Czech lawmakers approved the 2026 budget, keeping defence at 1.7% of GDP despite NATO and President Petr Pavel’s calls to reach the targets outlined by the US following a push from the Trump administration to aim for 5% of total spending. Czech lawmakers approved the country’s 2026 budget Wednesday, allocating 1.7% of GDP to defence despite pressure from the US and President Petr Pavel to meet NATO targets. The lower house voted 104-87 to allocate almost 155 billion CZK for the Defence Ministry. The spending would inch above 2% only if funding for defence-related projects at other ministries is included. NATO members committed in 2014 to spend at least 2% of GDP on defence. At the 2025 Hague summit, under pressure from the Trump administration, the alliance agreed to invest 5% of GDP by 2035. This further breaks down to 3.5% on core defence requirements and 1.5% on defence- and security-related spending. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said the state budget is strained and that there are other priorities, including healthcare. According to Babiš the country inherited a budget deficit from the previous government that prevents increased defence spending. Earlier this month Pavel, a retired army general, urged lawmakers to increase...
Fuel prices in the Czech Republic have jumped sharply in recent weeks, driven by global market tensions, supply disruptions, and rising demand from drivers. Diesel has surged by more than six crowns per liter since late February, approaching 40 crowns, while gasoline prices have increased by roughly three crowns. According to CCS data, a liter of diesel now costs an average of 39.20 crowns. Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict at the end of February, diesel has risen about 6.10 crowns, while Natural 95 gasoline averages 36.36 crowns, up approximately 2.75 crowns over the same period. After a joint U.S. and Israeli strike on Iran, North Sea Brent crude briefly surged to $120 per barrel before falling back to around $90. Market nervousness persists, keeping Czech fuel prices unstable. In response to rising prices, the Ministry of Finance has started monitoring fuel sellers’ margins. Stations will regularly report pricing data to authorities. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová stated, “Rising purchase prices on the stock exchange cannot justify disproportionate margin increases.” The outlook remains unpredictable. Factors such as the planned shutdown of the Schwechat refinery in Austria may reduce fuel availability in Central Europe. Operators are focused on short-term procurement,...
Scientists in the Czech Republic have begun recruiting volunteers for a clinical trial examining whether psilocybin therapy could help treat depression in people living with multiple sclerosis. The research is part of the international PsyPal study, which explores the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for patients dealing with severe or long-term illnesses. Researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health (NUDZ) near Prague are leading the Czech part of the project. Multiple sclerosis affects an estimated 2.9 million people worldwide, with more than 20,000 patients in the Czech Republic. The chronic disease damages nerves in the brain and spinal cord, disrupting communication within the nervous system. While doctors still do not know its exact cause, genetic factors and environmental risks are believed to play a role. For many patients, the illness also brings psychological challenges. Depression and anxiety are common, especially in people with progressive neurological diseases. The PsyPal trial focuses on whether psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, could ease depressive symptoms linked to multiple sclerosis. Previous studies have suggested the substance may help reduce psychological distress in patients with serious illnesses. Researchers at NUDZ have been studying psychedelics for nearly two decades. According to Páleníček,...
A large share of households in the Czech Republic would struggle to manage financially if their income suddenly stopped, according to a new survey by the polling agency Ipsos for ČPP Servis. Research conducted in February found that nearly six in ten Czechs would have to sharply reduce spending within three months of losing their income. For many, the situation would become difficult far sooner. About half of respondents said they would face serious financial strain within the first month without earnings. The findings underline how limited emergency reserves remain for much of the population. Only a quarter of people reported having savings sufficient to cover more than six months of expenses. At the other end of the scale, 12 percent said they have no financial reserves at all. The study also sheds light on how people store their money. Those who do manage to save tend to keep funds in accounts that are easy to access rather than in long-term investments. Nearly 40 percent said they hold most of their savings in savings accounts. Another 14 percent rely mainly on standard checking accounts, which traditionally offer minimal interest and often fail to keep pace with inflation. Investment products remain...
This article has been written by Finaram.cz, a Czech platform specializing in mortgages, home financing, and real estate advice. For many foreigners living and working in Czech Republic, buying property is a natural next step. But getting a mortgage as a non-citizen comes with additional requirements. Czech banks apply stricter criteria to foreign applicants and carefully assess income stability, residency status, and financial history. Here’s what you need to know in 2026. Bank or Non-Bank: What’s the Difference? Bank Mortgages Czech banks are the main source of mortgage financing and operate under strict regulations set by the Czech National Bank (ČNB). Advantages: Lower interest rates Strong consumer protection Disadvantages: Longer approval process Higher requirements for income and residency Banks pay particular attention to employment stability, income sources, and credit history — especially for foreign applicants. Non-Bank Options Some non-bank institutions (such as building savings banks – stavební spořitelna) may offer more flexibility and approve cases that traditional banks reject. However, this usually comes at a cost: Higher interest rates Additional fees Fewer legal protections What Affects Mortgage Approval? Citizenship and Residency EU citizens generally face fewer obstacles. For non-EU nationals, requirements are stricter — particularly without long-term residence or...
Behind the scenes of Prague’s cafés and restaurants, operations have grown increasingly complex. Reservations arrive from multiple platforms, kitchen workflows are layered across systems, and payments span a variety of cards and providers, creating a patchwork of tools that rarely integrates smoothly. At the same time, locals are dining out less frequently, and delivery apps are gaining popularity. For owners and managers, the challenge is no longer just attracting guests – it’s running a tighter operation to protect margins. One solution gaining traction among independent venues is Tebi, which consolidates reservations, orders, and payments into a single, intuitive platform. Early adopters feel a positive impact with Tebi Since opening the doors of S74 wine&café in late 2025, Michal and David have experienced this costly patchwork of software. Welcoming over 100 guests on busy evenings, the duo found managing multiple subscriptions was draining their focus. By switching to Tebi, they replaced three separate platforms with a single system, relying on a digital floorplan that provides a real-time overview of occupied tables, upcoming reservations, and pending orders. The switch reduced subscription costs by around 70% and saved time on staff training and administrative tasks. These savings allow them to focus on menu...
The wage gap between men and women in the Czech Republic remains one of the largest in the European Union, according to newly published data from the European statistical office Eurostat. The figures show that women in the Czech Republic earn on average 18.5 percent less than men, placing the country second worst in the EU for gender pay inequality. Only Estonia records a wider difference, where women earn 18.8 percent less than men. Across the European Union, the average pay gap stands at 11.1 percent, meaning the Czech figure is significantly higher than the bloc’s overall level. Some European countries report far smaller differences. In Belgium, the gap is just 0.7 percent, one of the lowest in the EU. Meanwhile, Poland records a difference of 4 percent, while the gap reaches 15.6 percent in Germany and 15.7 percent in Slovakia. The situation is unique in Luxembourg, where women earn slightly more than men. The country reports a negative pay gap of –0.8 percent, making it the only EU state where male salaries are on average lower. Private sector shows wider differences Pay inequality is generally higher in the private sector across the EU. Most countries use transparent salary tables...
The Czech Republic is preparing to sign its first formal cooperation agreement with an American state, choosing Texas as its partner. The memorandum will be signed next week during a visit to the United States by Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlíček. The agreement will establish a structured partnership between the Czech Republic and Texas, the second-largest and second-most populous state in the United States. It will also mark the first time Prague has concluded this type of memorandum with an individual U.S. state. The signing is expected to take place in Austin, the Texas capital, during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, where Havlíček will meet Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The minister’s trip to the United States is scheduled for March 9–15 and will also include meetings in Washington. According to the Czech Foreign Ministry, the partnership reflects long-standing historical and cultural links between the two regions. Texas is home to the largest community of Americans who claim Czech ancestry. Czech migrants began settling there in the 19th century, leaving a lasting mark on local culture and traditions. These historical ties have been reinforced by military cooperation. Since 1993, the Czech Army has worked with the Texas National Guard...
The Easter season in Czechia is once again bringing a wide range of traditional markets, castle festivals and folk events across the country. In the capital, the Easter atmosphere will return to Prague’s historic squares. Easter markets will open at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square between 21 March and 12 April. Stalls will sell painted eggs, wooden rattles, ribbons and traditional Easter whips, while stage programmes will feature folk songs and dances reflecting Czech spring traditions. Easter markets are also planned in other Czech cities. In Plzeň, the Easter market at Republic Square will run from 25 March to 5 April. Visitors can browse stands offering painted eggs, handmade whips decorated with colourful ribbons, sausages, stuffing, cheeses and local mead. In Brno, the Easter Festival at Svobody Square will run from 27 March to 5 April. Around forty stands will sell wicker baskets, pottery, jewellery, Easter decorations and traditional painted eggs. The programme will also include performances by Moravian folklore groups, combining dance and live music. The southern Bohemian town of Český Krumlov will host its Easter market at Svornosti Square from 2 to 6 April. Local farmers and artisans will offer seasonal products, wooden crafts, fur sheep toys,...
Hollywood briefly turns its attention to the Czech Republic as Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio start filming their eighth project together near Kolín. Filming began at Ratboř Castle, where the crew reportedly occupied the football field opposite the historic building. The access road and the surrounding area were covered with artificial snow to create the winter atmosphere required for the story. Public attention intensified after photos appeared on the Instagram account of Francesca Scorsese, who accompanied her father during a visit to Strahov Monastery. The cast for the movie What Happens at Night will also include Jennifer Lawrence, along with Patricia Clarkson, Jared Harris and Mads Mikkelsen. The story of What Happens at Night is expected to follow an American couple attempting to adopt a child while repairing their strained relationship. If the film follows the source material, the setting will be an isolated, snow-covered European city. Prague is unlikely to appear as itself. Instead, its historical architecture will serve as a neutral, dreamlike backdrop for the narrative. Most of the interior scenes are expected to be constructed inside Barrandov Studios, where the production team plans to build a hotel environment that forms the main stage of the story. Exterior...
Hundreds of Czech citizens stranded in the Middle East may soon have a way back home, but the evacuation will not be free. The Czech government has arranged additional flights from the region, offering seats for 15,000 CZK as air travel across several countries remains disrupted. The situation developed after escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran forced several airports in the region to suspend operations. On Saturday, major hubs such as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Doha in Qatar halted flights, leaving thousands of travelers without clear options to return to Europe. Since the weekend, the Czech government’s crisis staff has been coordinating a response. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka have been discussing ways to help Czech citizens leave affected countries. Several government aircraft have already transported citizens back to Prague. Since Tuesday evening, flights have arrived from Amman, Muscat, and from Israel via Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, where a military CASA aircraft collected passengers before flying them to the Czech Republic. Officials say more flights are being prepared. A larger evacuation flight has been arranged through the private airline Smartwings. The aircraft carries 189 passengers and departed from Queen Alia...
High-speed trains will start serving the R9 route in December, connecting Prague with the Vysočina region and southern Moravia. The new service is part of a major modernization effort in Czech passenger rail transport. The upgrade is being prepared by private carrier RegioJet. Modern electric trains produced by Pesa are already undergoing tests at the Velim railway testing facility, where they must pass a series of mandatory technical checks before entering regular operation. The fleet will consist of 11 four-car trains and seven three-car trains, offering different capacities depending on demand. The R9 line will function as an important corridor linking the capital with regional centers. Trains will run hourly between Prague and Havlíčkův Brod. There, the route will split. One part of the train will continue toward Brno, while the other will head to Jihlava. The arrangement should reduce the need for transfers and make regional travel more direct. Accessibility was a central design requirement for the new rolling stock. All carriages will be low-floor, allowing easier boarding for passengers with limited mobility, cyclists, and parents travelling with strollers. Each train will include space for two wheelchair users. Dedicated areas will be available for ten bicycles and six strollers. Families...
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