In the past week, Prague’s city center has become a film set once again. After filming near the National Theatre and Rytířská Street, crews for a new Netflix series, The Age of Innocence, have now taken over Politických vězňů Street — temporarily turning it into New York’s Fifth Avenue circa 1870. On the cobblestoned sidewalks between Jindřišská and Opletalová Streets, workers installed green gas lanterns typical of old New York. Around ten of them now line the stretch from the Communist Party headquarters (KSČM) to the corner of Olivová Street. The series is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton (1862–1937), a celebrated American author known for exploring the tension between personal desires and social conventions. The story portrays a romance that falters under the weight of societal expectations in upper-class New York. Netflix has ordered eight episodes, several of which are being filmed in the Czech Republic. The last major adaptation of Wharton’s novel was Martin Scorsese’s 1993 film, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder. An earlier version appeared in 1934. International Cast in Prague The Netflix adaptation stars Ben Radcliffe, a British actor known from the 2014 romantic comedy Furious...
The parties forming the new Czech government have reached an agreement on how ministries will be divided among them. Andrej Babiš, leader of the Action of Dissatisfied Citizens (ANO) party, announced the deal on Friday evening on X. As the head of the party that received the most votes, he is expected to become prime minister. The cabinet will have sixteen members, though specific names have not yet been revealed. Under the agreement, ANO will control nine ministries in addition to the prime minister’s office. Politicians from the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party will lead the defence, agriculture, and transport ministries, while the Motorists are set to take charge of foreign affairs, culture, environment, and the new Ministry of Sport, Prevention and Health. Babiš said the coalition aimed to finalise the division of portfolios by Friday – and has now done so. The new government will not include ministers responsible for European affairs, legislation, or science, research and innovation. Coalition talks will continue next week on policy issues. Parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic were held late last week and were won by Babiš’s ANO party, which is also a member of the Patriots for Europe group at the...
Foreign drones have been detected flying over military installations in the Czech Republic, according to the General Staff of the Czech Army, which has confirmed that it is prepared to intercept and neutralize them if necessary. The confirmation was reported by Echo24.cz. While officials have not disclosed which specific sites were targeted, army spokesperson Zdeňka Sobarňa Košvancová said the information remains classified. Košvancová explained that the Czech military maintains continuous communication with NATO partners regarding emerging threats, though these exchanges are also confidential. She stressed that the Army of the Czech Republic (ACR) is fully equipped to detect, identify, and counter hostile drones — either through electromagnetic disruption or kinetic measures. “The choice of counteraction depends on the situation and must take into account the risk of collateral damage,” Košvancová said, noting that the deployment of military forces within Czech territory is governed by national law. The Interior Ministry’s spokeswoman, Hana Malá, added that both the police and the military police are authorized to take action against unauthorized drone activity on Czech soil. Similar incidents have recently occurred in Germany, Denmark, Belgium, and Norway, where unidentified drones have been observed near critical infrastructure. While investigations remain ongoing, some European officials...
Flora metro station on Line A will undergo a major reconstruction beginning February 2, 2026. The Prague Public Transit Company (DPP) confirmed that the station will close for ten months to allow for extensive modernization, including new escalators, lighting, and the long-awaited installation of elevators to make the station barrier-free. The project, led by construction firms Strabag and OHLA ŽS, will cost 1.29 billion CZK (excluding VAT). The renovation will be similar in scope to the recent overhaul of Jiřího z Poděbrad station. It will involve a complete modernization of both passenger and technical areas, replacing outdated Soviet-era escalators with modern, energy-efficient ones, upgrading cable systems, and introducing LED lighting, air conditioning, and an updated information system. Preparatory work will begin this year while the station remains open. This phase will include partial dismantling of cladding and leak repairs. “We expect the station to remain closed for about ten months, as was the case at Jiřího z Poděbrad. Trains will continue passing through at reduced speed,” he said. After reopening in late 2026, work will continue on building the elevators, expected to be completed by early 2028. Once finished, Flora will become the 49th barrier-free station in Prague’s metro network....
The National Theatre Ballet will soon unveil Liliom, a powerful new production by acclaimed American choreographer John Neumeier, known for transforming human emotions into movement. The ballet will premiere at Prague’s State Opera on October 23 and 24, marking its first Czech performance. After the Prague success of A Streetcar Named Desire, Neumeier returns to the Czech capital with another deeply emotional piece. Inspired by Ferenc Molnár’s 1909 play and the later musical adaptation Carousel by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, Liliom explores love, guilt, and the possibility of redemption. “When I return to a work, as I am now with Liliom in Prague, I have to fall in love with it all over again,” Neumeier said ahead of the premiere. Get your ticket here. A Story of Love, Violence, and Hope The ballet follows Liliom, a charismatic but self-destructive carousel operator, and Julie, a young woman who falls in love with him despite his flaws. Struggling with poverty and pride, Liliom’s frustration spirals into violence and despair. When he learns he is to become a father, his attempt to secure a better future ends tragically in a failed robbery and suicide. From there, the story shifts to the afterlife,...
Europe is facing a demographic challenge as the number of retirees rises while the working-age population declines. Southern European nations are most affected, but the trend is spreading across the European Union, prompting governments to adjust pension systems and raise retirement ages to ensure financial sustainability. According to Jakub Vachuška from the Czech Statistical Office, Italy recorded the oldest population in the latest census, with an average age of 46.2 years. Using data from the European Census Hub database, Vachuška noted that Italians are, on average, 2.7 years older than the EU average and 7.6 years older than Icelanders, whose average age is 38.6 years. Several other countries also show aging populations. Southern European nations such as Portugal, Greece, and Croatia rank among the oldest, alongside Germany and Lithuania. The share of residents over 65 is highest in Italy, where nearly one in four citizens falls into this category. Other countries with large senior populations include Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, Finland, and Germany. In the Czech Republic, 20.4 percent of residents are over 65. Aging also affects self-sufficiency, particularly among people over 80. Italy reports the highest share of people with reduced self-sufficiency at 7.6 percent, while the Czech Republic...
Income earned from prostitution must be subject to income tax, according to a new ruling by the Czech Republic’s Supreme Administrative Court. The decision establishes a key legal precedent, clarifying that voluntary sex work constitutes taxable income under national law. The case originated when the tax authorities ordered a woman working in the sex industry to pay back taxes on her earnings. She challenged the decision, arguing that her income came from activities “contrary to public morality” and therefore should not be taxed. The Regional Court initially sided with her, ruling that prostitution falls outside the scope of taxable income because it is incompatible with public ethics. However, the Supreme Administrative Court overturned that ruling, emphasizing that Czech tax law is based on the principle that all income is taxable unless explicitly exempted by statute. The judges noted that prostitution, while not formally regulated, is also not criminalized in Czechia. Since voluntary sex work does not constitute a criminal offense, the Court concluded that its proceeds cannot be automatically excluded from taxation. In its decision, the Court stated that “moral considerations alone cannot determine tax liability,” sending the case back to the lower court for reconsideration in light of its...
Before the long-awaited reconstruction of Karlovo náměstí begins, Prague City Hall will launch the first phase of work focusing on the care and protection of existing greenery. The project will be carried out by Gardenline, a company selected through a public tender, for approximately CZK 9.8 million (including VAT). This preliminary phase will involve the treatment of trees and soil conditions to prepare the site for construction. “The adjustments could begin later this year and continue into spring, during the plants’ dormant period,” Hlaváček said. “The goal is to reduce the stress on trees caused by construction by improving their living conditions in advance.” According to City Hall spokesman Vít Hofman, the work will include root system surveys, tree transplants, and soil aeration along the square’s embankments and inner park. Work is expected to begin in October or November, coinciding with the start of the dormant season for vegetation. Minimal Impact on Visitors To keep the park accessible during this process, the work will be divided into two phases. “Visitors may experience slightly more noise and dust, but there won’t be any major closures. The sidewalks will remain open,” Hofman assured. The first phase will focus on the perimeter embankment,...
Prague has made a name for itself in recent years as a highly attractive filming location, with various major projects using settings in the city. The biggest offering in recent years has been Apple TV+’s Foundation, a sci-fi series set in the distant future. It was recently confirmed that Foundation has been renewed for a fourth season, and that it will continue to use Prague for shooting. This is excellent news for the city, as it may allure other television developers to come here as well. Foundation Renewed for Fourth Season The third season of Foundation recently ended, and it was confirmed immediately that it will be followed by a fourth outing. According to reports, production will begin in early 2026, with a potential release date later in the year or early 2027. Given Apple’s solid track record of releasing new seasons as promptly as possible, fans may not have too long to wait. It’s also been noted that there was no announcement that the fourth season would be the last either, meaning that there could potentially be a lot further for this series to go. Critics agree that it is improving with time, and that it could soon be...
The latest edition of Designblok, Central Europe’s biggest celebration of design and fashion, kicks off in Prague on Tuesday. Over the next five days, the festival will showcase the work of more than 200 carefully selected designers, studios, and brands. Now in its 27th year, Central Europe’s largest festival of design and fashion returns with a theme that feels perfectly timed: Courage. This year’s edition will transform Výstaviště Praha in Holešovice into the festival’s central hub, filling the Křižík pavilions and the New Spiral Theater with cutting-edge creations from hundreds of designers and producers from across Europe. Visitors can expect an engaging mix of installations, exhibitions, and interactive zones – including Designblok Talks, a new platform produced in collaboration with Dezeen magazine, featuring panel discussions and interviews with leading international guests. There will also be plenty for families: Designblok for Kids invites the youngest visitors to explore design through play, while the Designblok Stage offers educational programs, and the festival’s food and chill-out zones provide a relaxed setting for conversation and inspiration. One of this year’s key exhibitions, High Craft, will once again take over the Royal Summer Palace at Prague Castle, celebrating artisans and brands that are pushing Czech...
For the first time in history, Prague will host the Summer Children and Youth Olympics (CYO), scheduled to take place from June 21 to 25, 2026. The event will bring together around 4,500 athletes from all 14 Czech regions, competing across 23 sports disciplines. The opening ceremony will be held at SK Slavia Prague’s stadium in Eden, while the Prague Exhibition Grounds (Výstaviště) will serve as the central hub of the games, housing the Olympic House, competition venues, and public events. The city confirmed these details following a recent meeting of the ODM 2026 Steering Committee, which included representatives of City Hall, the Czech Olympic Committee, and Výstaviště Praha. “The Children and Youth Olympics is an opportunity for Prague to demonstrate that we can combine top-level sport, efficient logistics, and an enjoyable experience for young people and their families,” said Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS). “Preparations are on track, and in the coming months, we’ll release further information for schools, fans, and residents.” Venues, Logistics, and Support The Education Councillor Antonín Klecanda (STAN) added that the city is working with the Czech Olympic Committee and local organizations to coordinate sports schedules, logistics, and activities for schools. Preparations for accommodation and catering...
Andrej Babiš, the leader of the populist ANO party, is in talks with the far right and anti-EU Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party and anti-green and staunchly Eurosceptic Motorists for Themselves to form the next government. Although it is not yet clear whether Babiš will be able to form an ANO minority cabinet, backed by SPD and the Motorists in the parliament, or bring SPD and the Motorists to government positions, it is likely that Czechia will have the most Eurosceptic cabinet yet seen. “There are talks between ANO, SPD and Motorists taking place, and these will certainly take place in many further rounds,” President Petr Pavel said after he held talks with five party leaders at the Prague Castle. “We are putting together bodies of the Chamber of Deputies, that is, leadership and committees,” Fiala said after meeting Babiš, fuelling speculation that SPD leader Tomio Okamura could become the next parliament speaker. Okamura faces police charges following the investigation into the anti-immigration campaign carried out by the SPD last year. Member of the European Parliament and the Motorists’ honorary chairman, Filip Turek, widely known since the European Parliament elections for his home collection of Nazi-era memorabilia, was more...
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