The Czech government has unveiled an ambitious plan to place the country among the top ten European Union nations by gross domestic product (GDP) per capita by 2040. Currently ranked 14th, the Czech Republic aims for significant economic growth through the recently approved Economic Strategy. Key Pillars of the Strategy The strategy, presented by the new Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček (STAN), focuses on four main areas: human capital development, strategic infrastructure, high-value industrialization, and enhanced financing options. “This strategy will not be another unfulfilled document,” Vlček assured. The plan emphasizes the importance of education, particularly in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), which are critical for the country’s future economic growth. The government also seeks to strengthen ties between companies and educational institutions to create innovative study programs that better align with market needs. In terms of infrastructure, the strategy outlines improvements in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure. These upgrades will be coupled with investments in sustainable energy and technological innovation to boost competitiveness and reduce environmental impact. The plan also highlights the need to develop the capital market to improve companies’ access to financing, reducing their reliance on traditional bank loans. “This includes venture capital...
The 2024 Christmas season in Prague is just around the corner, with the first-holiday market set to open on Náměstí Míru. This festive event will kick off on Wednesday, November 20. Visitors will be able to enjoy the market daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. until Christmas Eve, December 24. The market will offer traditional Czech holiday treats, handcrafted gifts, and festive decorations, creating the perfect setting for both locals and tourists to soak in the holiday spirit. Other Christmas fairs across Prague will open progressively towards the end of November and early December. The biggest and most popular Christmas markets—those on Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square—will begin on Saturday, November 30. Due to the high demand from both locals and tourists, these markets will extend beyond the usual end date, staying open until January 6, 2025. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Jakub Vágner, a renowned figure in Czech sport fishing, has achieved a new milestone, catching the largest catfish ever recorded in the Czech Republic with a rod. The fish measured an impressive 2.64 meters, breaking the national record. The remarkable catch took place in the Vranovská přehrada (Vranov Reservoir) near the city of Znojmo (South Moravia). According to Vágner, the fight to reel in the massive fish lasted for about half an hour. “The bubbles rising to the surface were as big as plates,” Vágner said, still visibly excited after the catch. “I’m trembling with excitement. I’ve dreamed of catching this fish for so long, and now it’s in my hands,” he added. “Setting a Czech record is nice, but the real joy comes from knowing that such incredible fish live right here in our waters. We don’t have to travel to Spain, Italy, or France to find them.” After the fish was measured, Vágner chose to release it back into the water, where it swam away slowly. This achievement surpasses Vágner’s previous record, set in June 2024, when he caught a 261-centimeter catfish in a different Czech waterway. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
On October 7th, Prague officially opened the most modern eye clinic in the Czech Republic, located on the border between Jinonice and Stodůlky. The clinic boasts five state-of-the-art operating theatres equipped with cutting-edge lasers, 19 specialized examination rooms, and comprehensive ophthalmology services. The clinic plans to add a dedicated children’s orthoptics department and an exercise room for young patients. Housed in the Technopark building, which was repurposed in 2021 for this project, the new clinic is a five-story complex spanning nearly 9,000 square meters. The transformation began in spring 2023 under the leadership of world-renowned eye surgeon Pavel Stodůlka. “The clinic occupies the top two floors, covering 2,652 square meters. It currently features five operating theatres, specialized exam rooms, 19 consultation rooms, six instrument measurement rooms, and four patient zones capable of accommodating up to 360 people. Additionally, 162 parking spaces are available, including 13 for electric vehicles,” said Jiří Mikšík, head of the construction department. The clinic is headed by Associate Professor Drahomíra Baráková, one of the country’s most respected eye surgeons. The clinic specializes in a wide range of treatments, from cataract surgery and laser vision correction to retinal surgeries and aesthetic procedures. In addition to ophthalmology, we offer...
This year’s Signal Festival will present 22 installations, 7 of them exclusively in the Gallery Zone. Program and routes of Signal Festival Signal Festival offers a very clear festival app that can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play. The app includes the full program, an interactive map of the festival and other useful information. Where can I buy tickets? Online tickets can be purchased on the Signal Festival website or on our app. Tickets can also be purchased on site. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the festival. Signal Festival is in the Prague Castle area! This year’s festival is special because it takes visitors through the grounds of Prague Castle. In order for this experience to run smoothly and be safe for visitors, it is important to adhere to and respect the requirements from both Prague Castle and our festival organizators. Passage through the Prague Castle grounds (the route Third Courtyard → Supreme Purcracy → Na Opyši street, towards the Old Castle Steps leading to Malostranská Street) will be open in both directions only until 10 pm. Visitors are advised to start the Hradčany route, after 10 pm, from the Prague Castle Riding Hall or...
The Prague 1 district is preparing to negotiate with Prague’s city leadership to increase the tourist tax. Currently, the law sets the maximum fee at 50 CZK (approximately €2) per person per night, but local officials believe this amount is inadequate. The last increase in tourist tax came in 2021 when it rose from 21 CZK to 50 CZK per night due to a change in legislation. However, officials argue that this rate is still too low compared to other European cities. Why the Current Fee Falls Short According to a report from the district’s Finance Committee, in collaboration with Prague City Tourism, the average residence fee in EU cities is around €7 per night. This is three times higher than the current limit in Prague. Representatives believe aligning with European standards will not only generate more income but also streamline fee collection, which is a key revenue source for Prague 1. “This fee helps offset the costs of tourism. Visitors create waste, use local public transport, roads, and other services, all of which impact the city’s budget. Increasing the fee will provide more resources for maintaining cleanliness and improving city services,” said Giancarlo Lamberti (TOP 09), chairman of the Finance...
Czech President Petr Pavel swore in two new ministers on Tuesday as part of a reshuffle of the government following the decision of junior coalition partner, the Pirates, to leave the Cabinet. Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s government retains a majority in Parliament’s lower house even without the Pirates, with four other parties remaining in the coalition. The president appoints and dismisses the government ministers at the request of the prime minister. The crisis began on September 24 when Fiala announced the dismissal of Regional Development Minister Ivan Bartos, head of the Pirates. He said he had lost trust in Bartos’s ability to deal with problems linked to a new digital system for issuing building permits. The Pirates said the move was in breach of their coalition agreement. Two other ministers representing the Pirates offered their resignations. But Fiala refused to accept the resignation of Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky. The vocal supporter of Ukraine’s efforts to fight Russia’s invasion then opted to leave the Pirates and stay in the government. Fiala eliminated the post of the minister for legislation which had been occupied by the other member of the Pirates party who resigned. The changes came after a major opposition party...
The Divadlo na Vinohradech is one step closer to its much-anticipated renovation. The Prague City Council approved a public tender for securing construction supervision during the restoration of this historic theater, which will include a comprehensive modernization of its stage technology. The tender for the actual construction work was announced earlier this summer, and work is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year. “The approval of the renovation project marks a significant step in ensuring its future and preserving its legacy. In the long run, this is also a vital move in supporting Prague’s cultural scene. I firmly believe that this investment will elevate the city’s cultural offerings and attract new visitors,” said Jiří Pospíšil, Prague’s Deputy Mayor. The estimated value of the public contract for construction supervision is CZK 45 million (excluding VAT). As for the construction itself, the expected cost of the renovation is CZK 2.212 billion (excluding VAT). The renovation plans include expanding the underground area behind the theater to include a rehearsal hall, which will also serve as a smaller venue with a capacity of 150 to 200 seats. Once the renovation is complete, the theater will offer increased comfort for audiences, a fully...
An unusual incident took place on the afternoon of September 29 in Brno. A foreign passenger, reportedly Russian-speaking, was caught riding a tram without a valid ticket. When asked to pay a fine, the man decided to flee in an unexpected manner—by slipping through a narrow tram window. Before making his daring escape, the man had handed his passport to the ticket inspectors so they could issue a fine receipt. However, in his haste to get away, he left the document behind. Despite his quick getaway, his passport remained with the ticket inspectors, who later handed it over to the police. “Fare dodgers often try to escape, but this is the first time someone has done so through a window,” said Hana Tomastíková, a spokesperson for the Brno Transport Company. Although the man successfully evaded the inspectors at the scene, his escape was in vain. The transport company has already issued a receipt for the fine based on his passport details and will pursue payment. Meanwhile, the local police are investigating and are working to track down the individual. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
Los Angeles-based comedian and musician Morgan Jay is set to bring his unique blend of humor, music, and improvisation to Prague on May 13, 2025. As part of his “The Goofy Guy Tour,” Jay will perform at the iconic Kino Lucerna, offering Prague audiences an evening of laughs and musical talent. Morgan Jay has built a reputation for his distinctive style, combining comedy with live music and improvisation. His performances focus on authenticity, human connection, and shared experiences, allowing him to engage audiences in a truly interactive way. Jay, known for his appearances on MTV, NBC, and Comedy Central’s Wild’N’Out, has established himself as a rising star in the comedy scene. His work has earned him awards and recognition at prestigious comedy festivals, including being named the face of the 2023 Just For Laughs comedy competition. With a strong following on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Morgan Jay has also released two comedy specials on YouTube, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry. Tickets for the Prague show will be available on the Ticketmaster network starting from October 11, 2024, at 10:00 am, with prices starting at 590 CZK. VIP packages are also on sale. Fans can...
Flora Metro Station in Prague is preparing for a significant reconstruction. The scope of this renovation will be comparable to the recent upgrades at Jiřího z Poděbrad station. This announcement was made on Monday, October 7, by the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP). A tender for the construction project has already been announced, with a total contract value of CZK 1.16 billion. The selected contractor will be responsible for replacing the old Soviet-era escalators with modern alternatives, installing elevators, and updating the ventilation and lighting systems, as well as the tiles, electrical wiring, and other technical equipment. Additionally, the electrical substation located at the station will also undergo modernization. The renovation work is expected to last about 10 months. During this period, passengers will not be able to access the station, as trains will pass through without stopping. According to DPP representative Daniel Šabík, the reconstruction is set to begin shortly after the tender results are finalized, which is anticipated to occur in early 2025. Specific dates have not yet been determined. The necessity for replacement arises not only from wear and tear but also from economic considerations. Modern escalators are more economical due to their lower speed, lighter weight, and...
For two weeks, a light installation by German visual artist Franz John will illuminate the facade of the Goethe-Institut in Prague. Inspired by Franz Kafka’s letters, this new work, titled Das Gassenfenster (Window to the Street), will light up the evening sky from October 10 to October 24. The public can witness the lighting starting at 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 10. The opening ceremony will also feature a scenic reading of Kafka’s texts, performed by renowned translator Věra Koubová. The installation will be visible at the Goethe-Institut building on Masarykovo nábřeží 32. According to the institute’s spokesperson, Tomáš Moravec, the installation seeks to embody Kafka’s complex reflections on human connection and alienation. Kafka’s letters contain vivid imagery, such as when he wrote to his friend Oskar Pollak: “You were, among many other things, something like a window through which I could see the streets. I couldn’t do it myself…” In another letter, Kafka mused: “People are bound together by ropes, and it is already bad when the ropes loosen around someone and he falls a little deeper than the others into the empty space. But it is terrible when the ropes break around someone, and he then falls.” Franz...
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