On February 25, 1969, Jan Zajíc, an 18-year-old student from Šumperk set himself on fire to protest against growing public apathy to the Soviet led-invasion in 1968. Zajíc, who felt that further protest actions were needed, committed the act on the 21st anniversary of the communist putsch in 1948. He had several letters with him urging the people to fight against the Soviet military occupation of Czechoslovakia. He left for Prague on the morning of 25 February 1969. Even though three of his classmates were traveling with him for different reasons and the police knew about his intention, no one succeeded in preventing Zajíc from committing suicide. At about 1:30 p.m., he doused himself with petrol and set himself on fire in house number 39 on Wenceslas Square in Prague. He died directly on the spot after having failed to run out of the building. He left there a list of his fictitious followers and a declaration called “Citizens of the Czechoslovak Republic”: “Despite what Jan Palach did, our life is returning to its old ways” he writes, “and that is why I decided to wake up your consciousness as torch number 2. I am not doing it to be...
The Czech Republic will commemorate two years since the start of the war in Ukraine with meetings, marches, debates and concerts over the weekend. The Day for Ukraine will include a rally on Saturday in Prague’s Staroměstské Náměstí attended by President Petr Pavel, with a video message from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Events will also be held throughout the day in other Czech towns. Pavel will meet Ukrainian war refugees at Prague Castle on Friday, and will also take part in a debate on the anniversary of the start of the invasion. On Saturday, he will speak at the Together for Ukraine rally at Staroměstské Náměstí, organised by the European Congress of Ukrainians, People in Need, Million Moments for Democracy, and Memory of the Nation. The program for Saturday’s Day for Ukraine will begin in Prague with a concert for children and their parents at Forum Karlin. At 3pm the March for Ukraine will start from the statue of Taras Shevchenko at Kinsky square and continue to the monument to the victims of communism, and then via Charles Bridge to Staroměstské Náměstí, where a rally will begin at 4pm. In addition to Pavel, President Zelenskiy and Ukrainian First Lady Olena...
Former US President Bill Clinton will head to Prague in March to deliver the keynote address at a conference marking the 25th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s membership in NATO. The “Our Security Is Not a Given” conference, organized by Jagello 2000, will take place on March 12th at Prague Castle’s Spanish Hall. Clinton, who served as US President from 1993 to 2001, is attending at the invitation of Czech President Petr Pavel. The organizers highlighted how, early in his presidency, Clinton proposed a vision of a united, democratic Europe free from conflict. “Inviting Central and Eastern European democracies into NATO was a key part of this vision,” they said, “and the 1999 expansion that included the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary was a historic step towards its realization.” This year’s conference, the 11th edition, will not only assess the Czech Republic’s quarter-century in NATO but also discuss the alliance’s future amidst a rapidly changing security landscape. On April 4th, NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary. Joining Clinton at Prague Castle will be Czech President Petr Pavel, Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Defense Minister Jana Černochová, and Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. The panel discussion will also feature representatives from the opposition ANO...
The investigation into the Charles University shooting will see collaboration with the FBI, as confirmed by Director Christopher Wray. In an interview with Lidovky.cz, Wray commended Czech police for aiding in thwarting a planned U.S. school shooting. The FBI, expressing condolences for the college shooting that claimed 14 lives in December, revealed ongoing support for the Czech police. Wray reaffirmed the FBI’s commitment to supporting the Czech investigation, stating, “Our office here in Prague is facilitating some of the support and assistance that we are able to offer.” He went on to laud Czech police for their decisive action in thwarting a potential school shooting in the US. “We received an anonymous tip from the Czech Republic about someone planning a school shooting in the United States.” This tip relayed to the Czech National Centre for Counter-Terrorism, Extremism and Cybercrime (NCTEKK), led to the identification and questioning of a Czech individual suspected of online communication with the potential shooter. “Thanks to the swift action of Czech authorities, we were able to identify a teenager in Alabama who posed a serious threat,” Wray declared. “This collaboration undoubtedly prevented a horrific situation, saving countless innocent lives.” On 21 December 2023, fourteen people...
Around 1,300 Ukrainian refugees arrive in the Czech Republic each week, seeking safety from the ongoing conflict. While many have found employment, experts highlight a troubling trend: 61% are working in jobs below their skill level. Human Rights Commissioner Klára Laurenčíková revealed that over 382,000 Ukrainians fled to the Czech Republic since the war started. An impressive 120,000 are already contributing to the economy, but concerns arise due to the underemployment issue. Laurenčíková stresses the need for improved language education and faster recognition of foreign qualifications to bridge the skill gap. While most refugees have secured rental housing, a vulnerable group still lives in emergency shelters. Magdaléna Faltová from the Association for Integration and Migration emphasizes the importance of integrating refugees into the social support system to prevent hardship. A program launching mid-year will offer financial assistance for deposits and furnishing apartments, helping refugees transition from shelters to permanent housing. However, challenges persist in finding stable housing, impacting employment, education, and overall well-being. Ajhmal Khybari, head of the Czech UNHCR office, acknowledges the government’s efforts and emphasizes the need for continued support during global crises. The Czech Republic plans to introduce a national refugee plan this year, joining 11 other...
Menzies Aviation has installed almost 900 solar panels on its 14,000m2 cargo facility and a neighboring administrative building at Prague Airport – which will reportedly save almost 140 tons of CO2 each year. The panels are set to produce more than 350MWh annually and reduce emissions across Menzies’ Prague operations by 25%. Electricity being generated by the solar panels is being used to power operations at the warehouse and charge Menzies’ fleet of electric ground support equipment. Katy Reid, head of sustainability and corporate responsibility at Menzies Aviation, said: “Building a fair and sustainable future is a key priority for Menzies, which is why we’re working hard to achieve the ambitious targets set out in our All In sustainability plan. The installation of nearly 900 solar panels at Prague Airport is just one example of how we’re matching our ambition with action by taking practical steps to slash emissions and meet our net zero targets.” Soňa Hykyšová, sustainability, environment and ESG director at Prague Airport, added, “We are glad that Menzies Aviation is also trying to reduce emissions and, like Prague Airport, is committed to net carbon neutrality. Last year, we achieved a 59.5% reduction in emissions compared with 2009....
Amazon’s Blade Runner series, set in the iconic dystopian cyberpunk world, gears up for filming in Prague at Barrandov Studios. Director Ridley Scott, also the producer, promises a continuation of the story in “Blade Runner 2099.” While Scott juggles various projects, including a planned Gladiator sequel, filming for the series was initially delayed from last summer in Belfast due to a writer’s strike. Now, the wait is over! Camera shutters will fall this April, but not in Belfast. Deadline reports the production has shifted to Prague. The series is being directed by Jonathan van Tulleken, who will executive produce the first two episodes. Tulleken recently directed the first two episodes of FX’s Shōgun. Van Tulleken joins the project as executive producer alongside showrunner and head writer Silka Luisa (Shining Girls) and Tom Spezialy (Ash vs Evil Dead) who contributed to the script. Details about the plot remain shrouded in mystery, but speculation points towards “Blade Runner 2099” continuing the established narrative. Blade Runner 2049, the 2017 feature film directed by Denis Villeneuve was shot in Hungary, at Origo Studios in Budapest and Korda Studios in Etyek; on-location shoots took place at Stock Exchange Palace, Szabadság in Budapest. The Czech Republic has...
The 11th edition of the Spectaculare Festival kicks off this Friday, transforming Prague into a playground for music lovers. Curated by Josef Sedloň, the festival features everything from quiet, relaxing sounds to high-energy beats, all brought to life with cool visuals. From cozy churches to bumping clubs, different spots around the city will be filled with music from February 23rd to March 28th. Here are some of the coolest things happening: Start with a Bang: Lose yourself in the beautiful music of “Colours of Air” by Loscil & Lawrence English at the Church of St. Simon and Jude. Stunning pictures and a laser show made just for the event will kick off the festival in an unforgettable way. Electronic Beats: Head to Bike Jesus to hear the mind-blowing sounds of British producers. You’ll hear Clark playing his new album “Cave Dog” (released on 1st December) along with his latest hits, and DJ Counselling will spin some chill house music. The mysterious Holy Other will round out the night with his unique style. Jazz Meets Electronica Get ready for a mix of jazz and electronic music at Akropolis. The Danish duo Svaneborg Kardyb will show off their awesome new work, and...
A Czech skier who indulged in excessive alcohol on the slopes of Valtellina (Italy) faces a hefty fine and a revoked ski pass. The incident, which occurred on February 17th, was recently reported by the Sondrio police headquarters. Local personnel dedicated to mountain safety and rescue were called to assist a skier who repeatedly fell on the notorious “autostrada” slope (“highway”). Upon reaching the individual, officers found him slumped and visibly intoxicated, exhibiting glazed eyes, a strong smell of alcohol, and difficulty communicating. He was then escorted to the station for an alcohol test, which confirmed a blood alcohol level (BAC) significantly exceeding the legal limit of 2.02 g/l. The officers fined the Czech man, who was in Livigno on holiday, for violation of the law regulating the activity and practice of sports on ski slopes: in this case, it provides for an administrative fine of up to 1,000 euros.
Prague is now the fourth richest region in the European Union by GDP per capita, ahead of cities like Brussels, Paris, and Berlin. “Prague holds the number four spot in the EU regional ranking for 2022, based on GDP per capita,” confirmed Petr Dufek, chief economist at Bank Creditas. While two Irish regions and Luxembourg currently hold the top positions, Dufek highlighted the stark contrast between Prague’s prosperity and the rest of the Czech Republic, with the capital boasting more than double the national GDP per capita. “Prague’s success stems in part from hosting the headquarters of many major companies,” explained Dufek. However, a concerning disparity is emerging within the country. “Over the past nine years, GDP per capita has grown significantly faster in Prague than in other regions, widening the gap,” he noted. For further perspective, Dufek compared Prague to its neighbor, Berlin. “In terms of purchasing power parity, Berlin’s GDP per capita is only 60% of Prague’s, while Germany as a whole remains 30% wealthier than the Czech Republic.” Bratislava “In 2013, Bratislava surpassed Prague,” Dufek revealed. “But the latest data paints a different picture, with Bratislava now trailing at 71% of Prague’s level. Its GDP per capita...
A strike by Lufthansa ground staff has thrown major German airports into disarray, causing hundreds of flight cancellations and impacting travel to and from Prague. The action, led by the Verdi union, aims to pressure the airline into increasing wages for its 25,000 ground staff. Germany’s largest airport, Frankfurt, stands paralyzed by the strike. Around 250 Lufthansa flights are expected to be grounded, with similar disruptions occurring at major hubs in Munich, Hamburg, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, and Stuttgart. “Passengers are urged to check their flight status directly on the Lufthansa website before heading to the airport,” warns Frankfurt Airport in a statement. The strike also affects flights to and from Prague’s Václav Havel Airport. Four flights each from and to Frankfurt, along with one flight each from and to Munich, have been canceled today. Verdi estimates the strike will impact up to 100,000 passengers. The action, which began this morning, is expected to conclude at 7:10 AM on Wednesday. There is further information on delays and cancellations on Lufthansa’s website. You can also keep eye on Lufthansa’s X account for further updates. Beware: Lufthansa customer service has warned customers that there is a fake WhatsApp number being circulated. The airline does not have...
EU countries, except Hungary, on Monday called for an “immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a sustainable ceasefire” in the Gaza war, the bloc’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. The European Union has struggled for a united response on Israel’s military operation following the October 7 attack by Hamas. “The joint statement addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the potential repercussions of the planned military operation in Rafah. On behalf of the Czech Republic, I believe it is critical to underscore international humanitarian law and acknowledge the State of Israel’s right to self-defense,” stated Czech Minister Jan Lipavský, adding that this represents “a comprehensive perspective encompassing the diverse positions within Europe.” On Monday, the ministers also deliberated on further sanctions against the Hamas terrorist organization and radical Jewish settlers. Lipavský reiterated the Czech stance, emphasizing that Prague has no objections to the sanctions package itself; however, they oppose linking the two groups, rejecting “any attempt to draw an equivalence between Hamas terrorists and extremist political activists.” “I believe everyone clearly understood this position,” the Czech minister added, “but then another member state intervened and blocked the entire sanctions package, effectively ending the discussion for today.” He confirmed...
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