brewery led in the Pilsen region. Zoos were the most visited in South Bohemia, Ústí nad Labem, Hradec Králové, Olomouc, and Zlín regions, as well as in Vysočina. In...

 by Prague Morning Jun 25, 2024

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