Russia has made “thousands” of attempts to interfere with European rail networks in a campaign to destabilize the EU and sabotage critical infrastructure, the Czech Republic’s transport minister has said. Martin Kupka told the Financial Times that Moscow was suspected of having made “thousands of attempts to weaken our systems” since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The hacking campaign included attacks on signalling systems and on the networks of the Czech national railway operator České dráhy, Kupka said. Past attacks have put ticketing systems out of service and raised concerns about successful interference with signals causing serious accidents. “It’s definitely a difficult point . . .[but] I’m really very satisfied because we are able to defend all systems [from] a successful attack,” Kupka said. Russian attempts to destabilise European energy infrastructure have been well documented but interference in transport networks has been less discussed. The EU Agency for Cybersecurity published its first report on threats to transport in March last year. It said there had been “attacks against railway companies with an increasing rate, primarily due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”. It noted major cyber attacks by “pro-Russia hacker groups” on railway companies in Latvia,...
The Prague City Council will grant CZK 34 million to the Municipal Gallery of Prague for two works of art to be created in the vestibule of the Florenc metro station and under the new Dvorecký bridge between Prague 4 and Prague 5. The Synapse light installation in Florenc by Jana Poše will cost around CZK 18 million, while the entire work on the Dvorecký Bridge will cost the city around CZK 16 million. The luminous work Synopsis won a competition organized by the Prague City Gallery and the Prague Transport Company. It will be created in the passageway linking the north and south vestibules of the Florenc C metro station. The installation on the front wall of the underpass will record the movement of passengers and expand the existing mosaic of the Battle of Sokolovo. At the same time, the transport company is repairing the ceiling structure above the station vestibule due to corrosion at Florenc. “The Florenc metro station, which is currently undergoing extensive modernization, will not only be repaired but also illuminated by a new work of art. It’s important that the metro concourse is not only technically functional but also beautiful to look at. This work...
The Jobspin Job and Relocation Fair in Prague on April 20th, 2024 offers a comprehensive platform to explore a diverse selection of career possibilities and expat-friendly services. The official language of the entire event including the presentations and workshops is English, ensuring accessibility for all attendees. Organized by Jobspin since 2016, the fair offers a dynamic environment where attendees can engage with leading employers, gain valuable insights into diverse industries, and explore opportunities to enhance expat life in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. One of the most compelling aspects of the fair is the diverse range of companies in attendance, offering job opportunities across various sectors. Attendees can expect to engage with recruiters from renowned companies such as Bobcat EMEA, the Deutsche Börse Group Prague, AB InBev, Barclays, Pilsner Experience, Accenture, and more, each presenting enticing career prospects across multiple disciplines. From entry-level positions to senior roles, there’s something for everyone at the Jobspin Job and Relocation Fair. The fair isn’t just about browsing job openings. It’s a comprehensive event designed to cater to the needs of both expat job seekers and people looking for integration and relocation services. The Prague Relocation Fair will feature expat-friendly businesses, services, and...
The Czech Republic faces an unanticipated heat wave this coming weekend, with temperatures expected to fluctuate between 21°C and 25°C throughout the afternoon on Saturday, and up to 27°C on Sunday. This weather pattern is expected to endure early into next week. However, temperatures today are not expected to surpass 20°C, with a high probability of a cloudy overcast across the country as well as the capital being likely. This stems from the weekly forecast of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ). Today, light rain and passing showers are expected in the southwestern region of Jihočeský kraj, with any precipitation dissipating into the late morning and early afternoon. Meteorologists anticipate the daily highest temperatures to fluctuate between 17°C and 21°C, mostly in the Středočeský kraj region and Prague. Predominantly cloudy skies and occasional light precipitation will be ever-present throughout the whole day across the country. Temperatures at night will show a slight decrease compared to the daytime, with lows expected to be between 9°C and 5 °C in certain northern regions of the country. On Saturday, a maximum temperature of 25°C is expected, while on Sunday, this number rises to 27°C, a steep figure that is considered highly above average for...
A patient mix-up led to doctors performing an abortion on the wrong woman at a Prague hospital, according to reports. Medics blamed a “language barrier” for the unwanted termination on a foreign expectant mother who was four months pregnant. The horror happened at Bulovka University Hospital when the woman attended what she thought would be a routine check-up on March 25. But instead of a regular examination, she underwent a curettage – a surgical cleaning of the uterus – without consent or knowledge. Nurses, doctors, a gynaecologist and an anesthesiologist failed to notice the error when she was put under anaesthesia intended for another patient, who was also a foreigner. Following the devastating procedure, the woman miscarried. Police said they were treating the matter as a case of bodily harm. Staff responsible for the tragic incident have been suspended. The hospital is investigating it as gross negligence. An anonymous source told a Czech newspaper both women were of Asian descent. David Marx, chair of the Czech Society for Quality in Healthcare, said: “The goal must be to do a root analysis, identify the causes, and set a process so that this never happens again.” Bulovka Hospital spokesman Eva Stolejda Libigerova...
The American music duo will present The Clancy Tour to Prague fans next April, where they will also present their upcoming album of the same name Clancy. The American music duo Twenty One Pilots, whose work is on the border of alternative rock, indie pop, and rap, will visit the Prague O2 arena again after six years. Since their formation in 2009, Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun have become a phenomenon on the music scene, as evidenced not only by their multi-platinum albums but also their worldwide tours that have attracted millions of fans. The Grammy-Award-winning band has shifted music and culture as an incomparable creative force and with an ever-evolving vision. The duo—Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun— have tallied over 33 billion global streams and counting, sold north of three million tickets worldwide, notched dozens of multi-platinum certifications, and even claimed a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. In historic fashion, their quadruple-platinum breakout LP, Blurryface, took flight as “the first album to notch a RIAA Gold or Platinum certification for every one of its songs,” while Vessel followed suit and achieved the same distinction. They elevated to rarified air as “one of only 18 artists to...
Prague’s unique skyline and historical center could be safeguarded by a new assessment process. Three major construction projects, including the long-debated main railway station, will undergo Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs) to ensure they don’t jeopardize the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status. HIAs are a relatively new tool designed to evaluate the potential effects of development on World Heritage sites. Unlike Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), which are mandatory for most construction projects, HIAs are optional. However, in Prague’s case, authorities are proactively utilizing them for significant buildings like the Vltava Philharmonic concert hall and the Výton Bridge replacement project. According to Prague’s Deputy Mayor for Territorial Development, Petr Hlaváček, each project will be assessed based on its specific characteristics. The assessments are expected to take around a year for the Výton bridge and could influence future discussions about the project. As the Vltava Philharmonic undergoes cost analysis and awaits zoning decisions, and the Vrchlický Gardens plan is refined, these assessments will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Prague’s architectural landscape. Rail Bridge Prague’s Vyšehrad Railway Bridge, built in 1901 and granted national monument status in 2004, has long been in need of repair. The railway authority claims that...
Former Czech President Milos Zeman was released from a hospital Wednesday following surgery for a blood clot in his leg. Miloslav Ludvik, director of Motol University Hospital in Prague, said Zeman will now recuperate at home. Doctors at the clinic discovered during a medical check on March 14 that Zeman had an insufficient blood supply in one of his legs because of the blood clot and immediately operated on him. The supply of blood was restored during the operation but Zeman, 79, remained in serious but stable condition for days. Zeman used to be a heavy smoker and drinker and suffers from diabetes and neuropathy. He has been hospitalized several times. He has trouble walking and has been using a wheelchair. Zeman´s second and final term in the largely ceremonial post of president ended in March last year. In office, he sought closer ties with China and was a leading pro-Russian voice in EU politics. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Zeman condemned the “unprovoked act of aggression.” He opposed initial EU sanctions against Russia after its 2014 annexation of Crimea. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
The Czech Republic continues to be a beacon of safety in Europe, according to a recent crime and safety ranking. While it dropped a few spots compared to last year, the country remains significantly safer than its neighbors. A new index by Numbeo surveyed 43 European nations, placing the Czech Republic at 12th for safety. This is a slight decrease from its 10th-place ranking in 2023. The Crime and Safety Index relies on public surveys, gauging people’s feelings of security during the day and night, as well as their fear of specific crimes like mugging or harassment. Numbeo assigns crime rates a score from zero to one hundred. Very low crime falls between 20 and 40, while medium crime ranges from 40 to 60. High crime scores land between 60 and 80, with very high crime exceeding 80. France, deemed the least safe country in Europe, received a score of 55.3. The Czech Republic, on the other hand, enjoyed a much lower rating of 26.8. This trend continues with the safety index, where the Czech Republic scored a reassuring 73.7. Interestingly, all of the Czech Republic’s neighbors fared worse in the rankings. Austria came in 13th, Poland 14th, Slovakia 15th,...
Prague will, once again, have a direct connection with China. Effective 24 June, Hainan Airlines is resuming its direct route to Beijing, which the carrier will operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Flights will be served by an Airbus A330. Praha opět získá přímé spojení s Čínou 🥳🇨🇳! @HainanAirlines od 24. června obnoví svoji přímou linku do Pekingu, kterou budou provozovat třikrát týdně vždy v pondělí, ve středu a v pátek. Lety do čínské metropole bude obsluhovat Airbus A330 s kapacitou pro 292 cestujících ✈️. pic.twitter.com/vDDSnBqPWx — Prague Airport (@PragueAirport) April 3, 2024 Flights will depart Beijing at 2:30 am, arriving in Prague at 6:45 am. The return flights will leave Prague at 2:00 pm, touching down in Beijing at 5:20 am the following day. Ticket sales are yet to be announced. Hainan Airlines holds the distinction of being the first Chinese carrier to connect Prague with Beijing. The inaugural flight took place in September 2015. Then-President Miloš Zeman hailed the route’s launch as a significant achievement of Czech-Chinese relations. Initially, due to passenger loads, the Airbus A330-300 deployed on the route continued onwards to Belgrade after serving Prague for three years. Prior to the pandemic,...
The term “idiot,” originating from ancient Greece, referred to individuals focused solely on private life, showing no interest in politics or public matters, and thus considered ignorant. In modern democratic countries, the presence of “idiots” — those indifferent to public life and politics yet occasionally exercising their civic rights in elections — poses a unique challenge. This phenomenon has sparked debates about the wisdom of letting uninformed individuals influence future decisions through voting. A notable instance of attempting to tackle this issue occurred in Bulgaria in 2016, where electoral law amendments introduced a rule disenfranchising citizens who fail to vote in two consecutive elections of the same type. These individuals are removed from voter rolls but can regain their voting rights by applying for re-enlistment, a measure aimed at encouraging civic engagement and, implicitly, weeding out the uninterested or uninformed. However, this solution doesn’t address the core issue of uninformed voters participating in elections. A proposal by Jan Kubalcík, leader of the Czech Conservative Party, suggests an innovative approach: requiring citizens to pass a basic knowledge test before voting. This test, comprising ten questions randomly selected by a computer from a thousand, aims to exclude those lacking fundamental understanding of...
Spring is here at last and it’s time to get out in the sunshine and see what’s going on in town. The next couple of months have lots happening around the city, not least of which are a number of events of prime gastronomical significance to Prague’s cultural life. Žižkov district will host the traditional and favorite beer festival Žižkovské pivobraní on 31 May and 1 June. Fans of the foamy beverage will find in the Parukářka Park more than a hundred varieties of beer from forty Czech mini-breweries and a rich entertainment program. Classic lagers, ales, wheat, fruit, unfiltered, and other varieties. Sample beer specialties all day long and hang out on the hill in park with an exceptional view and let the kids run wild in the big playground nearby. Traditionally, a wide range of snacks will be presented at the festival. Musical groups of different genres will entertain the guests from the installed stage. Visitors will also be able to vote for their favourite beer in a special competition. Entrance is free. Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more
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