Several countries are tightening rules on children’s access to social media. Australia barred users under 16 late last year. France recently approved a law targeting children under 15. Similar steps are under discussion in Denmark, Slovenia, Greece, Turkey and Britain. The European Parliament has also urged stricter limits. UNICEF has warned that bans alone may not solve the problem and could create new risks if not combined with education and parental guidance. The Czech government may now follow this trend. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said Sunday he supports restricting social media access for children under 15. He cited expert warnings about mental health risks and online harm. According to him, protecting minors must take priority. Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlíček confirmed that discussions are underway. Experts, regulators and platform operators are involved. The government wants to avoid delays and could present a proposal later this year. Havlíček argues that excessive social media use is increasingly affecting children’s daily lives, including mental health and school performance. Not everyone is convinced. Alexandr Vondra, an MEP from the Civic Democrats, said the idea deserves debate but raised privacy concerns. Any restriction, he noted, must respect fundamental rights while remaining technically workable. Hours...
Prague will host a series of public events in late February marking four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Concerts, rallies, marches, and cultural programs are planned across the city, with organizers framing the anniversary as a moment to show continued support for Ukraine and opposition to the war. The main gathering is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, when a concert titled Noise for Ukraine will take place near the Russian embassy in the Bubeneč district. The event, organized by the United Islands festival, is set to begin at 5 p.m. and run for about 90 minutes. Confirmed performers include the band Zrní, actor and singer Šimon Bilina, singer and actress Jitka Čvančarová, rapper and poet Cermaque, and musician Kvietah. Organizers say the location near the Russian diplomatic mission is deliberate. According to festival representatives, remaining silent about the war risks signaling acceptance. Diplomatic missions from several countries — including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada — have expressed support for this year’s concert. Festival director Martin Štěrba said the aim is to honor those killed in the conflict and reaffirm democratic values in Europe. A public demonstration will follow the same day...
Newly published documents from the U.S. Department of Justice in the Jeffrey Epstein case contain references to the Czech Republic, raising questions for Prague politicians and authorities. Former Czech Foreign Minister and current MP Jan Lipavský (ODS) has publicly asked Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) whether Czech authorities are investigating potential connections and protecting possible victims. The DOJ’s massive document release, totaling more than three million pages, 180,000 photos, and 2,000 videos, details Epstein’s life and criminal activities. It includes emails, messages, calendar entries, statements, and other evidence collected during investigations into the convicted sex offender. According to Seznam Zprávy, iDNES.cz, and Novinky.cz, some materials indicate Epstein had direct contacts with Czech women and girls, and even stayed in Prague multiple times. Lipavský specifically asked Babiš whether the government is aware of Epstein’s visits, whether Czech victims might exist, and whether local security services will open an official investigation. He also questioned if the government plans to cooperate with international partners to ensure proper protection for potential victims. Epstein in Prague: Hotels, Photos, and Property Talks According to the documents, Epstein’s visits to Prague included stays at the Marriott Hotel and trips to notable sites such as the Old Jewish...
A Czech financial institution is stepping deeper into the foreign-exchange market, introducing a multi-currency account designed to compete with fintech platforms such as Revolut. Partners Banka now allows clients to hold and manage several currencies within a single account without extra fees. The bank says the goal is to simplify everyday international payments while keeping exchange costs predictable. Unlike some digital competitors, the service is integrated into a standard current account. Clients can activate or remove currencies as needed. Transactions show the exchange rate before confirmation, and conversions are processed immediately. The account currently supports 15 currencies, including the euro, U.S. dollar, and British pound. For card payments abroad, the bank applies the European Central Bank reference rate without markup for 31 currencies. That includes major currencies as well as regional ones such as the Polish zloty. How the Exchange Model Differs From Revolut The Czech bank relies on a fixed ECB reference rate updated daily and applied continuously. Revolut, by contrast, uses a live interbank rate that changes constantly. While Revolut usually offers that rate without markup during weekdays, extra charges may apply over weekends. Limits also differ. Partners Banka says it does not cap foreign-currency card payments at...
Globus has launched its own online grocery delivery service in Prague, marking a major step in the retailer’s push into e-commerce. Customers can now order around 30,000 products through the new Globusonline.cz platform, including fresh food and popular items from the chain’s in-house production. The service officially started on January 27, 2026, initially covering Prague. Expansion to parts of the Central Bohemian Region and Ostrava is planned for spring 2026, with further rollout expected later. According to Globus spokeswoman Aneta Turnovská, the move reflects changing shopping habits. Many customers simply lack time to visit large hypermarkets, while demand for online grocery shopping continues to grow. Fresh food, particularly meat prepared by Globus butchers, is expected to make up a large share of orders. The new platform replaces earlier online ordering options that allowed customers to reserve purchases for pickup in Ostrava and Prague-Zličín. The updated system now combines online ordering, personal pickup in Prague-Čakovice and full home delivery into one service. Integration with the Můj Globus mobile app is planned later this year. Unlike some international retailers that rely on centralized warehouses, Globus has opted for a system built around its existing hypermarkets. The company says this approach allows better...
Organizers of Metronome Prague 2026 have confirmed the last performers for this year’s edition, finalizing a program that already includes Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Sting, Manic Street Preachers, Jade, Don West and The Flaming Lips. Newly announced names include Tom Odell, Lykke Li and Balu Brigada, alongside Prague rapper Anki. British singer-songwriter Tom Odell will headline Friday’s program. He previously appeared at the festival in 2018. Known for the global hit Another Love, he returned to Prague last year for a sold-out show and has also toured as support for Billie Eilish. The Saturday schedule opens with Balu Brigada, an indie pop band from New Zealand. The group gained wider exposure while touring with Twenty One Pilots. Their appearance at Metronome Prague will mark their first headline concert in the Czech capital. Swedish artist Lykke Li is also set to perform. It will be her first Prague show. She plans to present new material and has indicated that her upcoming album The Afterlife could be her final release after several years away from regular touring. The lineup also features Prague rapper Anki, whose album I Want to Feel Safe won the Vinyl Award, a Czech music critics’ prize....
Problems with food safety were found in roughly one out of three KFC restaurants inspected across the Czech Republic last year, according to data released by the Czech Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA). Inspectors carried out 144 checks covering every branch of the chain, in some cases repeatedly. The seriousness of the findings differed from location to location, said CAFIA spokesman Pavel Kopřiva. Some violations involved direct risks to food quality. Inspectors reported moldy muffins offered for sale at a KFC outlet in Jenišov near Karlovy Vary. In Liberec, staff used meat past its expiration date during marinating. At a Prague-Dejvice branch, meat was thawed in standing water, a method that does not meet hygiene standards. Tests elsewhere revealed contaminated surfaces and ice samples exceeding permitted microorganism levels. Hygiene failures were the most frequent issue. Authorities recorded 38 cases linked specifically to food cleanliness rules. Inspectors also noted 13 breaches tied to food safety management procedures and one case involving incomplete meat traceability documentation. The inspection campaign followed reporting by independent Czech journalist Jan Tuna. His investigation alleged repeated improper meat handling, including altered shelf-life labels and preparation of dishes from meat described as spoiled or foul-smelling. The Czech...
Valentine’s Day is approaching, and Prague offers many ways to celebrate without expensive restaurant bookings. From walks with city views to cultural events and sports activities, couples can plan a memorable day without stretching their budget. Quiet places for a romantic walk Some of Prague’s most appealing Valentine’s locations remain free, near Prague Castle, offers small historic houses and minimal tourist traffic. The street is often chosen for photos thanks to its preserved character. Vojanovy sady in Malá Strana are among Prague’s oldest gardens and remain calm even in winter months. Vyšehrad provides open views over the Vltava River and the city skyline. Many couples choose sunset hours, often bringing simple snacks or hot drinks instead of booking restaurants. Active dates for couples For those who prefer movement over candlelight dinners, several Valentine’s events are scheduled across Prague. The Valentine’s Run in Stromovka takes place on February 14, 2026, starting at 11:00 a.m. near the Industrial Palace. The seven-kilometre route costs 100 CZK to enter, with part of the fee donated to charity. Walking enthusiasts can join the annual Valentine’s march organised by Trilobit. The event runs the same day, with departures between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. from Arbes Square....
A large residential project is set to reshape the former Žižkov Freight Station area in Prague 3. Slovak developer Cresco Real Estate plans to build up to 1,100 apartments on land it acquired from Finep together with the investment group Wood & Company. The development already has a valid building permit, and construction of the first phase is expected to be completed in 2028. Cresco previously entered the Czech market with the Soho Holešovice project. The Žižkov development marks its second major investment in Prague and one of the first large-scale housing projects to move forward on the long-unused freight station brownfield. The project is named Yards Žižkov, a reference to the English term “freight yard” and to the inner courtyards that will shape the block-style layout of the buildings. The development will follow the urban plan for the area, with perimeter blocks and shared inner spaces rather than isolated buildings. According to Cresco’s Czech CEO Aleš Svatoň, the company aims to approach housing as part of the wider city structure, with a focus on public space and everyday use rather than standalone residential buildings. Housing will form the core of the project. Around 1,100 apartments will be built in...
Bike Jesus will host a joint club night with Berlin-based Silodom, bringing electronic music, live performances, and film screenings to the Prague venue. The event is supported by Hedone and Veil’ Amor and will take place across several indoor and outdoor spaces. The main room opens at 10 p.m. with Riki Boro from Hedone and Bike Jesus. Berlin DJs Björn De Togno and Lea Lindner, both linked to Silodom, follow later in the night. The early morning hours are led by French artists Guigz and Ådvï from the Tekuno collective, with the final set starting at 5 a.m. A second space, the Revolution room, runs alongside the main programme and is curated by Veil’ Amor. DJs Kawa, SNRI, and Diva will play throughout the night, offering an alternative sound and atmosphere. Live performances are part of the programme, including guided shibari sessions led by trained performers. Organisers state that the performances are based on consent, safety, and clear boundaries. Film screenings curated by Local Movie Meetups will take place earlier in the evening, including Metropolis. Later at night, guests will move outside Bike Jesus for the Zdenka burning ritual. Tickets start at 200 CZK for early bird entry to the...
Starting July 1, 2026, Czech residents will face an additional customs duty of €3 (around 73 CZK) on every parcel ordered from Asian online platforms, including Temu, Shein, AliExpress, and Trendyol. The European Union says the measure is designed to support European sellers and ensure imported goods meet ecological and safety standards that many Asian products currently violate. Brussels has long sought to curb the flow of ultra-cheap imports from Asia, especially ultra-fast fashion containing harmful chemicals. Previous measures, including the introduction of VAT on all parcels, did not reduce demand. The EU has now decided to remove all customs benefits for low-cost orders. How it worked before Until July 2021, most goods from China were exempt from VAT if valued under €22, while gifts between private individuals up to €45 were also exempt. Exceptions applied only to goods intended for commercial resale. Since July 2021, 21% VAT applies to all imported goods, regardless of price. In most cases, this tax is included in the purchase price on the seller’s website. However, certain shipments require an electronic customs declaration via the Czech customs portal, cPortál. This applies when a specific delivery service is chosen, the parcel lacks an IOSS number,...
Prague has reduced its total carbon dioxide emissions by almost one third over the past 14 years, according to a new monitoring report reviewed by city officials this week. The data shows that emissions fell by roughly 30 percent between 2010 and 2024, even as the city’s population continued to grow. According to the report, Prague’s total carbon dioxide output declined from 8.85 million tonnes in 2010 to 6.22 million tonnes in 2024. This reduction occurred during a period when the city’s population increased from about 1.26 million residents to roughly 1.4 million. City officials attribute most of the decline to lower emissions from stationary and energy-related sources. These include heating systems, electricity generation, and fuel combustion in residential and commercial buildings. Improvements in energy efficiency and changes in fuel use played a central role. Transport emissions, however, remain a weak point. The report shows that emissions from transport have decreased only marginally and have risen slightly in recent years. Private car use is the main factor behind this trend. In 2024, emissions from individual car transport were 0.4 percent higher than in 2010. Despite this, the city’s overall energy intensity and carbon footprint have followed a long-term downward path....
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