Latest News from Czechia – Page 2 of 229

Czechia

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

Czech Lunch Costs Soar – Prague Workers Pay Twice as Much as in Zlín

In Czechia, eating out during the workday has become a growing luxury. According to the latest Edenred Restaurant Index, the cost of lunch has risen steeply across the country – and nowhere more so than in Prague. The average lunch menu in the capital now costs 220 CZK, making it the most expensive in the country. Just behind is Brno, where employees pay 208 CZK for a midday meal. Meanwhile, cities like Zlín, Ústí nad Labem, and Olomouc remain on the more affordable end, with prices up to 55 crowns lower. The national average for a lunch menu now stands at 196 CZK, highlighting a steady climb in prices that has outpaced wage growth. Since 2014, lunch prices have jumped by more than 130%, while average salaries rose by roughly 82% over the same period. Back in 2020, workers in Prague paid just 149 CZK on average for lunch. In cities like Ostrava or Jihlava, it was even cheaper—hovering just over 120 CZK. But the most dramatic comparison goes further back. In 2014, Prague diners paid only 98 CZK, while in the Pardubice Region, lunch cost a mere 75 CZK. In a decade, the price of lunch has more than...

by Prague Morning Jun 14, 2025

Prague Airport Cancels All Routes to Israel Amid Iran-Israel Escalation

Amid rising military tension in the Middle East, Prague’s Václav Havel Airport has suspended all flights to and from Israel. The cancellations were confirmed early Friday morning via the airport’s official account on the X social media platform. Airport authorities cited security concerns due to escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, urging travelers to monitor the airport’s website for updates and to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest information. “There is a gradual cancellation of all flights with Israel due to the deteriorating political situation,” said the airport, located in Prague’s Ruzyně district. Direct connections between Prague and Tel Aviv—Israel’s second-largest city—have been suspended until further notice. Due to the current political situation, flights to and from Israel are being gradually suspended. Passengers are kindly advised to check the latest status of their flight on the airport’s website and contact their airline for further information. pic.twitter.com/UlJ8gsj1qw — Prague Airport (@PragueAirport) June 13, 2025 According to the airport’s schedule, four outbound flights to Tel Aviv were originally planned for Friday. One has already been canceled, and all five incoming flights from Tel Aviv to Prague have also been called off. The decision follows a major Israeli aerial offensive...

by Prague Morning Jun 13, 2025

European Court Condemns Czechia’s Gender Recognition Law

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the Czech Republic violated the rights of a non-binary person by requiring sterilisation as a precondition for legal gender recognition. The case was brought by T.H., a non-binary person who has spent over a decade fighting for the right to change their legal gender and personal identification number without being forced to undergo sterilisation. Czech authorities consistently rejected the request, citing national law, which still mandates surgical sterilisation for legal gender changes. In today’s judgment, the Strasbourg-based court declared that this requirement breaches Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees the right to private life. The Court emphasized that the Czech Republic must provide a clear legal framework that allows trans people to update their gender marker without invasive medical procedures. While the Czech Constitutional Court overturned the sterilisation mandate in 2024, it delayed the change until July 1, 2025, giving the government time to prepare a new law. However, no viable legislation has been passed. The issue now hangs on non-binding ministerial guidelines, which have yet to be published and could be easily reversed after elections later this year. T.H., the claimant in the case, welcomed...

by Prague Morning Jun 12, 2025

Canada Wildfires Smoke Could Turn Czech Skies Orange

Czech skies could take on an unusual hue on Monday, June 9, as smoke from intense wildfires in Canada drifts over Central Europe, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ). The agency confirmed on Sunday that elevated levels of fine dust particles from Canadian forest fires have reached the upper layers of the atmosphere and will pass over the Czech Republic. The most visible effects are expected on Monday morning, with sunrise and sunset potentially showcasing vibrant shades of orange and red. “This is a textbook case of long-range atmospheric transport of suspended particles,” the ČHMÚ explained. “The highest concentration of smoke and dust is expected during the first half of the day on Monday.” Already over the weekend, some residents in the Czech Republic observed the moon taking on a bright orange tint, a result of the smoke high above the horizon. The smoke originates from large-scale wildfires that have swept across the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario since May. These fires have led to mass evacuations, significant health warnings, and disruptions in oil production. Although the smoke’s presence may create striking visual displays, its impact on public health is expected to be minimal, at least for...

by Prague Morning Jun 08, 2025

Czechia’s New Migration Rules: Fewer from China, More from India

The Czech Republic is reshaping its immigration policy, introducing tougher quotas for work and business visas in an effort to control who gets to live and work in the country long-term. The new system prioritizes skilled labor—particularly Indian IT professionals—while sharply limiting the number of visas for low-skilled workers from China and several African nations. Starting July 1, 2025, these changes will apply to applications for visas allowing stays of over 90 days. The aim is to ensure that Czech embassies are not overwhelmed by applications from unqualified laborers, while still attracting professionals deemed beneficial to the economy. India’s Tech Talent Welcomed One of the most striking shifts is the expansion of the Digital Nomad visa program for Indian nationals. Although the government approved this policy in August 2023, it will come into effect next year. The Czech Coordination Authority for State Border Protection and Migration Management formally authorized the update. Qualified Indian professionals, especially in IT, engineering, natural sciences, and mathematics, are seen as valuable assets. Many of these individuals are expected to work with Czech companies in semiconductor development and technical research. The Digital Nomad scheme, which allows self-employed foreigners to live and work in the Czech Republic,...