The Czech Republic is experiencing a notable demographic shift, marked by a substantial increase in the number of foreign workers. Nearly one-fifth of the employed population in the country is now comprised of foreigners, with over 800,000 contributing to the Czech workforce. Of these, nearly 409,800 are from EU countries, while 285,545 hailed from Ukraine, demonstrating a significant growth since 2015. In the past year alone, approximately 30,700 foreigners found employment in the Czech Republic. As of December, labor offices recorded a total of over 823,900 foreigners, indicating a 2.5-fold increase since the end of 2015. According to statistics from the Czech Statistical Office (CSO), the total number of employees in the Czech Republic for the first three quarters of the previous year reached 4.23 million. “The numbers of foreigners are growing gradually, and it’s because they are filling in the gaps in the labor market. We have a very low unemployment rate and growing wages, quicker than the western part of the EU. It looks somehow like a brain drain from Eastern Europe,” said Dalibor Holý, Director of the Labour Market and Equal Opportunities Statistics Department. The aging population in the Czech Republic has prompted concerns about a diminishing...
Air quality in the Czech Republic was good in 2023, according to a summary report released by the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (CHMU). Concentrations of most pollutants fell again to their lowest levels in a decade, and for the first time ever, no pollutant limits were exceeded for fine dust particles PM10 and PM2.5. As in previous years, pollutant limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) were not exceeded, partly thanks to favourable meteorological and dispersion conditions, according to a preliminary assessment presented by CHMU. “The relatively good air quality in the Czech Republic, with the exception of ground-level ozone (O3), was mainly due to significantly lower concentrations of air pollutants during the winter period, when favourable meteorological and dispersion conditions prevailed in terms of air quality “, the meteorologists said. Due to the energy crisis, some households burned more solid fuels, but their negative impact on the air was mitigated by the continuation of measures to improve air quality, including replacing boilers in households and switching to alternative heating methods such as heat pumps. For the fourth time in a row, the limit for annual average NO2 concentration was not exceeded at any station in...
In the Ústí nad Labem region, a man under the influence of drugs shocked locals as he ran half-naked down the street, prompting police and paramedics to intervene. Police officers responded to reports of a disoriented man with a swollen face exhibiting unusual behavior. Concerned about the situation, officers called in paramedics as a precautionary measure. Upon arrival, paramedics found out that the man’s ears and penis had been amputated, describing the unusual scene as “amputation of the pinnae of both ears bilaterally and of the penis above the scrotum.” Despite attempts to assist him, the man initially resisted cooperation with both paramedics and police officers. A subsequent drug test revealed traces of methamphetamine and marijuana in his body. With medical intervention, the man eventually began communicating and cooperating. During the interaction, the man admitted to self-inflicting the injuries but was unable to provide a reason for his actions. The swelling in his face was attributed to a fall that had taken place earlier. Following necessary treatment, the man was transported to the hospital. Paramedics suggested that the incident might be linked to amphetamine toxic psychosis.
In 2023, the Czech Republic witnessed a record-breaking 277,000 self-employed individuals terminating their businesses, marking the highest number since 1993, according to data from Imper. The trend is attributed to economic uncertainties, escalating costs and increased administrative requirements such as mandatory data boxes. Despite 68,000 entrepreneurs registering anew, mirroring the figures from 2022, the overall termination of businesses reflects a challenging economic environment. Last year, 14,000 limited liability companies and 4,703 foreign individuals ceased to exist. Associations that ceased to exist were 3,424, and individuals engaged in agriculture also significantly felt the impact with 2,836 entities ending their activities, a notable increase from 812 in 2022 The termination of businesses in 2023 almost matched the previous record set in 1993 when over 278,000 self-employed individuals ended their businesses. Factors contributing to this record include the dissolution of Czechoslovakia and the legislative prohibition of the “black system,” effective from that year onwards. Throughout the years, the number of terminated businesses varied in the tens of thousands, with exceptions like 2013 when nearly 150,000 self-employed individuals ceased their activities and the post-COVID year 2022. Tomáš Berger, the director of Imper, pointed out that the peak termination of activities occurred during February and...
In the UK and US, people attempt a month without drinking alcohol under the banner of Dry January, but in Czechia, February is the nationally recognized month for abstaining. In its 2024 edition, the Dry February campaign (Suchej únor) extends its mission beyond alcohol abstinence, urging participants to embrace a healthier lifestyle. The goal is ambitious—to impact over one million individuals, building on the 14 percent of the population that engaged last year. For those backing the cause financially, benefits include online workout sessions and monthly memberships to weight-loss apps, to complimentary rides on shared bikes. “If we take data from the World Health Organisation, we have long been ranked among the top three global consumers. Some 14 litres of pure alcohol are consumed per person per year in this country, which is an enormous number. And that’s after deducting tourist consumption,” says Petr Freimann of the non-profit organisation behind the campaign. Looking back at last year’s campaign, expert guarantor Josef Petr said, “We successfully got thousands of people to rethink their relationship with alcohol. More than half of them continued to drink less even months after the Dry February ended.” “We have tens of hundreds of stories from people...
A rare male pygmy hippopotamus born in a Czech zoo has taken part in his first photoshoot, to the delight of spectators. The hippo, named Mikolas, is considered a valuable addition to conservation efforts over the endangered species. Born in December, Mikolas has joined two female and one male in the Dvur Kralove Zoo, said Helena Hubackova, a spokeswoman for the park. Mikolas could be seen exploring his indoor enclosure with his mother Malaya closely watching over him. Pygmy hippos are native to swamps and rainforests in western Africa. It is estimated only about 2,500 still live in the wild. Their breeding in captivity has been complicated, particularly due to a lack of males. Only a dozen pygmy hippos were born in zoos globally last year, and not all survived. Weighing up to 275 kilos (nearly 600lbs), the pygmy hippos are solitary and considered less dangerous than common hippos. But they can get wild at times. A zookeeper in Dvur Kralove was seriously injured by one of the hippos in 2012 and had to be treated at an intensive care unit.
Prague police made a major breakthrough last week, arresting two individuals involved in the illicit cocaine trade. The duo, responsible for distributing several kilograms of the drug annually, was taken into custody following a raid that uncovered a staggering 12.5 kilograms of cocaine and CZK 14 million. This marks the largest drug bust in Prague in recent years. Jakub Frydrych, Director of the National Anti-Drug Center, highlighted the increased popularity of cocaine in the Czech Republic due to its growing availability. Frydrych estimated the street value of the seized cocaine at around CZL 6 million. Explaining the dynamics of the illicit trade, he stated, “A good price among wholesalers is approximately CZK 492,000.” He pointed out that cocaine enters the Czech Republic through various routes, with increasing involvement of European laboratories in countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, and the Baltics. The director emphasized the challenges posed by container transport, which constitutes approximately 75 percent of the trade volume in the European Union. “With more cocaine reaching Europe, its average price is decreasing, and quality is increasing—a litmus test of prosperity,” Frydrych continued. He expressed concern about the rising popularity of cocaine in the Czech Republic compared to other stimulants in...
In this article, I‘ll introduce you to the topic of commissions so that you have all the information you need when dealing with a Czech real estate agency. I’ll guide you through what the normal amount of commission is in the Czech Republic, what it includes, and to who and when you need to pay it. The commission charged by Czech real estate agencies and agents varies, and it is usually influenced by factors such as the property’s value and the confidence of the agency or agent. Typically, there’s a standard commission that’s considered reasonable. Along with the basic percentage, it’s important to account for the statutory VAT at 21%, which is added to the commission. So, if the commission stands at 3% + VAT, the overall commission totals to 3.63%, with 0.63% being the VAT portion. Here’s what you can generally expect in terms of commission amounts: • Typically, for real estate valued between CZK 3,500,000 and CZK 15,000,000, the commission ranges from 3% + VAT to 5% + VAT. • Regarding properties priced between CZK 2,000,000 and CZK 3,500,000, the usual commission is from 4% + VAT to 5% + VAT. • For real estate valued between CZK...
Wholesale hypermarket chain Makro is gearing up to extend its Bonveno small retail shop concept throughout the entire Czech Republic by the end of 2024. The plan includes establishing at least one Bonveno shop in every region. Presently, Bonveno operates exclusively in Prague, boasting four shops. The inaugural store opened last summer near the Anděl metro station, with expectations of about 20 additional shops opening nationwide this year. The Bonveno concept draws inspiration from the renowned Vietnamese “večerki,” offering a diverse array of products, spanning from groceries to household chemicals and cosmetics, all within a compact space. “Our shops distinguish themselves not only in design but primarily in their product offerings. Alongside fresh baked goods, fruits, vegetables, ready-made meals, delicatessens, and household chemicals, our range includes hot dogs, fresh baguettes, sandwiches, and coffee. Initial feedback from our customers indicates a positive response, with many becoming regular patrons. They appreciate starting their day with a good breakfast on their way to work and restocking their fridges with us in the afternoon and evening,” shared Karel Barek, Director of Bonveno.
Czech lawmakers will meet with Interior Ministry officials and experts on Wednesday to discuss a possible tightening of gun laws in the wake of the tragic shooting at Charles University on 21 December, in which a student killed 14 people before turning the gun on himself. Until now, Czechia has been one of the countries that has been proud of its gun legislation, citing it as exemplary. This was evident during the negotiation of the 2017 EU Firearms Directive, which tightened up the possession of weapons in the EU. Czechia was actively against the new law, and after its approval, the country even filed an unsuccessful lawsuit. Recently, the Czech government proposed a new national arms legislation in response to the EU directive in 2022. The proposal was already in the final stages of discussion. However, in response to the events of December, it is now being considered for reopening and making further amendments to make it stricter, as the school shooter was in legal possession of eight guns. The new law proposal should shorten from ten to five years the time limit for periodic medical examinations of gun owners. It also gives more powers to the Czech police, namely,...
A Czech-Slovak archaeological team has discovered an almost 3,000-year-old Mayan city in northern Guatemala, a press release by the Neuron Foundation, which financially supported the expedition, revealed on Tuesday. Named Yax Balam, meaning First Jaguar, this city has emerged as a pivotal discovery shedding light on a previously unknown Maya settlement, or rather, a series of urban centers. This newfound urban center, nestled within the dense jungle, is believed to be the oldest in the region and concurrently the largest yet undiscovered settlement in the northeastern Petén region. Its discovery will enable researchers to explore crucial phases of Maya history. The excavation in Guatemala yielded a treasure trove of artifacts, including palaces, statues, ritual remnants, and astronomical observatories of immense scientific significance. Professor Milan Kováč explains, “The city is one of the first Mayan city-states, as indicated by ‘Yax,’ meaning the beginning. Regarding the jaguar, the city’s central location was guarded by a live jaguar during our exploration, posing challenges in maintaining a safe distance.” In Mayan culture, the jaguar symbolizes power, is linked to the underworld, and plays a pivotal role in their mythology. Initial fieldwork indicates that Yax Balam thrived primarily during the Middle and Late Preclassic period, from 850 BC to...
If you are planning to learn or are already learning the Czech language, you need to be motivated. Let’s face it, there are many nightmarish elements, such as pronunciation of ř, using correct word endings and understanding peoples’ fast speech. One could really benefit from having enough motivation to overcome these problems! Experts from Czech Time have put together 7 different tips for finding more motivation to get you going! Czech Time is an online learning platform designed for complete beginners and slightly advanced students. Their motto is simple: Learn Czech Online. Anytime. Anywhere. And they mean it. You can study at your own pace and take a lesson on the tram, in bed or while waiting at the doctor’s office. Here are their motivational tips for learning Czech: 1. Be Visual There is literally nothing worse than a dull list of vocabulary or grammar tables. You need to be immersed with visual materials, pictures and illustrations. Is it easier to remember the word papoušek (parrot) as a cluster of eight letters or linking it together with a beautifully colourful animal looking at you from your screen? 2. Choose the Right Level This sounds like a no-brainer, but choosing...
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