On January 9th, 1890, Karel Čapek was born in the Czech city of Malé Svatoňovice. Today, as we mark the anniversary of his birth, we reflect not only on his literary brilliance but on his profound cultural significance to the Czech people and the wider world. Čapek, renowned for his novels, plays, essays, and visionary thinking, was one of the most influential figures in 20th-century European literature. His works, ranging from science fiction to political commentary, have left an indelible mark on Czech cultural identity and continue to resonate globally. Čapek’s writing stands out for its exploration of ideas and the human condition. Born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, he lived through tumultuous political shifts, including World War I, the rise of fascism, and the onset of World War II. These experiences shaped much of his work, which developed into issues of morality, technology, war, and human rights. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who focused on narrative alone, Čapek’s writing was often deeply philosophical, addressing the social and political challenges of his time. His work remains a window into the Czech psyche, reflecting both the nation’s struggle for independence and its broader quest for dignity in an often hostile world. Čapek’s...
Moving abroad and starting fresh in a new country requires significant courage and determination. Finding employment in a foreign environment can be challenging, but some countries are more welcoming to expats—people living outside their native country—than others. According to a survey by the InterNations platform, Denmark has emerged as the best destination for foreign workers. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, secured 15th place out of 53 countries in the ranking. The survey assessed various factors including the availability of jobs, wages, and, crucially, work-life balance—the equilibrium between professional and personal life. As reported by the Daily Mail, Denmark topped the list, with expats praising the country’s favorable conditions. “The work-life balance is excellent, and taking five to six weeks of vacation is the norm,” shared one Australian expat in the survey. A significant 84 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with their work-life balance in Denmark, while only one percent fewer highlighted working hours as a concern. About two-thirds of those surveyed also mentioned the opportunity to work remotely on a part-time basis. However, only 60 percent of expats felt they were fairly compensated in Denmark. Saudi Arabia ranked second, with many expats reporting ample job opportunities for experienced professionals. Three-quarters of...
According to a survey by Cushman & Wakefield, which has been tracking new entries for 11 years, 47 brands entered the Czech market in 2024. This is the highest number of brands to enter the Czech market, compared to 40 brands in 2023. The F&B segment is represented by the largest number of brands, as in previous years. In the Palladium shopping centre in Prague, the flagship stores of Lviv Croissants and The Box Donut opened, in the Máj shopping centre the fast food Amerikanos, and in the Quadrio shopping centre the Georgian fresh bar SKA. On Prague’s premium shopping streets (high streets), Georgian fine dining Dergi in Revoluční and Ukrainian fine dining Nai in Kobrová, bubble tea Makamaka in Jungmannova, Matcha Crew in Rumunská, bar Nalyvky zi Lvova in Trojanova, the French olive oil store Oliviers&Co in Dlouhá, and Le Petit Beefbar of the famous steakhouse chain Beefbar on Wenceslas Square were introduced. Jan Kotrbáček, Head of Retail Agency CEE at Cushman & Wakefield: “While previously the majority of brands entering the Czech market came from Western countries, we now see a clear trend where newly entering brands are largely from the East, especially from Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, and...
The Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti recently reported the largest beer exporters to Russia during the first ten months of 2024. According to their data, the top suppliers are Germany (105.3 thousand tons), the Czech Republic (33.1 thousand tons), and China (29.8 thousand tons). This report gained attention in the Czech media, prompting inquiries about its accuracy. The iDNES portal contacted the Czech Union of Breweries and Malthouses for clarification. However, the organization’s press secretary requested time to verify the figures before commenting. Meanwhile, the Czech News Agency (ČTK) confirmed that the export volume reported by RIA Novosti aligns with official data from the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ). Between January and October 2024, the Czech Republic exported nearly 33.1 thousand tons of beer to Russia—equivalent to approximately 62 million half-liter bottles. Russia: A Key Market for Czech Beer During this period, Russia ranked as the third largest export market for Czech beer producers, following Germany and Slovakia. Trinity Bank Chief Economist Lukáš Kovanda revealed that Czech beer exports to Russia increased by 27% year-on-year. The 2024 export volume even surpassed pre-pandemic and pre-invasion levels. For comparison, from January to October 2019, the Czech Republic exported roughly 60 million bottles...
Chivalry wasn’t dead in 1938 when Nazi tanks rolled into Czechoslovakia. It lived on in at least one man: Josef Menčík, also known as the “Knight of Strakonice.” Once described as “the definition of living history,” Menčík owned and refurbished a castle in his native country and took the time to teach medieval history to anyone who would listen. More importantly, when the world decided to allow Nazi Germany to annex the Sudetenland, a large chunk of his country, Menčík rode out to meet Adolf Hitler’s tanks, alone and in full medieval armor. It might have been a foolish gesture of resistance, or even a symbolic one, but it was certainly one of the few acts of defiance against the Nazi regime until that point. Josef Menčík, the Last Knight Despite his love for history, there isn’t a lot history knows about Menčík. He grew up in the Böhmerwald area of what was then Czechoslovakia, a mountainous region that today straddles Germany and the modern Czech Republic. Indeed, it appears that Menčík suddenly emerged from the Bohemian Forests in the early 20th century to do things that few others would, which includes (but isn’t limited to) standing up to the Nazis....
The Czech Republic is set to experience extreme weather conditions this Sunday, with a major ice storm predicted to impact most regions. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), a warm front will bring snowfall that will transition into freezing rain, leading to the formation of hazardous ice. Meteorologists are strongly advising people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. On its official website, ČHMÚ has issued a warning about the incoming storm, which is expected to begin with heavy snowfall moving from the southwest. This snowfall will intensify temporarily before turning into freezing rain during the afternoon and evening. “From Sunday afternoon in the northeast, and later in the evening across most regions, snowfall will shift to freezing rain,” the institute announced. The experts predict that 2 to 7 millimeters of freezing rain will fall across much of the country, forming a dangerous ice layer. “A strong ice sheet is expected to develop,” ČHMÚ stated on Facebook, emphasizing that people should monitor updated forecasts for any changes. Meteorologists further clarified that the ice layer is likely to begin forming around midday on Sunday in western regions, gradually spreading to nearly the entire country. This information has been confirmed through...
The price of electricity for households in the Czech Republic has risen sharply, even though the nation is one of Europe’s largest electricity exporters. According to Eurostat, the cost reached €0.321 per kilowatt-hour in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms during the first half of last year. This marks an 85% increase compared to the same period in 2021 for a household with average consumption levels. Czech Prices Outpace Regional Neighbors The steep price hikes in the Czech Republic contrast starkly with trends in other Visegrad Four (V4) countries, where electricity costs have remained relatively stable, states Lukáš Kovanda Chief Economist at Trinity Bank. Slovak households paid an average of €0.1543 per kilowatt-hour, less than half of what Czech households were charged. Slovakia saw a modest increase of around 12% over the same period. Polish households fared even better, paying €0.1531 per kilowatt-hour, with a surprising 2% price reduction compared to the first half of 2021. Hungary boasts the lowest electricity prices not only in the V4 but also across the EU, at just €0.1234 per kilowatt-hour, a mere 1% increase over three years. A Sharp Shift in Czech Pricing Trends Electricity prices in the Czech Republic were once on par...
Thanks to a recent solar eruption, astronomy enthusiasts might be able to witness the aurora borealis on New Year’s Eve. According to astronomers, a plasma cloud of charged particles ejected by the Sun last Thursday is expected to hit Earth on the evening of December 31. This could trigger a geomagnetic storm strong enough to make the northern lights visible even in the Czech Republic, says Petr Horálek from the Institute of Physics at the Silesian University in Opava. “The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast a geomagnetic storm of up to class G3, likely starting in the second half of New Year’s Eve. However, the occurrence of the phenomenon isn’t guaranteed, as predicting solar wind behavior is highly complex,” Horálek explains. To increase your chances of seeing the aurora, Horálek recommends finding a clear view of the northern horizon, far from light pollution, and keeping an eye on real-time aurora monitors. The University of Opava has also released a video guide with detailed instructions for viewing the northern lights. While the aurora remains uncertain, skywatchers can already spot Venus, which is shining brightly in the southwestern sky at dusk. Venus, often referred to as the “Evening Star,”...
Prague residents can expect higher water and sewage bills in 2025. The city council approved a price hike during its final meeting of the year, citing inflation and infrastructure investments as key reasons for the increase. Starting in January, the price of water per cubic meter, including VAT, will rise by 4.4%, from 144.88 CZK to 151.27 CZK. This translates to an increase of 6.39 CZK per cubic meter. “Based on average water consumption, the rise should cost about 20 CZK more per person each month, or 240 CZK annually,” said Infrastructure Councilor Michal Hroza (TOP 09). He added that despite the adjustment, Prague’s water and sewage prices remain well below the socially acceptable limit defined by the OECD. The OECD sets this threshold at 2% of a household’s annual net income. For Prague, this benchmark corresponds to a water price of 243.83 CZK per cubic meter. A Gradual Price Strategy Through 2035 The price increase aligns with a city strategy approved through 2035, designed to secure funds for the development and modernization of infrastructure. This plan allows for annual price adjustments by the average inflation rate plus 2% until 2028. After that, increases will align only with inflation. While...
The end of the year in the Czech Republic will bring unpredictable weather, with rain, snow, and icy conditions. Motorists are urged to exercise caution as roads may become hazardous. Meteorologists have issued warnings for icy conditions overnight and into Monday morning, especially where freezing fog persists. Monday’s forecast predicts mostly cloudy skies across the country. In the southern regions, skies may clear partially, but fog—potentially freezing—will linger in places. Light snow or drizzle is expected intermittently. Daytime temperatures will range from -1°C to 3°C, with occasional peaks of up to 5°C. Tuesday promises slight relief with clear to partly cloudy skies. Daytime temperatures will climb to between 2°C and 7°C, though areas affected by prolonged fog will remain colder, around 0°C. Wednesday will bring more cloud cover, particularly in northern areas where rain and snowfall are forecast. Snowfall will primarily occur at elevations above 800 meters. Freezing fog may also appear intermittently. Temperatures will range from 3°C to 7°C, but areas with fog will stay around 1°C. A moderate southwest wind of 2–6 m/s is expected, with gusts in parts of Bohemia and Silesia reaching up to 15 m/s. By Thursday, skies will become predominantly cloudy to overcast. Rain...
When you think about summer camp, what comes to mind? Campfires, s’mores, and maybe a few arts and crafts? Sure those things are part of the experience, but what if there was a summer camp that offered way more? One that helps you grow, meet like-minded people, and learn real-world skills – all while being a world away from the pressures of school, social media, and the everyday grind. That’s where kiDay comes in. kiDay is a game changer for teenagers looking for something different, something deeper. It’s about diving into activities you love, making lifelong friendships, and gaining valuable experiences that go far beyond just having fun. Think surfing, sailing, photography workshops, and leadership opportunities– all designed to help you build the future you want. Whatever it is, kiDay will help you find the camp best suited for you. Let’s face it, as a teenager, you’re at an age where you’re starting to explore who you really are. You’re dealing with the pressures of school, the competition to perform, and, of course social media – where it feels like everyone has their life together except you. But kiDay ensures that none of that matters. The camp focuses on creating...
A Russian missile attack on Kyiv has damaged the Czech Center, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský announced on the X social media platform. Fortunately, no one was present in the building during the strike, but civilians were in nearby apartments. “Russia continues to destroy Ukrainian lives and property, and today, it targeted us, the Czechs,” Lipavský stated. “The Czech Center in Kyiv was damaged by the blast wave from the missile strike. While no one was at the site, civilians in surrounding residences were endangered.” Tereza Soušková, director of the Czech Center in Kyiv, expressed her dismay at the incident. “Seeing my office damaged by a Russian attack is deeply unsettling. This aggression, which has persisted for nearly three years, remains as cynical as ever and defies basic human understanding,” Soušková told Novinky. “The Russian regime is targeting civilians and cultural institutions that aim to foster cooperation and peaceful coexistence between nations.” The missile attack on Kyiv occurred early Friday morning. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported one fatality and nine injuries, four of whom required hospitalization. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the strike was a response to a Ukrainian attack on Russia’s Rostov region earlier this week. According to Moscow, Ukraine...
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