The Czech government said Wednesday it plans to build up to four nuclear reactors instead of one as the country tries to become more energy-independent and wean itself off fossil fuels. Prime Minister Petr Fiala said the decision to seek more reactors could reduce the price per reactor by up to 25%. The timing and locations are not yet decided. Three companies including U.S. firm Westinghouse, France’s EDF and Korea’s KHNP originally submitted bids to build one reactor at the Dukovany nuclear power station. It should become operational by 2036. As part of their bids, the companies had also submitted unbinding offers to build three more nuclear reactors. In a surprise move, the government announced that Westinghouse’s bid didn’t meet the conditions of the tender, and only EDF and KHNP have been asked to submit new, expanded bids in April. Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Sikela said an assessment of the bids should be completed by the end of May. The Czech Republic already relies on six nuclear reactors to generate more than a third of its electricity. Besides four in Dukovany, state-controlled power company CEZ operates two 1,000-megawatt reactors at the Temelin plant. Unlike its western neighbors Austria and...
Prague has long overlooked its bridges, but a significant change is on the horizon. Three iconic bridges are gearing up for makeovers, promising a fresh outlook for the city. What’s in store? Libeňský Most/Libeň Bridge The eagerly awaited reconstruction of Libeňský most is now set in stone, with repairs scheduled to start in 2026. Only the pillars will remain, as the rest undergoes a transformation based on Pavel Janák’s original design. The bridge, facing the strain of heavy traffic due to subpar materials in its initial construction, will be revitalized with modern amenities and sturdier materials. Železniční Most/Railway Bridge Insufficient capacity and a near-disastrous state have prompted the makeover of the iconic Railway Bridge. The initially contested design, deemed incompatible with Prague’s picturesque skyline, has been replaced with a new bronze concept. Alongside three railway tracks, the revamped bridge will feature a cycling path and a new train stop, Prague – Výtoň. Meanwhile, the old Railway Bridge will find a new home in Modřany. Dvorecký Most/Dvorecký Bridge Set to connect Smíchov and Podolí neighborhoods next year, Dvorecký most will cater to pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and trams, alleviating Prague’s traffic congestion. Private cars, with the exception of ambulances,...
Come and enjoy your weekend with our selection of the best Prague events and things to do! Food festivals, parties, family-friendly activities and much more…Enjoy! 03.02: Opening of farmer’s markets Did you miss the farmer’s markets in Prague? You no longer have to! Markets at Náplavka and Kubáň are coming back to its 2024’s edition as we all know them. From now on, you may look forward to them every Saturday. Where: Kubánské náměstí, Prague 10 ; Rašínovo nábřeží 42, Prague 2 More info here 03.02: Techmission On Saturday, 3rd February 2024, United Music presents the next edition of Techmission in O2 universum, Prague. Get into the captivating sounds of melodic techno and prepare for a mesmerizing audiovisual show. Where: O2 universum Tickets: 1400 – 2700 CZK More info here 03.02: Carnivals in Prague This February, do not miss the well-known celebration „masopust“, which will happen throughout the whole Prague! You may look forward to the annual carnival parade of masks accompanied by live music, which is attended by hundreds of people every year. As always, slaughterhouse, slivovitz, mulled wine, beer, and other delicacies. Where: Kbely, Dolní Počernice, Ctěnice Free admission 03.02: K In cooperation with...
After a spectacular debut, Techmission Festival is proud to announce the date for the second edition, Techmission Immersive Reality II. The next edition will take place on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 at the O2 Universum, Prague. Techmission will further develop the Immersive Reality concept with each subsequent edition. This goes together with a carefully selected lineup that fits seamlessly with the Vision that the creators have in mind to present each edition with a recognizable but always new and surprising experience. Some of the best artists representing the global melodic techno and techno scene such as Reinier Zonneveld, Enrico Sangiuliano, Kas:st, Pan-Pot and more have been selected, to showcase the best sounds melodic techno and techno have to offer. Combined with a massive production all your senses will be stimulated and provide a unique exclusive experience. The production will include over 200 m2 LED screens, more than 100 moving heads, lots of powerful lasers, and special effects. For the VIP experience, this year Techmission together with TIXBASE presents the TIX BASE VIP lounge and floor which is located on the upper floor of the arena. You can also enjoy the full party weekend experience with combo tickets for the Hardmission...
European nations must seriously consider the potential risks of Donald Trump winning the U.S. election and crafting an agreement with Vladimir Putin, which could be disadvantageous for both Ukraine and Europe, Czech President Petr Pavel said on Jan. 30. “It’s not about undermining transatlantic ties, it’s not about questioning the United States as an ally, but we have to realistically recognize that Donald Trump sees many things differently,” Pavel said. Ukraine, unlike Russia, currently has limited capabilities on the battlefield, he said. Therefore, the allies recommend limiting offensive actions and strengthening the defense. For this purpose, Kyiv needs not only purely defensive weapons but also weapons that can disrupt the supply routes of the Russian army, such as artillery, longer-range cruise missiles, and F-16 aircraft, stated Pavel. Trump repeatedly claimed that he would swiftly end Russia’s war against Ukraine within 24 hours if re-elected as president. Additionally, he expressed willingness to “allow” Russia to take over parts of Ukraine, arguing that Washington is providing Ukraine with excessive weaponry. Incumbent U.S. President Joe Biden officially announced in April 2023 his candidacy for a second term in the 2024 elections. Republican leader Donald Trump declared his candidacy for the 2024 White House...
The forthcoming Škoda ForCity Plus Praha 52T trams are set to revolutionize Prague’s public transportation. Passengers can anticipate a range of new features, including an invisible yet vital one—a smart anti-collision system controlled by the cutting-edge Škoda supercomputer, HYPEX. The trams boast a sleek, five-cell, completely low-floor design, marking a significant advancement in Prague’s public transit. A team of designers from Škoda Group has introduced a host of innovations, such as an automatic passenger counting system, making the new trams a welcome addition to the city’s transportation landscape. Smart Anti-Collision System Among the novel features, the trams will be equipped with an advanced anti-collision system designed to monitor the area in front of the tram, alerting the driver to any potential obstacles. If the driver fails to respond, the system, overseen by the Škoda supercomputer HYPEX, will automatically bring the tram to a halt. This intelligent system employs dual LIDAR technology and HD cameras, combined with precise localization using offline recorded HD maps. The result is a virtual driving tunnel ensuring accurate obstacle detection, early warnings, minimal false positives, and timely activation of the emergency brake. Enhancing Safety The anti-collision system, utilizing LIDAR technology for 3D mapping within a range...
The renowned Kotva shopping center at Náměstí Republiky is set to close for a significant renovation, scheduled to start in summer and last for three years. The final day of operations for the shops within the shopping center is slated for Thursday, February 1. Many shops are currently offering substantial discounts of up to 50% in light of the impending closure. The shopping center, recognized as a protected architectural monument, is owned by Generali Real Estate. According to Prague 1 councilor Karel Grabein Procházka, the store will remain a combination of shops and offices, with a restaurant on the upper floors, when it reopens sometime in 2027. While the façade materials will be renewed, the building’s overall appearance will remain unchanged, under the careful supervision of the original architects. “The most noticeable external change will be the replacement of the current entrance to Albert supermarket with a new circular entrance to the shopping center’s underground floor,” revealed Marek Vacha of the Institute of Planning and Development of Prague. Procházka noted that Kotva was once one of the best shopping centers in communist Czechoslovakia. “However, times have moved on, and you can find better areas,” he noted. Kotva was ceremoniously opened...
By 2030, it’s expected that around 330,000 jobs in the Czech Republic might disappear because of the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI). Labor market expert Tomáš Ervín Dombrovský has pointed out that the way people work in the country is likely to change a lot for about a million Czechs in the next ten years. To help people navigate these changes and avoid losing jobs, Dombrovský shared some advice. Knowing that jobs will change quickly, Dombrovský says it’s important for everyone to adapt to the growing use of AI. While he recognizes that some jobs will disappear, he also sees the possibility of new opportunities emerging, although the details are still uncertain. “It’s important to understand that what I’ve already learned, what I already know, and what I’ve done won’t be enough. I’ll need to learn and improve much more in my work based on what the company needs.” He encourages people not to ignore digital skills, as they play a crucial role in staying good at your job in the future. Besides learning new tools, Dombrovský suggests job seekers should also develop additional skills that companies are looking for. He points out a growing demand for better collaboration...
Just as nature has its more favorable seasons, so the property market is similar. There are months when property sells well and months when the demand is very low. Therefore, it pays to plan ahead when thinking about going to market. A poorly chosen period means a slow sale at a lower price, whereas a well chosen period can result in a quick sale at a higher price. If you plan to sell real estate in the Czech Republic, you can schedule your sale based on the advice I’ll give you in this article. When is the best time to sell a property? Well, in the Czech Republic, the best time for selling homes is during the spring. The next good option is late summer. But remember, it’s not set in stone – other things matter too, like the type of property you are selling. If you’re looking to put your property on the market, March is a great month. That’s when a of potential buyers start actively looking. Usually, there are more people wanting to buy houses than there are houses available, creating a competitive atmosphere that might speed up the selling process and maybe even get you a...
Three people fell from the northern side of Mount Sněžka, on the border of Czechia and Poland, on Tuesday. Two of those involved in the accident died when they slipped on a mountain slope. Ivo Novák, spokesperson for the Hradec Králové Region Rescue Service, reported that three helicopters have been dispatched to the scene. Rescuers called for assistance from helicopters in Liberec and Hradec Králové. “There was a tourist fall on the Polish side of Sněžka, and Mountain Service rescuers are currently intervening,” confirmed Marek Fryš, spokesperson for the Mountain Service of the Czech Republic. Pavel Cingr, head of the Krkonoše Mountain Service, informed news server Novinky.cz that the individuals fell while descending from Sněžka to the valley of the Polish river Lomniczka. The Polish Krkonoše National Park issued a warning on the X network today about icy surfaces. Over the weekend, nine people sustained injuries on the ice, and a Polish tourist fell off a path on the Czech side of Sněžka due to icy conditions. “We received the report at 14:11. Two individuals fell from the Lomniczka cauldron and, unfortunately, lost their lives. The search for a third person, who was likely also present, is ongoing,” stated Sub-Inspector...
In an interview with Czech Radio on Monday, President Petr Pavel underscored the advantages of the Czech Republic adopting the euro, emphasizing its advantages for the country’s export economy and the opportunity to actively shape the future of the eurozone. Pavel initiated discussions on euro adoption in the country during his New Year’s speech, calling for strategic steps to facilitate the transition. While Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura (ODS) currently dismisses the need for immediate consideration, Pavel argues that the Czech Republic’s strong export orientation aligns it closely with eurozone countries. He suggests that actively participating in eurozone decisions, rather than passively accepting them, would be more beneficial for the nation. President Pavel also highlighted the Czech Republic’s efforts to meet the Maastricht criteria this year, a prerequisite for joining the eurozone. He proposed the establishment of a euro adoption officer within the government to demystify the euro debate, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making and long-term public education. Pavel urged a careful examination of other countries’ experiences with euro adoption, dismissing fears of potential drawbacks and encouraging a more objective understanding of the fundamental political decision ahead. Who’s in favour, who’s against The Mayors and Independents and the Pirate Party,...
The Czech Republic’s government has signed an agreement with the United States to acquire 24 U.S. F-35 fighter jets as part of a deal worth about $6.6 billion, the biggest single purchase for the Czech military Czech Defense Minister Jana Černochová and U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet signed a memorandum of understanding for the deal. The Czechs also signed a letter of offer and acceptance, the final step in completing a contract between the governments, the Czech Defense Ministry said. “By signing this intergovernmental agreement, our country and also our army enter a new era,” Černochová said. The Czech government approved the deal in September. The first of the 24 fighter jets should be delivered in 2031, with the rest by 2035. The American aircraft will replace the 14 JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets from Sweden that are currently used by the Czech army.
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