Tech billionaire Elon Musk on February 9 called for shutting down U.S.-funded media outlets Radio Free Europe and Voice of America. Responding to comments by U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions Richard Grenell, Musk wrote on X: “Yes, shut them down. Europe is free now (not counting stifling bureaucracy). Nobody listens to them anymore. It’s just radical left crazy people talking to themselves while torching $1B/year of US taxpayer money.” “Radio Free Europe and Voice of America are media outlets paid for by the American taxpayers. It is state-owned media. These outlets are filled with far left activists,” Grenell reportedly said on Feb. 9. “I’ve worked with these reporters for decades. It’s a relic of the past. We don’t need government paid media outlets.” Both Elon Musk and Richard Grenell have voiced strong opposition to government funding of media organizations, arguing that taxpayer money should not be used to support these outlets. Musk, as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has criticized federal payments to media organizations like Politico, the Associated Press, and The New York Times, deeming them inefficient uses of taxpayer funds and moving to eliminate them. Similarly, Grenell, as Trump’s special mission envoy, has publicly condemned government...
Construction work has officially begun on the renovation of the legendary Kotva department store in Prague, exactly 50 years after its grand opening. The project, led by Generali Real Estate, aims to modernize the brutalist landmark while preserving its architectural integrity. The completion is scheduled for the final quarter of 2027. Kotva, designed by architects Vladimír and Věra Machoninová, has been closed since February 1 of last year. Since then, workers have been preparing the site for reconstruction, while the owners navigated the necessary permitting process. Modernization While Preserving a Brutalist Icon The updated building will feature six floors of retail and services, along with two floors of office space. A key aspect of the renovation is the replacement of the façade shell, ensuring the preservation of Kotva’s iconic hexagonal structures and brutalist concrete communication towers. Heritage Protection and Architectural Significance The reconstruction project also involves revitalizing the surrounding area. The complete approval process, including consultations with state authorities, was finalized last July. Alongside the original architects, the Prague City Hall’s Department of Monument Preservation and the National Heritage Institute played a role in the project’s development. Kotva originally opened its doors on February 10, 1975, as one of the...
Bolt has introduced a new ride category in Prague, exclusively connecting female drivers with female passengers, aiming to enhance safety and comfort. The Women for Women service is now available in the Czech capital, with plans for expansion to other cities. Hundreds of female drivers are already operating in Prague, offering women a safer and more comfortable travel option starting today. “The launch of Women for Women is our next step in increasing safety for both passengers and drivers. Safety and comfort remain our top priorities. We already offer features such as route sharing, audio recording, and real-time driver verification. Now, this new category also supports women considering becoming driver partners,” said Josef Rückl, Bolt’s General Manager for the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Enhanced Security Measures for Women A key feature of the Women for Women category is stricter security to ensure that only women use the service. To achieve this, Bolt has introduced Rider Verification, requiring female passengers to verify their identity by uploading an ID card and a selfie before requesting a ride. The system then automatically compares the images for authentication. Bolt has also implemented additional safeguards to prevent misuse. If a driver finds that a passenger...
An increasing number of American pubs are adopting the traditional Czech beer-tapping method, using special taps to pour beer correctly. One particular method, known as mlíko, is gaining traction across the Atlantic, with its growing popularity even catching the attention of The New York Times, which recently devoted an entire report to it. “You might think the bartender has lost his mind when, instead of a golden lager, you receive a glass filled with thick, creamy foam. But it’s not a mistake—I just got mlíko,” writes New York Times journalist Luke Fortney. This unique beer style is no longer confined to just one or two locations. Breweries across the U.S., particularly those specializing in Czech lagers, are introducing it to their customers. “People are looking for ways to stand out,” says Eric Larkin, co-owner of Cohesion Brewing in Denver. A long-time admirer of Czech beer, Larkin fell in love with it while honeymooning in Prague. “Czech lagers aren’t that well-known in the U.S. yet, but there’s room for growth,” he notes. At his brewery, visitors can choose from three traditional Czech pours. The hladinka is a standard pour with a thick, creamy head. The šnyt is a more foam-heavy option,...
Meteorologists are warning of a significant temperature drop in the coming days, with the possibility of snow in some areas by the end of the week, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ). While the week will start with relatively mild temperatures, colder air from the north is set to arrive midweek, bringing a shift to chillier conditions. Monday and Tuesday will be the warmest days, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 9°C on Monday. However, nighttime lows will dip to -6°C, with light winds expected. On Tuesday, the mercury will rise to 7°C during the day but drop even further at night to -8°C. From Wednesday onward, temperatures will fall further, ranging between 0°C and 4°C during the day and dropping to -4°C at night. Snow is expected in some areas, with rain and snow mixed below 400 meters. Meteorologists also warn that freezing precipitation could lead to dangerous icy conditions on roads and sidewalks. Between Friday and Sunday, skies will be partly cloudy, with daytime highs between 4°C and 5°C. Nighttime temperatures will plummet to -7°C, and in areas with less cloud cover and fresh snow, -8°C is possible. Would you like us to write about your business? Find...
The latest Expat Insider 2024 study has revealed a surprising and somewhat alarming reality: Europe is far from a welcoming place for foreigners. The Czech Republic has landed among the least friendly countries, with only Kuwait ranking worse globally. Europe Struggles with Friendliness The Expat Insider 2024 survey, conducted by InterNations, assessed 53 countries based on the experiences of expats—individuals living and working abroad long-term. The ranking considered factors such as ease of settling in, quality of life, and local attitudes toward foreigners. A striking result was that eight out of the ten least hospitable countries are in Europe, with Central and Northern Europe scoring particularly poorly. Norway, Finland, Ireland, Germany, and the United Kingdom were among the worst-rated nations. One possible explanation could be the harsh climate and long winters, which may lead to reduced social interaction with foreigners. However, the findings were not solely tied to weather conditions. Italy, Malta, and Turkey—all known for their warm climates—also ranked surprisingly low. Beyond Europe, Canada and Kuwait joined the list of the least welcoming nations. Czech Republic’s Decline in Friendliness Czechia’s ranking dropped by 18 places compared to last year, making it one of the least friendly countries for expats....
Still not sure what to do with your significant other on the most romantic day of the year – St. Valentine’s Day? Get inspired with our tips! 1. A romantic cruise on the Vltava River One of the most romantic films of all time? Definitely the Titanic. Put yourselves in the place of Kate and Leo and confess your love on the waves. Naturally, your story will have a happy ending and will take place on the Vltava River. Take a cruise on a stylish steamboat, a cultural monument, or a huge glass boat. Add a romantic dinner or lunch. 2. Fall in love with art The exhibition offers insight into artists more famous in interwar Paris than in their own country, such as Georges Kars, Othon Coubine and François Zdeněk Eberl, whose work will be exhibited in Prague for the first time. Adding a global dimension to the exhibition, pieces by other famed École de Paris artists, such as Amedeo Modigliani, Chaim Soutine, and Jules Pascin, will also be on display. 3. Dive into Some Bubbles They say that love will warm you up. But we recommend not taking any chances and warming up in other ways as well. Dive into some...
From February 28 to March 8, Manifesto Market Anděl will host a series of events bringing the energy and traditions of Rio Carnival to Prague. The program includes live music, samba performances, and Brazilian-inspired food and drinks, offering visitors a taste of Brazil’s renowned festival. The event begins on February 28 with performances by DJ Joshua from Brazil and DJ Erk from Angola, playing samba, Brazilian funk, and Latin beats. Dancers Emilson Bernardes, Eduardo, and Jamba Jamba will also take part, engaging the audience with interactive performances. On March 6, musician Gabriel Guerreiro will bring live Brazilian music to the venue. A costume party and samba night follow on March 7, encouraging attendees to dress in carnival attire while DJ Erk, Eduardo Diego, and Anderson de Jesus provide the soundtrack. An open samba class will also be available. The festivities conclude on March 8 with the Vibrazil Samba Show, featuring Brazilian dancers, live performances, and DJ sets. Entry to the event is free, and Brazilian-inspired cocktails and dishes will be available throughout the week. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Finding places in Prague that hold a child’s attention while offering something of value to adults is not always easy. One option that manages both is Back in Time Prague, an interactive exhibition located in Máj – House of Fun, just off Národní třída. Rather than relying on glass cases and written explanations, it uses technology and storytelling to guide visitors through key moments of Czech history. The exhibition is designed as a continuous walk-through experience. Children are not expected to read panels or listen to long explanations. Instead, history unfolds around them. Visitors are greeted by a lifelike hologram of Emperor Charles IV, projected against a hand-painted panorama of 14th-century Prague. Further on, the legend of the Golem is brought to life through a combination of animatronics, film projections, detailed sets and carefully chosen scents that evoke the atmosphere of Renaissance Prague. Sound and image play a central role throughout the exhibition. More than 200 square metres of projection space and hundreds of directional audio channels ensure that voices, music and effects come from exactly where the action is happening. Laser projectors and mapped visuals shift the environment as visitors move between historical periods, creating the sense of being...
Prague saw a record-breaking 8.1 million guests accommodated in hotels and other mass lodging facilities in 2024, marking an 8.6% increase from the previous year. This figure even surpassed pre-pandemic levels, exceeding 2019 numbers by 35,000 visitors. The rise was driven by a surge in foreign tourists, while the number of domestic guests slightly declined. Overall, the total number of overnight stays rose by 8.7%, according to data from the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO). Foreign Visitors Drive Growth A total of 1.57 million Czech guests stayed in Prague’s hotels, guesthouses, and campsites in 2024, reflecting a 0.3% year-on-year decline. In contrast, 6.5 million foreign tourists visited the capital, an increase of 10.9% compared to 2023. In total, 18.3 million overnight stays were recorded in Prague’s accommodation facilities. Of these, foreign visitors accounted for 15.7 million stays, while Czech guests contributed 2.6 million nights. On average, each guest spent 2.3 nights in Prague. Foreign tourists stayed slightly longer, averaging 2.4 nights, while domestic travelers spent 1.7 nights in the city. Germany Leads, Followed by the U.S. and U.K. The largest group of international visitors came from Germany, with 1.05 million guests. They were followed by Americans (493,000) and British tourists (472,000)....
The Czech Republic’s consumer price inflation eased less-than-expected in January after rising to a 1-year high in the previous month, flash data from the Czech Statistical Office showed on Thursday. Consumer prices climbed 2.8 percent year-over-year in January, slower than the 3.0 percent rise in December. The expected inflation rate was 2.6 percent. Energy prices, including automotive fuels, decreased 2.4 percent from last year, which was largely attributed to the slowdown in inflation. Inflation based on services slowed to 4.7 percent from 5.0 percent. On the other hand, the annual price growth in food, alcohol, and tobacco accelerated to 4.8 percent from 2.7 percent. On a monthly basis, consumer prices moved up 1.3 percent. Final data will be published by the Czech Statistical Office on February 12. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
The Czech Republic has passed legislation exempting Bitcoin and other digital assets from capital gains tax if held for more than three years. President Petr Pavel signed the law, according to BTC Prague, aligning the country’s crypto taxation with traditional securities. The tax exemption applies to individuals and non-business activities, eliminating previous tax disadvantages for long-term crypto investors. The amendment, set to take effect in mid-2025, brings the Czech Republic’s regulatory framework in line with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets rules. The Chamber of Deputies approved the law in January as part of broader efforts to modernize the country’s financial regulations. Under the new rules, Bitcoin holders who sell their assets after three years will no longer owe income tax on profits, mirroring the tax treatment of long-term stock investments. Czech Bitcoin reserve The Czech National Bank is reviewing a proposal to add Bitcoin to its reserves, but the process may take months, and any exposure would be far lower than the initially suggested 5%, sources say. Governor Ales Michl introduced the idea, but European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde dismissed the proposal, emphasizing the need for liquidity and security in reserves. In response, the Czech National Bank commissioned...
Don’t have an account? Register
Already have an account? Log In
How Would You Like to Promote Your Business? PR ArticleDisplay bannersVideo productionNewsletter adsJob ListingsInfluencer Marketing
Your Email
We will come back to you within 24 hours with our proporsal
