Jiří Bartoška (1947–2025), one of the most influential figures in Czech cinema and longtime president of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, has died at the age of 78. Bartoška’s death marks the end of an era for Czech film. As the face of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) for nearly three decades, he helped elevate the event into a globally respected celebration of cinema. His presence, charisma, and love for the arts shaped Czech cultural life like few others. In recent years, he had battled a series of serious health issues. In 2014, he was diagnosed with lymph node cancer, which he managed to overcome. However, the disease returned in 2023, requiring another round of treatment. He also suffered a bout of appendicitis in 2020, which forced him to leave the filming of A Wish for Santa Claus and undergo emergency surgery. This year, he is believed to have contracted COVID-19 while attending the Czech Lion Awards. Despite these challenges, Bartoška remained deeply active, regularly appearing at public events and continuing his organizational role at KVIFF. In interviews, he often spoke candidly about his illness: “It was a completely new situation for me. I’ve never really been...
A truck transporting cans of Pilsner beer overturned on the D2 motorway early Wednesday morning, spilling its cargo across all lanes and severely disrupting traffic near Brno. The accident occurred around 9:00 a.m. on May 7 at the third kilometer of the D2 highway, heading toward Bratislava. According to police, the vehicle first collided with a guardrail before slamming into an overhead information board, causing the trailer to tip onto its side. As a result, hundreds of beer cans were scattered across the motorway, forcing authorities to shut down the area to clear the debris. Two people were injured in the crash — the driver and a passenger. “One person suffered moderate injuries, the other more serious,” said Michaela Botová, spokesperson for the South Moravian emergency services. “Paramedics treated both victims on-site. One was transported by ambulance, while the more seriously injured patient was airlifted to hospital.” Police immediately began rerouting traffic, instructing drivers to exit at Olympia shopping center (Exit 3) to avoid the blockage. Photos from the scene showed the motorway littered with crushed and unopened beer cans, while emergency crews worked to stabilize the trailer and clear the roadway.
In the second half of last year, the Czech Republic recorded the highest household electricity prices in the entire European Union, when adjusted for purchasing power. This comes from new data released by Eurostat on Tuesday. Using Purchasing Power Standards (PPS) – a metric that levels out price differences between countries – Eurostat calculated that Czech households paid 41 PPS per 100 kilowatt hours of electricity. That figure was the highest in the EU, followed by Cyprus (35.70 PPS) and Germany (35.23 PPS). PPS is used to ensure a fair comparison between countries by accounting for local income levels and cost structures. This approach shows the real burden of electricity prices on households, not just nominal costs. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Malta reported the lowest electricity price for households at 14.33 PPS per 100 kWh, followed by Luxembourg (15.39 PPS) and Hungary (15.45 PPS). Electricity Prices Rise 11.8% in Czechia Year-on-Year Alongside having the highest adjusted prices, the Czech Republic also saw the second-steepest year-on-year increase in electricity costs, with prices rising 11.8% in the second half of 2023. Only Portugal experienced a greater jump, at 14.7%. According to Eurostat, the rise is attributed to higher grid...
A dangerous new synthetic drug is spreading across the Czech Republic, raising alarm among authorities and health experts. Customs officials in the Ostrava region recently uncovered the country’s first clandestine laboratory producing clephedrone—a powerful stimulant that belongs to the synthetic cathinone group, also known as “designer drugs.” The seizure included nearly a ton of material valued at over 310 million Czech crowns. Clephedrone shares chemical similarities with mephedrone and MDMA (ecstasy), but its effects are more intense and pose a significantly higher risk of overdose, according to experts. “When people start mixing it with alcohol or other substances, it can be deadly,” said Jindřich Vobořil, former Czech national drug coordinator, in an interview with Seznam Zprávy. Clephedrone is just the latest in a wave of synthetic drugs infiltrating Prague’s nightlife and broader drug scene. Emergency services have also documented overdoses linked to Nitazene, another potent and unregulated substance. Nitazene was originally developed as a synthetic alternative to morphine, but was never approved for medical use. Health experts warn that Nitazene is 10 to 40 times more toxic than fentanyl—a substance already considered one of the deadliest on the market. In the United States, fentanyl is now the leading cause of...
First tropical temperatures of the year? Don’t get used to them. After a short burst of summer-like heat, the Czech Republic is set for a return to cold and rainy weather. A cold front will move across Central Europe early next week, pulling in chilly air from the north and bringing ground frosts, cloudy skies, and widespread rain. Monday: A Cold, Cloudy Start to the Week Expect another overcast and rainy day on Monday. Occasional showers will appear across most of the country, although the north and northwest may see some clearing by evening. Morning lows will fall between 10 and 5°C, dropping to 3°C in northern and western Bohemia. During the day, highs will struggle to reach 9 to 14°C. Winds will remain light to moderate from the northwest, calming again by the evening. Tuesday: Ground Frost Returns Tuesday will begin with partly cloudy skies, although southern regions will remain overcast until midday, with light rain gradually tapering off. Overnight lows will fall sharply to 1–5°C, and ground frost is expected in several locations. Daytime temperatures will range from 12 to 17°C, with a persistent northerly wind at 2 to 6 m/s. Wednesday: Freezing Point in Sight By midweek,...
Friday, May 2, was officially the warmest day of the year in the Czech Republic, according to data from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute. Temperatures across much of the country climbed to between 24°C and 27°C, with the highest temperature recorded in Kopisty, a village in the Ústí nad Labem Region, where the mercury hit 29.8°C. This reading made it the most extreme temperature seen in 2025 so far, although no national temperature records were broken for this specific date. In Prague, the Vinohrady-Flora weather station recorded a peak of 28°C, giving the capital an unusually warm start to May. Looking ahead, forecasters expect similar heat on Saturday, though the highest temperatures are predicted in South Moravia, a region known for its warmer climate. Meteorologists warn that residents should be prepared for continued summer-like conditions, even as spring technically continues. Such unseasonably warm weather has raised concerns among climatologists, who have pointed to a trend of rising average spring temperatures across Central Europe. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Eighty years after the Prague Uprising, the city will mark the anniversary with a powerful mix of remembrance and celebration. Prague 1 is organizing two days of events that will take over some of the city’s most iconic spots on May 5 and May 8. “We’re not just marking a date—we’re remembering the bravery that stood firm when everything seemed lost,” said Terezie Radoměřská, mayor of Prague 1. “These moments shaped our identity. And they remind us that freedom isn’t something to take for granted—it was paid for with lives.” May 5: Commemorating the Start of the Uprising The commemorations begin at 10 a.m. on May 5 at the Old Town Hall, where officials and members of the Czechoslovak Legionary Community will gather by the memorial plaque to honor those who died during the 1945 uprising. A short ceremony will also be held in the nearby Cross Chapel and courtyard. Later that afternoon, the Old Town Square will turn into a kind of living history experience. At 2 p.m., an event titled “Old Town Square in Flames” will bring the past to life through sound, visuals, and performance. Organized by Prague City Hall, Prague 1, Media Park, and the Museum...
Starting June 1, 2025, Czech teens as young as 14 will be legally allowed to take on part-time jobs during the summer holidays, thanks to a newly approved amendment to the Labor Code. This change marks a significant shift from current regulations, which only allow work from the age of 15 and only after completing compulsory education. The updated legislation will permit 14-year-olds who are still in elementary school to take on light work over the summer break. However, strict conditions will apply. They can work a maximum of 35 hours per week, or no more than 7 hours per day. Those aged 15 will continue to be allowed to work up to 8 hours daily. They are prohibited from doing overtime, night shifts, or any work between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Furthermore, they cannot perform tasks listed in the Decree on Prohibited Work and Workplaces. Stricter rules around rest and working hours also apply: Those under 15 must have at least 14 hours of uninterrupted rest within any 24-hour period. 15-year-olds must get a minimum of 12 hours of rest per day. To legally work, teens will need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The...
For one weekend only, the Czech Republic will open the gates to nearly 300 gardens and parks, many of which are normally closed to the public. The popular Open Gardens Weekend 2025 returns on Saturday and Sunday, June 7–8, offering a rare opportunity to explore hidden green spaces across the country. Visitors can access a wide range of sites—from historical gardens and botanical collections to orchards, monasteries, and even old cemeteries. Each participating location offers something unique, whether it’s architectural value, ecological innovation, or a fascinating backstory. Not all gardens offer free entry, and some require advance booking or have limited access. Visitors are strongly encouraged to check details in advance for each location on the official website: www.vikendotevrenychzahrad.cz The event originated in the United Kingdom in 1998, under the name Open Garden & Squares Weekend, and has since inspired similar events across Europe. The Czech edition aims to raise public awareness about landscape design, gardening, and the cultural role of public green spaces. “We want to broaden the public’s understanding of gardens, parks, and public spaces, and present them with the stories and secrets behind each place,” the organizers said. “Every garden that participates brings something exceptional—whether it’s a...
YouTubers and influencers in the Czech Republic who earn over CZK 50,000 a year and reach a large audience will now be required to register with the country’s media watchdog. The Radio and Television Broadcasting Council (RRTV) announced the new rules following its meeting on Thursday. According to the updated interpretation, content creators who publish at least 52 videos per year on one platform, achieve a minimum of 500,000 views annually, and earn more than CZK 50,000 from their online content must register with RRTV. The council says this requirement applies only to creators whose content serves the general public with the purpose of informing, entertaining, or educating, and whose activity is comparable in reach to television broadcasting. The rule does not apply to schools, cultural institutions, or other non-commercial entities. Institutions such as museums, libraries, theaters, or public administration bodies are generally considered exempt, as they do not operate with a commercial objective. The requirement to register was originally introduced last autumn in connection with the EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive, which aims to enhance child protection online and set consistent rules for commercial content across member states. RRTV stated that the registration requirement is part of aligning Czech...
The Czech Republic is taking concrete steps to support its growing startup ecosystem with the introduction of a new startup law. This initiative, driven by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, seeks to address several challenges faced by emerging businesses, from financing gaps to regulatory obstacles, and aims to establish a clearer framework to help startups thrive. Drawing inspiration from Spain’s successful model, which has been in place since 2022, the Czech government hopes to bring about similar growth. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Štěpán Hofman, highlighted that one of the key goals is to define what exactly constitutes a startup. By doing so, the state will be able to implement tailored conditions to promote faster growth, increase investments, and improve the long-term chances of success. “We are considering allowing pension funds to enter into risky investments, such as start-ups,” Hofman explained. This would address the frequent financing gap that hinders startup growth in the country. Addressing Employment and Bureaucratic Challenges Another significant aspect of the law is its focus on improving employment and bureaucratic conditions. Current employment practices and invoicing regulations are often seen as inadequate for startups, sometimes even encouraging informal labor practices. The new legislation aims...
On the occasion of May Day, when couples across the Czech Republic traditionally kiss beneath blooming cherry trees, Air Bank is rolling out a unique feature: an interactive map to help users find cherry trees in their area. The map, available through the My Air app or directly online, offers users a chance to easily locate cherry trees across the Czech Republic. Air Bank spokesperson Alžběta Honsová explained that this initiative is designed to bring together modern technology and Czech folklore. “The map is easily accessible through the My Air app or our website,” said Honsová. “If people want to follow the tradition of kissing under a blossoming cherry tree, they don’t need to worry about finding the right one. While our app is primarily focused on managing finances, we’re excited to offer something extra, like helping users find the perfect tree.” May Day, or První Máj, is a beloved holiday in the Czech Republic, celebrating love and nature. Traditionally, couples kiss under cherry trees to honor the beauty of spring and to express affection for each other. This romantic tradition is largely inspired by the famous 19th-century Czech poem “Máj” (May) by Karel Hynek Mácha, which paints a picture of love and...
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