A new survey reveals that nearly half of Czech citizens believe current defense spending at 2 percent of GDP is sufficient, and only a small fraction would volunteer to join the military if Czechia or a NATO ally were attacked. The poll, conducted last month by the Median agency for Czech Radio, found that half of the respondents were content with the current level of investment in defense, one third of people wanted to increase spending above NATO’s minimum threshold of 2 percent, while a quarter of those asked backed a reduction in spending. The findings come just weeks after the Czech government announced plans to increase defense spending to at least 3 percent of GDP by 2030, a move Prime Minister Petr Fiala has described as both necessary and urgent. The Chamber of Deputies is set to debate the nation’s defense capability this week, with President Petr Pavel scheduled to address an extraordinary session on the topic. “Two percent is the minimum today, but not all states even meet that. We need to discuss whether higher spending is necessary and feasible,” Fiala said. He also highlighted the economic benefits of defense investment, including domestic industrial growth, innovation, and technological...
As for the most interesting Czech holidays and traditions, Easter sure gives Christmas a run for its peníze (i.e. money). In addition to catching the beauty of spring, Eastertime visitors will come away from Prague with a pocketful of history and traditions to be shared back home (especially if a visit to the country’s more traditional Moravian region is involved). For a preview of what to expect for Easter in the Czech Republic, read our 8 fascinating Easter facts! 1. Is it Easter… or a celebration of spring? Velikonoce (Easter) comes from the expression velká noc, meaning “great night” after the day in which Jesus Christ rose from the dead. During Communist rule, however, the religious celebration was suppressed and the arrival of spring was recognized instead. Since the Velvet Revolution and the collapse of Communism in 1989, Easter’s Christian roots have slowly been reestablished, though the holiday is still less overtly religious than visitors might expect (at least in the case in the capital city). 2. Easter Monday trumps Easter Sunday The main day for Easter celebrations is on Easter Monday, also a national holiday. Easter Sunday (Velikonoční neděle), on the other hand, is typically spent preparing for the following day’s festivities during which ladies decorate the eggs...
A new report by the energy think tank Ember finds that imports of Russian gas to the EU surged by 18% in 2024. Despite plans to phase out Russian energy by 2027, increased imports into Italy, the Czech Republic, and France drove the rise. Although demand did not grow, imports increased. Moreover, the EU plans to enhance its liquefied natural gas (LNG) import capacity by 54%, with member states seeking alternative gas suppliers. According to the think tank, this expansion occurs despite stable demand until 2030. Analysts warn that such expansion could result in overcapacity, with fossil gas supply expected to surpass demand by 26% in 2030. “This level of overinvestment, amounting to 131 billion cubic meters, matches the combined annual gas consumption of Germany, France, and Poland,” reads the press release. “It is a scandal that the EU is still importing Russian gas,” said Ember analyst Dr Pawel Czyzak. “Instead of investing in true alternatives like renewables and efficiency to cut off Russian imports, Member States are burning money with expensive LNG capacity that won’t even be used.” The analysis reveals that after years of price volatility driven by the war in Ukraine, gas prices surged by 59% in...
On the night of Saturday, March 29, to Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Czech Republic will switch to daylight saving time once again. At 2:00 a.m. Central European Time (CET), clocks will move forward by one hour to 3:00 a.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST). This shift will impact some night transport services in Prague. Many people mistakenly refer to CET as winter time, but the seasonal time change was originally introduced to extend daylight hours and reduce reliance on artificial lighting, thus saving energy. However, the idea is based on assumptions from over a century ago. Modern energy experts argue that shifting the clock has little to no impact on electricity consumption. How Will Prague’s Public Transport Be Affected? Most night routes will operate as usual, but some services will follow modified timetables: No major changes – Night trams and most night buses will run as scheduled. Will continue after the time change – Bus lines 956, 957, 958, 959, and 960, along with night bus 397, will complete their routes after 3:00 a.m. CEST. Special timetables – Bus lines 903, 951, 952, and 954 will follow adjusted schedules. Passengers can find more details via the Prague Integrated Transport...
Car imports from China to the Czech Republic more than doubled last year, with Chinese brands now holding 3.3% of the domestic market for new passenger cars. The latest player to enter the scene is BYD, one of China’s largest car manufacturers, which will officially launch its brand in the country on April 1, 2024. Czech buyers purchased 7,675 cars from China in 2023, compared to 3,516 in 2022. The rapid increase in Chinese car sales is driven not only by competitive pricing but also by a notable improvement in quality and technology. As these brands continue to evolve, their share of the European market is expected to grow further. Despite this growth, Chinese carmakers could face obstacles in Europe. Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, recently pointed out that US tariffs on Chinese imports imposed under Donald Trump’s policies might push Chinese manufacturers to shift their focus toward European markets. This could lead to increased competition for established European brands. BYD’s European Expansion Plans BYD is already making significant strides in Europe. The company is set to decide this year on the location of its third European factory. Its Hungarian plant will begin operations in October 2024, followed...
The country has been shaken this past week by the heartbreaking story of Madlenka, a two-year-old girl fighting for her life. She has been diagnosed with severe aplastic anaemia, a rare condition in which her body has stopped producing white and red blood cells, as well as platelets—leaving her immune system critically compromised. Her only hope of survival is a bone marrow transplant, but time is running out. Doctors have just six weeks to find a suitable donor. The urgency of her case has sparked a nationwide response. The National Bone Marrow Donor Registry, in partnership with the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKEM), has reported an unprecedented surge in registrations. According to CNN Prima News, Madlenka’s plight has deeply moved the Czech public, prompting a wave of support. Over the weekend, hundreds of people queued outside IKEM in Prague, hoping to be the match that could save her life. On Friday and Saturday alone, 730 new donors registered. By Sunday, another 400 had signed up. Martina Koláčná, a spokesperson for the registry, said interest remains high, and additional recruitment events are being planned. Donors can continue registering at IKEM from Wednesday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 12...
Prague has been awarded the title of European Forestry City 2025, marking the second time the Czech capital has received this recognition, following its win in 2021. The city will also host an international conference, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and forestry experts to discuss urban green spaces and environmental sustainability. One of Europe’s Greenest Cities Prague stands out as one of Europe’s greenest cities, with approximately 4,900 hectares of forested land, covering about 10% of the city’s total area. These green spaces play a crucial role in environmental conservation, recreation, and the overall quality of urban life. The city also manages over 2,600 hectares of gardens, parks, and green spaces, with parks making up 9% of this total. Notable green areas include Stromovka Park, Letná Gardens, and Kinský Garden. Prague’s Expanding Green Spaces Prague is continually expanding its green areas. While forested land was shrinking in the city until the late 19th century, the trend reversed in the 20th century. Since then, the total area of newly planted forests has reached nearly 1,500 hectares. The HUGSI index, which measures urban greenery, reports that each Prague resident enjoys an average of 180 square meters of green space—one of the highest figures...
Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices in Czechia have surged by 26.4% over the past three years, aligning closely with the EU average of 26.9%. While this increase is substantial, food prices have also climbed sharply across the European Union. In terms of the pace of price hikes, Czechia ranks 13th among EU nations. However, recent data from Eurostat suggests that in short-term comparisons—year-on-year or month-to-month—the situation in Czechia is less favorable. “The most relevant comparison is the three-year period from January 2022 to January 2024, as food prices began to spike dramatically in early 2022,” said Miroslav Novák, an analyst at Akcenta. Czechia Follows EU Trend, But Some Items Are Cheaper Abroad Novák notes that in this three-year perspective, Czechia does not stand out negatively, despite the 26.4% price surge. In fact, price growth in neighboring countries has been even higher: Slovakia saw a 37.1% increase, Poland 33.9%, and Germany 27.1%. However, some widely recognized products remain cheaper abroad. Items like Nutella, or Pilsner Urquell beer, often cost less in Germany than in Czechia. When considering salaries and purchasing power, German consumers pay comparatively lower prices for food. The steepest three-year increase was recorded in Hungary, where food and beverage prices...
A new report on alcohol consumption in Czechia reveals concerning figures, with up to 1 in 10 people over the age of 15 consuming excessive amounts of alcohol daily. The annual study estimates that nearly 900,000 individuals regularly drink multiple pints of beer, glasses of wine, or spirits each day. The findings were presented by Pavla Chomynová, head of the National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addictions. The report also highlights worrying trends among young people: nearly a quarter of 15-year-olds, 5% of 13-year-olds, and even a small percentage of 11-year-olds have been intoxicated repeatedly. Among teenagers aged 15 to 19, 60% reported drinking in the past month, while 4% admitted to consuming alcohol daily or nearly every day. Gender differences in drinking habits are also narrowing, with studies suggesting that girls are catching up to boys in alcohol consumption. The health consequences are severe, with alcohol-related causes accounting for 6,000 to 7,000 deaths annually. Liver disease and alcohol poisoning alone are responsible for 2,000 to 3,000 fatalities each year. Additionally, hospitals admit between 13,000 and 14,000 patients annually for conditions directly caused by alcohol use. The financial burden on the economy is estimated at CZK 80 billion per year....
More than 100 theatres across the Czech Republic will open their doors to the public on Saturday, March 29, 2025, as part of the annual Theatre Night (Noc divadel) event. Since its launch in 2013, Theatre Night has been an integral part of the European Theatre Night project, held in connection with World Theatre Day. Participating Cities and Activities The event will span several cities, including Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Liberec, Plzeň, Olomouc, and České Budějovice, among others. Visitors can look forward to live performances, backstage tours, and various cultural experiences at an unusual evening hour. In addition to performances, participating theatres will host lectures, workshops, and creative competitions tailored for audiences of all ages. Each venue will offer its own curated program, promising one-of-a-kind experiences unavailable on regular days. Highlights in Prague Prague residents will have the chance to explore over 30 theatres, including the National Theatre, Švandovo divadlo in Smíchov, and the Jára Cimrman Theatre in Žižkov. Theme for 2025: “Neighbourhood” The 2025 Theatre Night will revolve around the theme of “Neighbourhood,” encouraging participants to reflect on the concept from various perspectives. “Are neighbors simply the people who keep us awake at night or the ones we worry about...
The gender pay gap in Czechia is growing, placing the country at the bottom of the EU rankings. In Czechia, the difference currently stands at 18%, meaning women work an additional 65 days to close the gap. After years of gradual improvement, the pay disparity has started increasing again, according to the Business & Professional Women CR (BPWCR) organization. The Equal Pay Day conference, scheduled for March 25-26, 2025, at the Clarion Congress Hotel Prague, will bring together experts, policymakers, and business leaders to explore solutions. Gender Pay Gap Worsens Despite Past Progress Between 2021 and 2022, Czechia’s gender pay gap reached a historic low of 15%, thanks to measures like raising the minimum wage and adjusting salary scales in undervalued sectors such as education and healthcare, where women make up the majority of the workforce. However, these were one-time interventions rather than systemic changes, leading to a reversal of progress. The largest pay disparities are found in management roles, specialist positions, medical professions, and university lecturing, where men continue to earn significantly more than their female counterparts. Czechia at the Bottom of EU Rankings With an average EU gender pay gap of 13%, Czechia ranks among the worst-performing countries....
Spring may have arrived, but winter isn’t done yet. After a stretch of pleasant sunshine, meteorologists warn that cold air will bring rain, thunderstorms, and even snow in higher elevations. Cloudy Start to the Week Monday will bring more cloudy skies, with occasional breaks. Morning fog may linger, followed by scattered showers. By the afternoon, thunderstorms could form in some regions. Nighttime temperatures will drop to 9 to 5°C, with areas of clear skies cooling to 2°C. During the day, expect highs of 16°C, with South Moravia reaching 18°C. A light variable wind (1-4 m/s) will temporarily strengthen during heavier showers or storms. Tuesday will begin mostly cloudy, with scattered showers or rain. By midday, precipitation will gradually clear from the northwest, leading to partly cloudy skies. Nighttime temperatures will drop to 7 to 3°C, with some areas cooling to 1°C under clear skies. The day will bring highs of 11 to 15°C, with South Moravia slightly warmer at 17°C. A light variable wind (1-4 m/s) will persist. Wednesday will see cloudy to overcast skies, with rain showers throughout the day. Above 1,200 meters, expect snowfall. Overnight temperatures will range between 6 to 2°C, but with clear skies, they may...
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