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Angela Merkel to Visit Prague for First-Ever Public Interview in Czechia

Angela Merkel, Germany’s longest-serving chancellor, will visit Prague for a rare public appearance and her first-ever live interview in the Czech Republic. She will speak with Czech journalist Tomáš Lindner about her memoir Freedom and reflect on the state of democracy in Germany and Europe. For sixteen years, Merkel led Europe’s most powerful country through an extraordinary period marked by financial crashes, the refugee crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine. Her newly released autobiography offers a behind-the-scenes look at how key decisions were made during her time in office — decisions that helped define modern Europe. In the book, Merkel also examines her East German upbringing and how life under communism shaped her worldview. In the Respekt-hosted interview, she is expected to expand on these themes and provide new insights into the complex realities of political leadership. The discussion will continue the narrative laid out in Freedom, now available in Czech thanks to Práh Publishing, which is also partnering on the event. Since its release, the Czech edition of Merkel’s memoir has gone into its third printing, underlining the strong interest in her legacy. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the venue. Event...

 by Prague Morning Apr 13, 2025

From Vršovice to Karlín – Joy Bakery Opens Second Location

Known for its handcrafted bread and pastries made with locally-sourced ingredients and no additives, Joy Bakery continues to grow while staying true to its philosophy of quality, authenticity… and joy. The original shop in Vršovice was described by the co-owner Liudmila as “a small baby” that grew into “a nice teenager saying, ‘I want to be free and go out.'” This growth prompted the search for a new location. Two real estate agents and six months of searching later, Liudmila found the perfect spot in Karlín (Urxova 436/10): a former bakery that felt right from the start. “We didn’t even advertise,” she recalls. “We just opened the doors and said, ‘Hello, we’re here!’ People came back and brought more people.” Her partner, Peter, originally from Denmark, explains that the decision to expand was driven by both demand and practicality: “Since we reached our production limit at our original location, we either needed to move production to get more space or stay where we were. Customers kept asking if we’d open in Karlín, so we decided to find a place where we could expand production and open a second store.” Despite expanding, Joy Bakery remains committed to using high-quality ingredients such...

 by Prague Morning Apr 13, 2025

GALLERY: Czech Pavilion Opens at Expo 2025 in Osaka

The Czech national pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, has officially opened to the public, showcasing a bold fusion of architecture, glassmaking tradition, and contemporary Czech art. Designed by Apropos Architects, a Prague-based studio, the four-story structure will welcome visitors on the artificial island of Yumeshima until October 13. The opening ceremony was attended by Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský, Czech Ambassador to Japan Martin Klučar, and Expo Commissioner General Ondřej Soška. Located along the coastal promenade, the Czech pavilion stands out with its striking spiral walkway, which wraps around the building and leads visitors to the rooftop. The structure is built primarily from wood and glass, a deliberate reference to the Czech Republic’s centuries-old glassmaking heritage. The exterior spiral, stretching 260 meters, is also glass-covered, transforming the pavilion into a dynamic visual space that shifts with the natural light. Inside, visitors are greeted by installations from leading Czech artists, including Rony Plesl, Jakub Matuška, and multimedia collective Lunchmeat Studio. At the heart of the pavilion is an auditorium set to host cultural performances, discussions, and lectures throughout the exhibition. A restaurant section will serve traditional Czech cuisine along with Pilsner beer, further immersing guests in the country’s cultural offerings....

 by Lisa Goasdoue Apr 13, 2025

Weather Forecast: Expect 25°C Midweek — but Will Easter Bring Rain?

Warm southern air will bring a taste of summer to Czechia this week, with temperatures expected to reach 25°C on Wednesday and Thursday. According to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ČHMÚ), this brief warm spell will be followed by milder but still pleasant conditions over the Easter weekend. The start of the week will remain stable, though occasional showers are expected, especially in northwest Bohemia. On Monday, skies will be partly cloudy with sporadic rainfall. Overnight lows will fall to between 6°C and 11°C, while daytime highs will stay within 17°C to 22°C. A light variable wind will shift to a moderate southeasterly in the afternoon, particularly in Moravia. Tuesday will bring similar conditions. Expect cloudy skies with scattered showers, and a possibility of thunderstorms, particularly in Bohemia. Rain should ease by the evening, with clearing skies from the west. Daytime highs will remain in the 18°C to 22°C range in the west, but eastern regions may be slightly cooler, with highs between 14°C and 18°C. On Wednesday, temperatures could rise to 25°C, creating ideal conditions for outdoor plans. The day will start partly cloudy, especially in Moravia and Silesia, and wind speeds will remain moderate. Overnight, temperatures will drop to...

 by Prague Morning Apr 13, 2025

New Study Predicts 260,000 Ukrainian Refugees May Remain in Czechia

As many as 260,000 refugees from Ukraine could remain in the Czech Republic permanently within the next decade, according to a new study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the Aspen Institute Central Europe. If that estimate proves accurate, the total number of foreigners in the country could reach 1.36 million by 2035. As of the end of March, figures from the Ministry of the Interior showed that 364,600 people were living in Czechia under temporary protection. Another 708,700 foreign nationals held various types of residence permits—bringing the total to around 1.07 million. “We currently estimate that around 70% of Ukrainian refugees will remain in the Czech Republic after 2035,” the study’s authors wrote. However, they noted that much depends on how the war in Ukraine develops in the coming years. The study highlights a generally positive effect on the Czech labor market, which has long suffered from worker shortages. “The arrival of labor helped ease shortages in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and services, while also generating new consumer demand that supported parts of the economy,” the study notes. But integration is not without challenges. The report flags several issues: language barriers, the limited recognition of qualifications, and increased pressure on the healthcare...

 by Melissa Santoyo Apr 12, 2025

All Aboard! Prague’s New Railway Museum to Launch by 2030

By renovating and expanding the historic workshop halls near Prague’s Masaryk Railway Station, the National Technical Museum plans to open a Museum of Railways and Electrical Engineering by 2030. The updated cost of the project has now risen to 1.89 billion CZK, including VAT, up from the originally projected 1.69 billion. The new museum will stand on the site of the former workshops along Husitská Street, featuring a newly constructed building and a covered track area. “These buildings are officially recognized cultural landmarks,” said Karel Ksandr, director of the NTM. “They commemorate the arrival of the first train to Prague, which took place 180 years ago this year.” The historic moment occurred on August 4, 1845, when the first train pulled into what is now Masaryk Station. The first official ceremonial train was greeted at the Gate of Glory on August 20 of the same year. An architectural study is already complete, and the museum has acquired additional land next to the site. In collaboration with the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Czech Technical University (CTU), the team is working on solutions to reduce energy consumption in the historic halls. According to Ksandr, the concept was inspired by the railway museum...

 by Prague Morning Apr 12, 2025

Spring Is in the Air: Czechia to Enjoy a Warm Weekend

The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute has released its forecast for the upcoming weekend, and while the temperatures will feel like spring, the skies might not fully cooperate. On Friday, April 11, expect partly cloudy skies across much of the country, with occasional local rain showers. Daytime temperatures will range between 13 and 17°C. Saturday will bring a similar pattern. Most regions will see intermittent clouds and scattered short-term rain, but the temperatures will climb a bit higher, reaching 16 to 20°C during the day. Sunday’s forecast follows the same trend: variable cloudiness with local precipitation, particularly in western regions. Thermometers could rise to 21°C, bringing the warmest day of the weekend. Looking ahead to next week, the weather pattern will remain largely unchanged, but a slight increase in warmth is on the horizon. From Monday to Thursday (April 14–17), skies will stay mostly cloudy or overcast, with occasional showers. However, temperatures will gradually rise, reaching 17 to 22°C—and in some parts of Moravia, even up to 25°C. While it may not be a fully sunny spring weekend, the mild temperatures will offer a welcome break from colder weather. Just don’t forget to pack a light raincoat or umbrella before heading outdoors....

 by Prague Morning Apr 11, 2025

Capturing Czech Nature: Prague Airport Unveils New Photography Gallery

Prague’s Václav Havel Airport has taken a step toward enhancing the cultural experience for its visitors with the opening of a new photography gallery on April 3, 2025. In collaboration with the Czech Photo organization, the airport now offers a free exhibition that invites passengers and the public to embark on a visual journey through the landscapes of the Czech Republic. The inaugural exhibition highlights the best images from the Czech Nature Photo competition, showcasing breathtaking views of the country’s diverse natural beauty. The gallery is located on the ground floor of Terminal 2, near the connecting building to Terminal 1, ensuring easy access for those passing through or visiting the airport. The displayed photographs are selected from the “Award for the Best Photograph of Czech Nature” category of past Czech Nature Photo competitions. The exhibition spans eight years of the competition’s history, showcasing stunning depictions of Czech flora and fauna, captured by photographers such as Petr Bambousek, Vladimír Čech Jr., and Vít Lukáš. These photographs offer a glimpse into the natural world that defines the Czech Republic, underscoring the connection between humans and the environment. This initiative is part of a growing trend among airports worldwide to incorporate cultural and...

 by Prague Morning Apr 10, 2025

Pedestrians First: Prague 1 Pushes for E-Scooter Ban in City Center

Prague 1 has officially called for a complete ban on shared electric scooters in parts of the city center, citing growing safety concerns and ongoing misuse of public spaces. The district council made the request this week, urging the capital to issue a decree that would allow individual districts to define no-go zones for both riding and parking of e-scooters. The proposed ban would be enforced through a combination of physical signage and geofencing technology, and Prague 1 is demanding joint enforcement by municipal and state police. “We deal with chaotic scooter parking and illegal riding on sidewalks every single day,” said Vojtěch Ryvola, Prague 1’s transport councilor. “This poses a direct threat to pedestrians. The situation has become unbearable. We are ready to defend public space and the safety of our residents.” Ryvola compared the e-scooter issue to the city’s 2016 Segway ban, which required a national law change and cost around CZK 4 million to implement, including the installation of more than 600 signs. In his view, scooters represent a similarly disruptive force in Prague’s historic core. Under current Czech legislation, electric scooters are classified as bicycles, meaning they’re prohibited from sidewalks but allowed on roads. However, Ryvola...

 by Prague Morning Apr 10, 2025

Prague’s Population Grows by Over 13,000 People in 2024

Prague’s population increased by 13,148 people last year, reaching approximately 1.398 million by the end of December 2024. According to data released by the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO), the city’s population growth was driven by both a natural increase—meaning more births than deaths—and migration. The natural increase accounted for an additional 293 people, with 12,085 births recorded in Prague in 2024, compared to 11,792 deaths. Prague was the only region in the Czech Republic to experience population growth through natural increase last year; in every other region, there were more deaths than births. In addition to the natural increase, migration played a significant role, contributing 12,855 people to the city’s population. A total of 62,689 people moved into Prague, while 49,834 residents left. This migration trend highlights Prague’s continued appeal as a destination for newcomers. The capital city also saw 6,189 marriages in 2024, while 2,380 marriages ended in divorce over the same period. On a national level, the population of the Czech Republic grew by approximately 8,900 people, reaching a total of 10.91 million. This growth was largely attributed to foreign migration. However, the number of births in the country reached a historic low of 84,311, and the overall...

 by Sian Bradley Apr 10, 2025

Trump Jr. on Tour: Czechia Included in Controversial European Trip

Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, is expected to visit the Czech Republic as part of a wider European tour. While Czech officials stress that the trip is private, the timing and destinations on his itinerary suggest a strong political undertone. Trump Jr. is scheduled to arrive in Romania on April 28, just days before a high-stakes presidential election repeat set for May 4. The election has drawn international attention following the Constitutional Court’s decision to annul the results of the previous first round held last November. That vote had seen far-right candidate Calin Georgescu unexpectedly lead, but newly declassified documents reportedly revealed Russian interference, prompting the court to cancel the results. The court’s move has sparked widespread backlash from across the populist and far-right political spectrum in Europe. Among those voicing strong opposition are U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, billionaire and Trump ally Elon Musk, and Trump Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more

 by Prague Morning Apr 10, 2025

Prague’s Airbnb Market Rebounds, Pressuring Local Housing

Airbnb listings in Prague are bouncing back as travel restrictions ease, approaching levels not seen since before the pandemic. But the resurgence has brought a new shift: the rise of professional property managers, raising fresh concerns about the impact of short-term lets on the city’s already strained housing market. According to new figures from Prague’s Institute for Planning and Development (IPR), the number of active Airbnb listings has increased more than fivefold since hitting a low in 2021. While the platform hasn’t yet returned to pre-Covid levels, growth is steady. As of summer 2024, around 9,000 apartments were listed across the city. From Spare Rooms to Full-Time Business IPR data shows that around 3,000 Airbnb hosts operate in Prague. Yet two-thirds of them – so-called “single hosts” – control just 20% of the listings. The bulk of Airbnb properties are now in the hands of hosts with multiple listings. In fact, hosts managing five or more units now account for more than half of all short-term rentals in the city. “Airbnb has become increasingly commercial, and in Prague the trend is especially stark,” says Jan Sýkora, a housing analyst at IPR. “Back in 2019, the average host managed two properties....

 by Nusrat Jahan Shuvra Apr 09, 2025

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