A European Commission audit confirmed the billionaire Czech prime minister has a conflict of interest over alleged ties to his business empire. The European Commission said on Friday it had sent the audit results to the Czech authorities but said the contents were confidential as the audit procedure was ongoing. Companies in the Agrofert group, the core of Babiš’s assets estimated at $3.5 billion by Forbes, are some of the largest recipients of EU subsidies, both for farming and for investment projects, in the central European country. They are run by two trust funds since 2017, an arrangement Babis made to meet local law on conflict of interest. The final version of the report confirmed preliminary findings disclosed in May, in which the European Union‘s executive arm declared that Andrej Babis has maintained ties to businesses he founded while influencing decisions that could have affected EU subsidies they would have received. Babiš has repeatedly rejected conflict-of-interest allegations, saying he complied with the law by placing his chemical, agriculture and media conglomerate Agrofert in trusts before taking power in 2017. The Czech Ministry of Local Development said Sunday the report is classified and the process isn’t finished. Czech authorities will...
Czechs really know how to make the most of the holiday season. Christmas in Prague is a fairy-tale mix of twinkle lights, majestic trees, Christmas markets, smell of hot wine and sweets. So get out and enjoy the unique atmosphere. November 30 First lighting of Christmas tree and opening of the Christmas market at Old Town Square When: on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. other days every hour starting from 4:30 p.m., last lighting at 9:30 p.m. Lighting of Christmas tree at Břevnov monastery When: starting at 5 p.m Where: Bělohorská 150 November 30 – December 1 Mint market Design market with original Czech fashion, jewellery, accessories and delicacies. Where: Pražská tržnice, hall 11&17 Free entry, pets allowed November 30 – December 1 Dyzajn market winter Buy an original xmas present at Dyzajn market where you can find original Czech artwork and design pieces. There will be also creative workshops, theatre shows for kids, live music, good food & hot wine. Where: Václav Havel square When: from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free entry November 30 “Plný Block” Enjoy xmas atmosphere at Vnitroblock. You will find here stands with local design products, creative xmas workshops, live music, DJs, special xmas drinks...
Growth in the Czech economy slowed to 2.5% in the third quarter, according to refined estimates. Household consumption remains the main growth driver GDP structure reveals that growth was driven mainly by household consumption similarly as in previous quarters. However, annual growth slowed further from 2.9% in 2Q to 2.3%. Compared to 3-4% growth in 2015-2018, household consumption started to slow down and 3Q growth fell also below the CNB’s expectation of 2.9%. Investment, which saw a surprise and noticeable decline last quarter, remained subdued in Q3. In fact, it’s falling slightly year-on-year, driven mainly by a 2.6% YoY decline in ICT and machinery investment. However, real estate investment accelerated to 7% YoY. Government consumption saw a solid growth of 3.3% in the third quarter, which is above our and the CNB’s expectations. Net exports contribute to growth due to import slowdown Due to a slowdown in investments, which are very import-intensive, we also see an import slowdown (1% YoY in 3Q vs. 2% in the previous two quarters), which in turn increases the contribution of net exports to GDP. The same effect was observed in the last quarter when net exports contributed 0.7 percentage to YoY growth as in...
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement for the first Hyatt property in the Czech Republic. The “Sugar Palace” hotel project, currently being developed by UBM Development AG, will become the new Andaz Prague. Located at Senovážné Square, the 175-room hotel is expected to open in 2022. Originally built in 1916, the neoclassical landmark, commonly known as the Sugar Palace, features a unique architectural design and will provide unscripted access to the rich heritage and history of Prague. Andaz Prague will feature three distinct food and beverage outlets, approximately 450 square meters of event space, a fitness center and a spa. “Prague has been a popular destination particularly since the Velvet Revolution 30 years ago,” said Takuya Aoyama, vice president development, Hyatt. “This city of Mozart, Mucha, and Hrabal continues to inspire people to explore its rich offerings. With the addition of Andaz Prague, we are excited for Hyatt to have a brand presence in the three imperial cities of Europe – Vienna, Budapest and Prague – and grow our opportunities to cater to the luxury demand.” “It is wonderful to be working alongside Hyatt to bring the Andaz brand to the Czech...
If you’re not fully ready to let go of the autumn, Duplex has opened a series of glass igloos on the top of its roof, meaning visitors can eat or have a drink “outside” without freezing. Enjoy one of Prague’s best rooftop bars, with a central location, fantastic views and generous opening hours. These glass igloos will let you drink outdoors on a rooftop and at the same time, keep you warm. Right at Wenceslas Square, you can find a total of 6 igloos on this roof terrace. Each can guest 6 to 10 people for a drink or a meal while checking out a stunning view of Prague. The igloos are available for bookings or walk-ins, but it’s better if you book to get a cozy spot with 360-degree views of the city. Don’t lose time and get family or friends together. If you make a booking through their website or by email saying you come from Prague Morning, for a group of between 6 and 8 people, you will have a spot in one of these fantastic igloos and receive a 20% discount on your bill. At Duplex you will find a restaurant that delivers excellent food throughout...
Prague is one of the most up and coming holiday destinations at the moment. People of all ages are beginning to recognise the many attractions that the Czech Republic capital has to offer. If the closest you’ve ever got to visit this amazing part of the world is one of the online betting sites in Czech Republic, it’s time to think about planning your first trip. While the cultural sights are among the top things to see when tourists arrive in Prague, another major draw of this party city is its many pubs and bars. With food and drink being so affordable here, it isn’t too surprising that visitors from all over the world flock here to experience the city’s nightlife. For those who enjoy nothing more than sitting back and relaxing with a drink, there’s no shortage of bars in the Czech capital, however, some of the most popular are those which show live sports. For any sports fan, there’s nothing better than hanging out in a sports bar, enjoying the atmosphere of the energetic crowd while you watch your favourite sports on the big screen. Whatever type of sports you love, here are five of the top spots...
Representatives of the Czech coalition government agreed on Wednesday to raise the country’s minimum wage by CZK 1,250 to CZK 14,600 per month as of next January, according to local media reports. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis later confirmed the agreement, calling it a “good compromise,” according to Czech TV. The minimum wage, which currently stands at CZK 13,350, was last increased in January this year. Trade unions demanded for the minimum wage to be increased by CZK 1,640 while employers suggested an increase of CZK 700. The negotiations resulted in a pragmatic settlement which should see a modest minimum wage increase of 1,250 crowns per month. The formal text of the new regulation will be prepared by the Ministry of Labor and then be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. With a minimum wage of CZK 12,200 in 2018 and CZK 11,000 the previous year, the Czech Republic has been among the EU countries with the lowest minimum monthly wage. Labour Minister Maláčová has been pushing for an automatic year-on-year increase in minimum wages.
Exactly 30 years ago, on November 27th, 1989, the work in Czechoslovakia stopped for two hours. Between 12 pm and 2 pm, offices, businesses, and factories began a general strike throughout the country. Where they could not interrupt operations, they expressed at least manifestly solidarity by wearing the tricolor national colours on their clothes. The strike was attended by 75 percent of the citizens. “My name is Josef Judas, and I am from a youth team. I want to tell the whole country that Ostrava’s mining and steel are with the nation,” said on November 27th, 1989. That day, not only the miners in Ostrava protested. Afternoon the strikers filled squares all over the country. “Wenceslas Square, at ten past twelve. It’s hard to guess how many people congregated today. Even at this time, more crowds are flowing here, and the adjoining streets are filled. There is a human river from the statue of St. Wenceslas. Everyone came to support the basic demands of students and the Civic Forum,” said Jany Havligerové and Stanislava Bendy on November 27th, 1989, reporting for Czechoslovak Radios. There were 300 thousand protesters on Wenceslas Square. “I’ve been looking forward to what’s happening here all...
During the busy times of our everyday lives we tend to forget about all the things we have. During the holiday season, it is the perfect time to reflect how lucky we are and be grateful for the things we have. On December 20th, it will be time to give back a little during the Dutch Pub Christmas Charity Event. We will be holding a Christmas party for a good cause. All the money from the entrance will be donated to the great organization of Smiling Crocodile. Smiling Crocodile offers children with complex needs the opportunity for a full-time special education program. They provide an extensive integration/inclusion program and believe strongly that our students can do everything that their able-bodied peers can do. Students attending Smiling Crocodile have complex needs including single or multiple sensory impairments in a combination with learning difficulties, communication disorders, severe health conditions, have rare syndromes or progressive diagnostics. Tickets for this event are now available at GoOut.cz Event details: Menu to choose from: Burger XL incl. chips Rib Eye steak, incl. sidedish by wish Chicken supreme incl. sidedish by wish Cesar salad with chicken Spear rips not meat option – mixed lettuce salad with grilled...
The Czech Republic’s top intelligence agency warned that China increased its efforts to recruit agents and destabilize state institutions last year as it and Russia continued to threaten the nation’s security, the counterintelligence agency said Tuesday in a report for 2018. The countries’ activities were connected to politics, diplomacy, espionage, economy and information warfare, the Czech counterintelligence agency BIS said. It said Russia’s foreign, military and domestic intelligence agencies — the SVR, GRU and FSB — were all active in the Czech Republic last year. “The key Russian goal is to manipulate decision-making processes and the individuals responsible for the decision-making in order to force the counterparty to conduct activities to weaken itself,” BIS said. Russia’s hybrid operations against perceived NATO and EU enemies — “not elements of intelligence or para-intelligence activities” — posed the main threat to the Czech Republic, the agency said in the 2018 report. It added that Russia’s intelligence and non-intelligence entities can swap roles and functions, allowing any authority or agency to perform intelligence operations. Russia has previously denied assertions that it operates a spy network in the Czech Republic. BIS also highlighted the role of Czech activists across a wide ideological range who — “whether...
Winter in Prague is probably not your favorite season, but it has some charm for sure. Snowy days and temperature balancing 0 should not stop you to go out and enjoy outdoor activities even in an urban city. Are you looking for a fun activity instead of sitting on the couch in front of the tv? Try ice skating! Ice skating has a tradition in the Czech Republic and nowadays it’s a very popular social outdoor activity between locals. Doesn’t matter if you do it just for fun with your friends or you list ice skating as your workout activity, you will surely benefit from it. One of the biggest advantages of ice skating is improving your poster, balance, and coordination by engaging your muscles. Actually, by skating you work out almost every muscle in your body and burning approximately around 350 calories in one hour, and by the end of it, you probably forget you worked out. As a bonus, you’ll get some fresh air into your lungs and clear your head from everyday stress. You can find many open-air ice rinks around Prague located also in attractive locations for tourists. If you prefer skating under the roof you may have a...
Would you like to spend a lovely afternoon on a boat by the riverside? Then, Imago Mundi is the place for you.
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
