Starting in 2026, the Czech Republic will implement a ‘conditional automation’ system, allowing drivers to use autopilot in certain situations, while still requiring them to be ready to take control if necessary. This milestone aligns with the European Union’s push to modernize road traffic laws to accommodate autonomous vehicles. “Autonomous driving is a major trend in the automotive industry,” said Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS), emphasizing the need for updates to current legislation. The upcoming amendment will introduce “Level 3” autonomous systems, enabling vehicles to take over driving tasks on designated sections of highways, but with the requirement that drivers remain prepared to resume control. Conditional Automation: What Drivers Need to Know Under the new system, drivers can temporarily relinquish control to the autopilot on pre-approved stretches of road. However, they must take over when prompted. If a driver fails to act within 10 seconds, the vehicle will initiate a “minimal risk maneuver,” pulling over to stop safely. Liability during autonomous driving depends on the situation: If the car operates independently and causes an accident, the manufacturer is liable. If the system requests driver intervention and the driver fails to respond, the driver assumes responsibility. Authorities will assess fault using...
Říčany has once again been crowned the best city to live in the Czech Republic in 2024. This conclusion comes from a comprehensive study conducted by Deloitte in collaboration with the “Community in Data” project, which analyzed 206 of the largest cities and towns in the country. Evaluation Criteria Each city was assessed based on 29 key criteria derived from official statistics. These included: Average life expectancy Population growth trends Crime and road accident rates Availability of medical care and doctors Access to schools, kindergartens, and other educational institutions Support for sustainable development Levels of environmental cleanliness Unemployment rates and median salary sizes Access to restaurants, pharmacies, ATMs, and leisure facilities Říčany, located in the Středočeský kraj (Praha-Východ district), claimed the top spot for the seventh consecutive year. The city stood out for its low unemployment rates, excellent medical care for children, high-quality schools, and a strong sense of safety. Additionally, its efficient transport links and abundance of pharmacies further solidify its position as the best place to live in the Czech Republic. Prague secured second place, while the South Moravian town of Hustopeče rounded out the top three. Purpose of the Study The goal of this research is to...
Whether you’re a local or an expat, uncovering Prague’s gourmet secrets is a journey worth taking. Here’s a curated list of the top delicatessens you must visit, each boasting high-quality, artisanal products and exceptional service. 1. Sabores An authentic Spanish delicatessen, Sabores brings the best of Spain to Prague. From exquisite olives and premium olive oils to the finest jamóns, cheeses, and wines, every product here is meticulously sourced. Notable highlights include Iberian ham Joselito, truffle chips from Ibiza, and fruit wines from Mallorca’s Anima Negra cellars. The warm ambiance and knowledgeable staff add to the experience, and visitors can enjoy tapas paired with top-notch coffee on-site. Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da Sabores & eDelikatesy.cz (@edelikatesycz) 2. The Italians A paradise for Italian food lovers, The Italians in Smíchov offers a wide range of premium products, including Prosciutto di Parma, authentic balsamic vinegar, and Barolo wines. Perfect for those looking to enjoy authentic Prosecco or stock up on Italian pasta, cheeses, and meats. The expansive layout ensures you’ll find everything you need for an Italian feast. Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da The Italians – Wine food (@theitalianswinefood)...
Patients suffering from chronic pain in the Czech Republic will soon have greater access to medicinal cannabis, following a new decree from the Ministry of Health. Starting April 1, 2025, general practitioners will be authorized to prescribe cannabis for pain relief, a significant step toward meeting patient demand and reducing dependency on traditional analgesics and opiates. The decision comes after years of lobbying by patients and medical professionals. Ministry spokesperson Ondřej Jakob confirmed to Novinky and Právo that the new rules are designed to simplify access. “The decree allows GPs to prescribe medicinal cannabis for chronic, intractable pain,” Jakob said, highlighting efforts to accommodate reasonable proposals during the drafting process. Petr Šonka, Chairman of the Association of GPs of the Czech Republic, has welcomed the change. “If GPs can prescribe opiates such as morphine, it is logical they should also be allowed to prescribe medicinal cannabis,” he explained. Šonka emphasized that cannabis could be especially valuable for terminal cancer patients experiencing severe pain. Until now, cannabis prescriptions were restricted to specialists, significantly limiting access. Official data reveals that only 8,000 patients currently use cannabis legally, while demand far exceeds this number. Widespread Home Use Highlights Need for Reform In stark...
Europe must be tough on US President-elect Donald Trump if it wants to prove something to him and persuade him to help Ukraine, said Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský during his visit to Kiev. “If we, as Europe, want to prove something to him, maybe to convince him of something, we need to be tough too,” Lipavský said, adding that Ukraine is “tough”. “Ukraine is so tough that it was not three days, even not three months – and I am sure it wonʼt be two years – until Russia is able to subjugate it. So I expect toughness,” added Lipavský. At the same time, the minister emphasized the need to wait for the final composition of Trump’s administration. “We know many names, we hear some speculations. Some names have even been dropped. We need to wait.” The Czech foreign minister says it will be necessary to convince Trump’s team that the war is not just about Russia and Ukraine, that it is a global affair that affects food security and security in the Indo-Pacific region. “Now, with North Korean soldiers attacking also the Ukrainian army. So it is something we need to be able to explain and to act...
Starting today, tram services on Libeň Bridge in Prague are suspended until further notice. The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) has introduced replacement buses running both directions along the affected section between Dělnická and Palmovka. The decision comes as a precaution due to the deteriorating condition of the bridge, which could become unsafe in the current cold weather. The replacement bus line, X25, has been extended to cover the route Palmovka – Libeňský most – Dělnická – Tusarova. Several tram lines are also experiencing changes: Trams 1 and 25: Now terminate at the Výstaviště roundabout after departing from Dělnická. Trams 6 and 14: End at the Holešovice roundabout. Passengers at Nádraží Holešovice can switch between these lines, as each will reverse direction upon arrival. Tram 27: Originally added as a detour during the closures of Line 17, this route is now canceled, with its connections reverting to Line 17. The tram suspension aims to prevent a repeat of earlier incidents. At the start of this year, the Technical Road Administration (TSK) was forced to abruptly close Libeňský most due to worsening structural integrity exacerbated by freezing temperatures. The bridge will only reopen to trams once TSK completes its planned construction and...
A new survey has revealed that 9% of the Czech population experiences at least one form of sexual deviation, commonly known as paraphilia. This study, conducted after a decade, sheds light on the state of sexual health in the Czech Republic. Approximately 30% of people with paraphilic preferences could benefit from professional intervention. However, only 6.9% of affected individuals seek help, according to Kateřina Klapilová, head of the Center for Sexual Health and Interventions at the National Institute of Mental Health. “It’s important to note that having a paraphilic preference does not equate to committing a crime,” Klapilová emphasizes. This distinction helps combat stigma, particularly the misconception that pedophiles or other paraphilic individuals are inherently violent. Sexual Deviations in Numbers Preliminary data from the CZECHSEX survey, the first nationwide research of its kind in ten years, highlights that approximately 930,000 people in the Czech Republic live with some form of sexual deviation. Men are disproportionately affected, with 11.3% of men experiencing paraphilic disorders compared to 6.4% of women. The most common forms include: Biastophilia (4.5%): A preference for acts involving rape or immobilization. Frotteurism (3%): Unconsented touching or rubbing against strangers in public spaces. Non-consensual sadomasochism (2.7%): Involving pain or...
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...
One of the world’s most celebrated musicals, The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is making its Prague debut in the iconic Broadway production with its original cast. The show will take place from March 19 to April 6, 2025, at the Prague Congress Center. Due to overwhelming demand, the initially planned 10 performances have been expanded to a total of 23. Originally scheduled to run until March 27, the show’s Prague engagement has been extended by 11 days, offering 13 additional performances. Performances will be held every weekday except Monday at 8:00 p.m., with weekend double shows at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., making it accessible for families. The lead role of the Phantom will be performed by Nadim Naaman, an accomplished British actor, singer, and playwright. Sharing the spotlight as Christine are Georgia Wilkinson, an Australian soprano, and her alternate, Bridget Costello, a celebrated New Zealand soprano who has captivated London’s theatre audiences. Tickets here A Full-Scale Broadway Spectacle The production arrives in Prague with its entire ensemble of 100 cast and crew members, an orchestra, sets, costumes, and effects. Audiences can expect over 230 intricately designed costumes, special effects, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most beloved...
During Christmas and New Year’s, Prague sees a surge of visitors, particularly from Germany, Poland, the UK, the US, and Italy. Interest in accommodations is also rising among Czech tourists, according to Václav Stárek, president of the Association of Hotels and Restaurants of the Czech Republic. Hotel prices in the capital are increasing by 10–15% during this period, with establishments like Czech Inn Hotels and the Palace Hotel reporting nearly full bookings. Czech Inn Hotels anticipates 95–100% occupancy for Advent weekends and Christmas, with full capacity on New Year’s Eve. “Available rooms are disappearing quickly, mirroring last year’s trends,” said Vice President Petr Chábera. To enhance the guest experience, the chain plans festive holiday banquets and New Year’s Eve entertainment featuring live music, magicians, and more. Similarly, the Palace Hotel expects 90% occupancy during Christmas and 80% for New Year’s Eve, according to manager Martin Koťátko. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel also forecasts strong winter bookings. “Even the historically quieter period between Christmas and New Year is filling up fast,” said Štěpán Malý, the hotel’s sales and marketing director. He noted growing interest from tourists in Latin America and Asia, alongside Europeans. Prague Hotels Close in on Pre-Covid Levels The average...
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,...
Chotkovy Sady, Prague’s first public park, is set to undergo a major renovation aimed at enhancing its accessibility, creating a more inviting atmosphere for visitors. The project, led by the Institute of Planning and Development of Prague (IPR), seeks public input through both online platforms and on-site events to ensure the revitalization meets community expectations. Established in 1832, Chotkovy Sady holds a special place in the heart of Prague’s history. Situated between Letná Gardens and Petřín Hill, the park is a prime example of English-style landscaping. Despite its historical significance and natural charm, the park has seen years of neglect, leaving its pathways, greenery, and facilities in need of attention. “Chotkovy Sady is one of Prague’s most stunning parks, but it requires consistent care to preserve its character and appeal,” says Kateřina Špičáková, development coordinator at Prague Castle. “We aim to maintain its historical essence while improving infrastructure and amenities to create a seamless connection between Letná and Petřín. This park can become a natural green bridge linking these iconic areas.” Public Participation: Your Voice Matters One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the active involvement of Prague residents. From November 2024 to January 2025, the city...
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