Europe should reduce its reliance on the U.S. and strengthen the European pillar of NATO instead, Czech President Petr Pavel said Tuesday. “The dominant role of NATO as a security provider must no longer mean that Europe neglects its defense obligations,” said Pavel, speaking at the opening ceremony of the new academic year at the College of Europe in Bruges. “Reducing the reliance on the U.S. and developing European strategic enablers is to be seen as our contribution to our transatlantic partnership. “Very likely, we will have to go beyond the 2 percent spending on defense,” he noted. NATO allies agreed at the Vilnius summit in July that the target, in the words of Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, should be treated as a floor instead of a ceiling. “We affirm that in many cases, expenditure beyond 2 percent of GDP will be needed,” the joint communiqué stated. Only about a third of the 31-strong alliance — including many Eastern allies — is meeting or close to meeting the target. In his speech, Pavel also supported enlargement, which “should not be postponed until some hypothetical point in the future, where the candidates are perfectly aligned with us,” and emphasized Western countries must...
EU accession negotiations with Ukraine should be opened in autumn 2023 or early next year, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said at the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv on Monday. According to Lipavský, the meeting in Kyiv was not just symbolic but also included important discussions about practical solutions on what the EU can do to ensure peace in Europe. “It was clearly stated that if Ukraine is in the European Union, it will be a clear security guarantee because the European Union is also a peace project. However, it is true that Ukraine must change, and adapt its law to EU law. It is a long run,” Lipavský said, as quoted by the Czech News Agency. During the meeting in Kyiv, Lipavský emphasised that EU accession negotiations with Ukraine should be opened in the autumn or early next year. “This is a technical process during which it will be assessed how ready Ukraine is. It will be clear to see where it still needs to work,” the Czech minister noted, adding that it is in Europe’s interest that Ukraine is able to adopt all the necessary standards and adapt its legal system. Monday’s meeting in Kyiv represents the first time...
Faster check-in, a better range of services, bespoke parking, and new direct connections; after the pandemic crisis, Prague Airport can finally present its development plans for the coming years. The airport 2030 development plans will bring 200 direct connections, 37 long-haul routes, and 10,000 parking places. Last but not least, the airport will be carbon neutral. Commenting on the future plans, Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors, stated that the airport development will be based on the principles of sustainability, innovation, and complexity. “We are glad that the Ministry of Finance has approved the update to our long-term concept and development strategy, with the plan to increase airport capacities as one of its main pillars. We estimate the first phase implementation costs at 32 billion crowns. In this context, I would like to emphasise that no development projects will be funded by taxpayers. We will cover implementation costs of all visions and plans from our own financial resources.” Minister of Transport Martin Kupka added that the terminal capacity expansion, new air connections, and an increase in the number of passengers is not possible to implement without a quality connection with the centre of Prague. “Train connection...
Popcorn is not just a tasty snack; it’s a whole art of flavor creation. In 2023, POP PAUSE cafe is marking 2 years since opening, bringing its unique taste to the city. Today, we spent our time in the one-of-a-kind popcorn cafe in Europe and had a chat with Inga Petrycka, the proud POP PAUSE founder. POP PAUSE began its journey as an idea that came to Inga when she decided to bring something unique and delicious to the world of snacks and to Prague’s culinary scene in general. Her passion for popcorn led to the creation of a unique cafe where everyone can try this fragrant and crispy snack in various flavor variations. Setting POP PAUSE Apart: The Unique Flavors That Define Us What makes POP PAUSE unique is its variety of popcorn flavors. Here, you’ll find everything from sweet and fruity to spicy and exotic options. Perhaps, you’ll even discover a new favorite flavor. Today, POP PAUSE has over 30 different flavors, and Inga’s team is looking forward to continuing to invent new tastes which will amuse the consumer. Crafting Perfection: The Art of Popcorn Preparation The main secret of Pop Pause is using only the finest ingredients. Popcorn is prepared using natural grains...
This September marked the warmest recorded in Prague’s Klementinum since measurements began at this station in 1775. The average monthly temperature soared to 19.6 degrees Celsius, deviating by 4.4 degrees Celsius from the long-term average spanning from 1775 to 2014, the Czech Hydro-Meteorological Institute reported on its website on Tuesday. Situated in the historic heart of Prague, the Klementinum has diligently observed weather patterns since its inception in 1775. Despite various influencing factors like the placement of measuring instruments on its premises or its central location within the city, meteorologists assert that these measurements offer an unparalleled and immensely valuable source of information regarding modern weather and climate patterns, shedding light on the historical climatic conditions for the advancement of modern science.
Who would have thought that an authentic little piece of Italy could find its home in the heart of Prague? At Arte Bianca, an Italian bakery in the city centre, we met Giacomo, the head baker and the heart of the business. He readily opened his heart and his passion for baking to us. Q: Let’s start by telling us a bit about yourself and what brought you to baking. Giacomo: Hi! Of course, gladly. Baking has been my passion since I was a kid. I grew up in Sicily, Italy, where pastry plays an important role in everyday life. On every occasion or family celebration, focaccia, pizzas, breads, and other various delicacies were baked at home. And even as a little boy, I enjoyed helping with the baking and getting my hands dirty with flour and dough. But before I got into baking, I went to college, majoring in occupational psychology. But during my studies, I earned extra money in the catering, and hospitality industry. I met a lot of professionals who passed on to me their passion for this baking craft. Q: that sounds like a wonderful start. How did you get to Prague? Giacomo: After I graduated...
Get ready for an authentic Italian culinary experience in Prague! In just a few days, the Holešovice Market Hall will transform into a hub of Italian gastronomy, showcasing the diverse flavors of the Apennine Peninsula. The upcoming gourmet series, Pop-up Days, is bringing the best of Italian street cuisine to your doorstep. While the spotlight is on pizza, this event is not just about flatbreads: the menu will feature a tantalizing array of Italian delicacies, including focaccia, pasta, piadina, and, of course, a delightful selection of prosecco and Aperol. The event will feature Ňam.Ňam.Piaggio, Coffee Monkee, Aperol Ape, Mate’s PIZZA TRUCK, Tigelleria Mille Lire, and ZONA bistro. The area near Halls 13 and 17 will be adorned with food trucks, comfortable seating, and DJs. Aleš Víšek, from the program department of Holešovice Market, expressed his excitement about the event’s success. “The concept of introducing world cuisines to the public while fostering a warm atmosphere for gatherings has found its rightful place at our Marketplace. Following the success of the Pastrami Pop-up, PIZZA! PIZZA! promises an even more enriching experience. We aim to bring unique and passionate suppliers who share our love for exceptional food.” More info here
AirMalta Airlines will be operating direct flights from Prague to Malta from December 16 to January 6, according to an announcement from the press service of Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport. The carrier’s last flight on this route for the summer aviation season will take place on October 28, followed by a 1.5-month break. These special winter flights are specifically designed for Czech residents who plan to spend their Christmas and New Year holidays near the Mediterranean coast. Tickets for these flights are already available for purchase, starting from 3,000kc for a one-way trip. What to visit Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean, is awash with ancient architecture and a beautiful coastline. Located between Sicily and North Africa, the Maltese archipelago is also home to the islands of Gozo and Comino, which both offer their own cultural attractions and natural highlights. Plus, Malta has an average annual temperature of 23C – which is the warmest in Europe. Should you be looking to explore the shoreline or soak up some medieval history, there are plenty of things to do that suit the entire family. From enjoying a beach day at Golden Bay on Malta’s northwest coast to hiking across Gozo or...
The European Commission will enforce a ban on the sale of flavored, heated tobacco in shops starting on October 23rd. Sales have significantly increased in at least five EU countries. The ban is part of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan which aims to create a tobacco-free generation, where less than 5% of the population will use tobacco products by 2040, compared to around 25% today. The regulation issued by the European Union last year “prohibits the placing on the market of tobacco products with a characterizing flavor and tobacco products containing flavorings in any of their components on the EU market.” “I’m not happy about it. I am very much in favor of a harm reduction approach, i.e., risk reduction for tobacco as well. I’m a bit worried that people will revert to regular cigarettes because of this regulation,” said National Drugs Coordinator Jindřich Vobořil in an interview with Novinky.cz. Additionally, some EU countries are considering investigating disposable flavored e-cigarettes and banning their sale. The Health Ministry has recently conducted inspections on these products. “Health inspectors checked the labeling of unit packs for a total of 397 disposable electronic cigarettes. Out of these, 165 products failed to comply with the labeling...
The freight station in Žižkov (nákladové nádraží Žižkov) is on the verge of a significant transformation. As one of Prague’s largest brownfield sites, the former freight station is undergoing development into a modern district that will offer various services along with housing options. Prague 3 councilors have already endorsed a contract with the development company Penta Real Estate. Other developers are either currently building or planning to build on the freight station site. Together, they will contribute CZK 1.5 billion to the city’s public infrastructure. Finep – one of the largest developers in the Czech Republic – is planning a new project, named U Staré cihelny, that will feature approximately 1,200 flats and 1,110 parking spaces. The project includes non-residential premises, a new five-class kindergarten, and an office building. Meanwhile, Penta Real Estate’s project, called Rezidence Nádraží Žižkov, will offer a total of 530 flats, 10 non-residential units, and 700 parking spaces. The developer will also contribute nearly CZK 100 million to the construction of public amenities. “The brownfield in Žižkov has been under discussion for almost 20 years, with limited progress. However, in recent years, significant strides have been made, and currently, we stand at the threshold of substantial change....
Former Prime Minister Robert Fico’s leftist-populist Smer party won Saturday’s election in Slovakia after promising to stop sending weapons to Ukraine, to block Kyiv’s potential NATO membership and to oppose sanctions on Russia. With 98 percent of ballots counted in the country of 5.5 million people, Smer had 23.4 percent of the vote, ahead of the liberal, Western-oriented Progressive Slovakia by nearly seven percentage points and almost 200,000 votes. The election winner gets the first chance to form a majority in the 150-seat parliament. Fico’s campaign has raised alarm across the Continent amid fears that he will shift Slovakia to the anti-Ukraine camp alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Fico has taken a very pro-Moscow stance, vowing to end arms deliveries to Kyiv and opposing sanctions even as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine continues after a year and a half. Despite Slovakia’s profound polarization, Fico is in a strong position to return to power with the support of Hlas (Voice), a social-democratic party that split from Smer. Hlas finished third with 15 percent in Saturday’s vote. Saturday’s ballot has been viewed as pivotal to Slovakia’s future, not only due to Fico’s vows to abandon aid to Ukraine, but...
While the Prague airport can boast the fifth best in Europe Google rate (with a 4.3 out of 5 rating from more than 20,000 user reviews) and a high ranking from the International Airport Association, there is still ample room for improvement. “Surveys indicate that passengers in Prague lack the ‘wow effect.’ The airport feels sterile. So, we are considering ways to incorporate artworks or exhibitions in the space to provide passengers, who have the time, with an additional experience,” explains Jiří Pos, chairman of the board of Prague Airport. That “wow” factor could be elicited by, for example, a waterfall featured in a special video that the airport plans to release on Tuesday during a press conference about its upcoming investments. “The waterfall could become one of the future landmarks; it already enhances airports in Singapore and Doha, for instance. While airport operations, shops, and restaurants are crucial, we aim to focus more on enhancing the beauty of the remaining spaces,” Pos stated. Currently, the airport is attempting to combat the unwelcome sterility with a few so-called green walls and living trees in the terminals’ corners. In October, a 3D portrait of Václav Havel will also be displayed. In...
Don’t have an account? Register
[swpm_registration_form level=”6″]
Already have an account? Log In
How Would You Like to Promote Your Business? PR ArticleDisplay bannersVideo productionNewsletter adsJob ListingsInfluencer Marketing
Your Email
We will come back to you within 24 hours with our proporsal
