Czechia

Is Czechia Ready for the Euro? Government Reveals Key Pros and Cons

The Czech government is evaluating whether the country is ready to adopt the euro, following an assessment prepared by the National Economic Council of the Government (NERV). This unpublished analysis, obtained by the Czech media outlet E15, explores the potential benefits, drawbacks, and risks of transitioning to the European currency. However, economists have not yet endorsed entry into the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II)—a necessary precursor to adopting the euro. The decision will likely be left to the next administration. A Strategic Review of Readiness In February, Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s cabinet reviewed a report from the Ministry of Finance and the Czech National Bank assessing the fulfillment of the Maastricht criteria and the Czech Republic’s economic alignment with the eurozone. Subsequently, NERV was tasked with delivering a detailed analysis tailored to the country’s specific economic conditions. Economist Mojmír Hampl, a member of NERV and one of the report’s authors, said to E15: “This wasn’t about whether to adopt the euro, but whether we should enter the ‘anteroom’—ERM II. The consensus was that the government must first set a concrete adoption date. You don’t enter the anteroom without intending to step into the living room.” No Immediate Steps Expected...

 by Prague Morning Nov 24, 2024

Weather Forecast: Warming and Rain Expected in Czechia This Week

Meteorologists predict a rise in temperatures across the Czech Republic, but this warming trend will come with rain, cloudiness, and even some snowfall in certain regions. On Monday, a mix of clear skies and low clouds will dominate, with fog likely in some areas. Occasional drizzle, which could freeze, may occur during the morning. By evening, western Bohemia is expected to see increasing cloud cover as another weather front approaches. Daytime temperatures will range from 4 to 9°C, occasionally climbing to 13°C in sunnier areas, though regions with persistent cloud cover may remain colder, at around 2°C. Tuesday will start bright in the mountains and eastern parts of the country, with clear to partly cloudy skies, but conditions will deteriorate as rain spreads from the west. At higher altitudes above 1,000 meters, the rain will turn to snow. Precipitation and cloudiness will taper off later in the day. Temperatures will range from 6 to 11°C, though parts of Moravia and northeastern Bohemia may see highs closer to 4°C. Wednesday’s forecast brings cloudy to overcast skies with intermittent rain or showers. Snowfall is expected in mountainous areas above 900 meters. Highs will be slightly cooler, reaching 4 to 8°C. On Thursday,...

 by Prague Morning Nov 24, 2024

Black Friday 2024 Starts Early in Czechia: Deals You Can’t Miss

Black Friday has arrived in the Czech Republic, with retailers across the country offering significant discounts. While Black Friday sales in Czechia offer an array of discounts, buyers should exercise caution. Many retailers use the event to clear out unsold inventory or offer only a handful of discounted items, making some of the advertised 50-80% discounts feel more like marketing tactics. Despite this, many stores feature genuine offers, typically ranging between 15-30% off, making the sales worthwhile for careful shoppers. Although Black Friday 2024 officially falls on November 29, many stores began their sales earlier and are extending them over several weeks. This provides plenty of time to hunt for the best bargains. Here’s a comprehensive list of stores and what you can expect during Black Friday 2024: Alza.cz The largest online retailer in Czechia is leading the Black Friday charge with discounts ranging from 10% to 70%. Popular items include televisions, smartphones, kitchen appliances, and sports equipment. Alza’s sale began early and runs until November 30. Make sure to check daily updates for flash deals. Mall.cz Another giant in Czech e-commerce, Mall.cz, offers similar deals to Alza, with discounts across a wide range of products. Electronics, home goods, and...

 by Prague Morning Nov 23, 2024

Czechia Likely to Record Warmest Year in History

For the first time since records began, the Czech Republic’s average annual temperature is expected to surpass 10 degrees Celsius. If November and December maintain average conditions, the annual average will reach 10.3°C—0.6°C higher than 2023. This historic milestone was reported by Jáchym Brzezina, a meteorologist from the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute in Brno, on the X social network. The country’s temperature records date back to 1775 in Prague’s Klementinum and to 1800 in Brno. A Year of Unbroken Records Every month in 2024 has been above the 1991–2020 average, making this year exceptional compared to previous warm years. February, in particular, stood out with a record-breaking temperature increase of more than 6°C above average. March was nearly 4°C warmer, while August and September exceeded average temperatures by at least 2°C. The last month to record below-average temperatures was May 2023. Meteorologist Brzezina predicts that November will also be above average based on current trends, further solidifying this year’s record-breaking status. Comparing Historical Trends Recent years highlight the rapid warming of the Czech climate. In 2023, the country was 1.4°C warmer than the 1991–2020 average, and 2.2°C warmer than the 1961–1990 baseline. If 2024’s predicted annual temperature of 10.3°C holds, it...

 by Prague Morning Nov 22, 2024

“Memories of a Nation”: Reflecting on Karel Jaromír Erben

Karel Jaromír Erben was a patriot of the Czech people—a historian, collector of cultural relics, and poet. His most notable work, Kytice z pověstí národních (Bouquet of National Legends), stands as one of the most profound relics of Czech literature. To this day, Erben is revered for his impact on the Czech identity and his dedication to preserving it through his work. Born on November 7th, 1811, Erben didn’t arrive in Prague until 1831, where he began studying philosophy and law. His career eventually led him to the National Museum, where he served as archival secretary, and he held editorial roles in various Prague newspapers. Today, November 21st marks the anniversary of Erben’s death in 1870 due to tuberculosis. The Czech National Revival Erben played a pivotal role in the Czech National Revival, a movement aimed at reviving the language, culture, and national identity of the Czech people. This movement arose in response to the Germanization that followed the Battle of White Mountain in 1620, when the Habsburgs imposed German as the dominant language in state, education, and church affairs. In defiance of this cultural suppression, the Czech nobility funded research into literature, history, and folklore in the Czech language....

 by Prague Morning Nov 21, 2024

Snowfall Warning Issued Across the Czech Republic

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ) has issued a snowfall warning, effective from 10:00 PM on Thursday, November 21, until 12:00 PM on Friday, November 22. The advisory primarily applies to the country’s eastern regions, where significant snowfall is expected to impact daily life and transportation. Meteorologists predict 5 to 12 centimeters of snow accumulating within 12 hours in areas including the South Moravian, Zlín, Olomouc, and Moravian-Silesian regions. Parts of the Highlands and Pardubice regions will also experience snowfall. The snow is not limited to mountainous regions but will also cover lowland areas, marking the season’s first significant snow cover at all altitudes. Transportation Warnings Authorities have cautioned that the snowfall will likely cause disruptions in transportation networks, especially on roads and highways. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant, monitor traffic updates, and equip their vehicles appropriately for winter conditions. “This is the first major snowfall of the season, expected to create complications across all elevations,” reads the official statement from ČHMÚ. “We strongly recommend using winter tires with sufficient tread depth for city driving and anti-skid chains for mountain trips.” Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for potential disruptions, including delays in public transport and school closures. Would...

 by Prague Morning Nov 21, 2024

“The Heart of Czechoslovakia”: The Enduring Legacy of Charlotte Garrigue Masaryk

On this day, November 20th, 1850, Charlotte Garrigue Masaryk, the American First Lady of Czechoslovakia, was born in Brooklyn, New York. She was the daughter of Rudolph Garrigue, a successful businessman of Danish and German descent, and Charlotte Garrigue, for whom she was named. Charlotte was part of a progressive and loving family that valued education and equality, concepts that were far ahead of their time. These principles shaped Charlotte into a staunch advocate for women’s rights. Affectionately called “Charlie” by her 10 siblings, showed an early passion for music. At 17, she traveled to Leipzig, Germany, to advance her studies. Despite her dedication, the intensive practice caused irreparable damage to her hands, forcing her to transition to teaching piano. Undeterred, Charlotte continued her education in mathematics and the arts, demonstrating her resilience and thirst for knowledge. In 1876, while in Leipzig, she met Tomáš Masaryk, a young student boarding with her family friends, the Georings. Their connection was instant, and the couple married at Charlotte’s parents’ home in the Bronx, New York. Inspired by her progressive ideals, Tomas adopted her maiden name as his middle name, becoming Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. A Partnership Built on Shared Ideals The early years...

 by Prague Morning Nov 19, 2024

Czechia Sees Surge in Cheaper Russian Gas Imports via Slovakia

Gas imports to the Czech Republic from Russia have soared in recent weeks, with over 95% of November’s supply coming from Slovakia, marking a significant shift in the country’s energy sourcing. Until recently, most gas entered the Czech Republic through Germany, but the rising cost of German transport fees and the lower market price of Russian gas have made Slovakia the preferred route, according to Net4Gas transport statistics. Russian Gas: The Cheapest Option for Czech Traders Gas supplies from Russia to the Czech Republic sharply declined after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with imports dropping to nearly zero for much of that year. However, since last autumn, Russian gas has made a slow but steady comeback. While earlier this year, 55% of gas imports arrived from Germany, this balance shifted dramatically in November, with gas from Slovakia accounting for more than 95% of the supply. On a single day in November, over 151 gigawatt hours of gas passed through the Lanžhot border point with Slovakia, while only 5 gigawatt hours flowed through the Brandov entry point from Germany. Analysts Explain the Trend The price advantage of Russian gas is a key driver behind this shift. Germany imposes...

 by Prague Morning Nov 19, 2024

Weather Forecast: Strong Winds and Snow Expected This Week

Prague is set to experience a week of challenging weather with strong winds, and significant temperature fluctuations. Wind gusts could reach up to 70 km/h, posing potential risks for residents, while the week will remain cold until a significant warm-up arrives on Sunday, bringing daytime temperatures as high as 15°C. Monday will bring cold, humid air sweeping in from the northwest, with widespread precipitation. Higher altitudes can expect snowfall, while lower regions will see rain. The morning will start with cloudy skies, turning rainy in most areas by the afternoon. Fresh southwesterly winds could gust up to 55 km/h, and daytime temperatures will range between 5–7°C. Precipitation is expected to ease later in the evening. On Tuesday, cloudy skies will dominate, with rain likely in several locations. Morning temperatures will drop to 3 to -1°C, while the afternoon will see a slight improvement, with highs of 8–10°C. Winds will intensify, with gusts reaching 70 km/h, making it one of the stormiest days of the week. Wednesday will bring more wintry conditions. Rain and snow will mix in some areas, though precipitation is expected to subside by the afternoon. Morning temperatures will hover between 4–2°C, with afternoon highs reaching only 3–5°C....

 by Prague Morning Nov 17, 2024
november 17 prague

November 17th is Twice as Important for Czechs

November 17th is not at all just an ordinary day in the Czech Republic. It is a very important day for Czechs not only for one but for two reasons. The original event that 17 November commemorated was the resistance of student demonstrators in 1939 to the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. Initially, a student named Jan Opletal was shot in a protest and died on 11 November. His funeral, attended by thousands of students, turned into another anti-Nazi demonstration. Students tore down the German street signs, which symbolized the humiliation of the Nazi occupation. This provoked the Nazis so much that on November 17 they ordered to close all Czech universities and colleges. One witness to those events said that the Gestapo and German soldiers had swept into student dorms in Prague, Brno, and Příbram, and dragged students off to Ruzyně prison. Nine student leaders were murdered by the Nazis and more than 1,000 sent to concentration camps. As a result of these tragedies, in 1941, the 17th of November was marked as International Students’ Day. Fifty years later, on November 17, 1989, history would repeat itself. Fifty years after such oppression, in 1989, Czech students organized a demonstration to commemorate...

 by Prague Morning Nov 17, 2024

Starbucks in Czechia Ends Handwritten Names on Cups

Starbucks is making a significant change to how it serves customers in the Czech Republic. In the coming weeks, all Starbucks coffee shops across the Czech Republic and Slovakia will stop writing customer names on cups. Instead, the company will introduce printed stickers as part of its modernized order management system. This shift is part of a broader global effort to enhance efficiency and improve the customer experience. Similar systems have already been implemented in other countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Romania. The Czech Republic is now joining this growing list of Starbucks locations adopting the new approach. Under the updated system, Starbucks baristas will still ask for your name when taking your order. However, instead of writing it on your cup with a marker, they’ll print a customized sticker. These stickers won’t just display your name—they’ll also include the date and time of the order, as well as a QR code. The QR code provides detailed information about your drink’s nutritional content and potential allergens, making it a helpful addition for health-conscious customers or those with dietary restrictions. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

 by Prague Morning Nov 15, 2024

Czech Startups Got an Official Association to Drive Innovation and Advocacy

The Czech Republic announced the launch of its dedicated startup association. The newly launched Czech Startup Association is poised to advocate for systemic improvements that aim to make the Czech Republic a regional leader in supporting startups and innovation. While the structure of the Czech Startup Association is somewhat different from Romania’s approach, its mission remains consistent: to strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem and foster collaboration between startups and policymakers. The Czech startup landscape has long faced challenges that hinder its potential growth, and despite prior initiatives, a comprehensive national strategy to advance innovation has yet to be established. The Czech Startup Association was created to address these gaps and advocate for pro-innovation reforms. Its primary focus is on driving dialogue with government entities, including Parliament and political parties, with the goal of securing legislative changes to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and venture growth. Led and joined by experienced ecosystem people Led by Martin Jiránek, a well-versed figure in Czech legislative processes and lobbying, the Czech Startup Association brings together a coalition of notable industry players. Founding members include VC firms such as Credo Ventures, Presto Ventures, and Purple Ventures, along with technology startups Keboola, Liftago, and Oddin. The association also...

 by Prague Morning Nov 15, 2024

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