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Charita Czech Republic Announces Collection in Aid of Civilians in Gaza

Charita Czech Republic is extending a helping hand to the civilians in the Gaza Strip through a fundraising initiative. This charitable effort aims to provide essential humanitarian aid and vital medical supplies to the more than two million Palestinians who find themselves trapped in a war-torn territory, devoid of any means of escape. The situation in Gaza, where constant bombings persist, has left its residents, especially the children, struggling to meet even their most fundamental needs. Basic necessities such as clean drinking water, food, medicine, fuel, and electricity are alarmingly scarce. In response to this humanitarian crisis, Charita CR has taken a proactive stance, initiating a collection campaign to gather funds for the relief of the distressed Gazan population. By contributing to this cause, individuals and organizations alike can play a pivotal role in providing much-needed relief to the affected population. To contribute to this vital mission, you can transfer your donations to the designated account: 55660022/0800. Together, we can bring comfort and assistance to the innocent civilians caught in the midst of this crisis, helping them rebuild their lives and restore their dignity.

by Prague Morning Oct 29, 2023

Austria Offers Free Public Transport for a Year – If You Get a Tattoo

The promotion has been criticised for using young people’s bodies to advertise political policies. Austria is offering free public transport for a year to people willing to get a tattoo reading ‘Klimaticket’ – the name of the country-wide public transport scheme. Leonore Gewesseler, Green MP and Austria’s climate minister, was seen promoting the deal at the Frequency Festival in the town of St Pölten last Thursday. She sported her own temporary tattoo which read “Gewessler takes the lead”, insisting that the promotion was unproblematic. But, the tattoo for public transport ticket scheme has attracted criticism from other Austrian MPs and social media users. How does the tattoo for ticket scheme work? A pop-up tattoo parlour with a banner reading “Aktion geht unter die Haut” (Action that gets under your skin) has appeared at a number of events this summer. Festivalgoers were invited to get ‘Klimaticket’ (climate ticket) tattooed on them in return for free, Austria-wide train travel for a year. Those behind the campaign say that six people, three at each festival so far this summer, have got a tattoo and received the free ticket. This annual ticket can be used on almost all public transport in Austria, allowing people to travel throughout...

by Prague Morning Aug 28, 2023

Czech Company Says Russia Obtained its Drone Components via Third Parties

The Czech company AXI Model Motors stated on Aug. 3 that it has “never supplied its products to the military,” after a Ukrainian soldier found a component it had manufactured inside a Russian drone. The soldier shared photos on Aug. 2 of the Russian Lancet drone, that he said had been downed near Bakhmut. The words “Made in the Czech Republic” and the AXI Model Motors logo are visible on the motor. The Lancet drone is a type of UAV regularly used by the Russian military for both reconnaissance and strikes. In response, Model Motors stated that its “products have been misused by a third party in abroad for sale into some of the types of weapons he uses Russian army,” and that steps have been taken to ensure this can no longer happen. The component in question is no longer manufactured, the company clarified. AXI Model Motors added that “our company fully supports Ukraine in its struggle for freedom.” Deník N reported on Aug. 3 that the Czech authorities have been aware of instances of Czech-made engines being found inside Russian drones for over a year. The intelligence services visited the owners of Model Motors at the start of the full-scale invasion and...

by Prague Morning Aug 04, 2023

Drunk Czech Tourist Falls from Rimini Hotel Balcony

A 48-year-old Czech tourist fell seven metres from a Rimini hotel balcony after drinking too much Friday night, hospital sources said Saturday. The woman, who has not been named, suffered serious injuries and was rushed to hospital. According to an initial reconstruction, she drank heavily at watering holes in the iconic Romagna resort before continuing to imbibe in her hotel room, leaning too far out of the window, and falling onto the pavement beneath. The Newsrimini news website reported that the accident happened at around 3.30 pm on Friday and that carabinieri were on the scene to determine the cause of the accident. Giornale di Brescia reports that the woman was in her 60s and was in town with several relatives, including her husband. The accident took place in a hotel on Via Catania in Miramare. The place was quite busy at the time. According to this source, the woman’s condition is critical.

by Prague Morning Jul 29, 2023

“Czechia is Closely Monitoring Russia Situation,” Said Minister of Foreign Affairs

The minister of foreign affairs, Jan Lipavský, says Czechia is closely monitoring the situation in Russia. In view of the continuing invasion of Ukraine and the possible threat of deterioration in the security situation in Russia itself, he said on Saturday that a warning against travelling to the country remained in place. President Putin said in a TV address that an uprising by the Wagner mercenary army would be punished. What did Prigozhin do? The dramatic turn of events began on Friday when Prigozhin openly accused Russia’s military of attacking a Wagner camp and killing a “huge amount” of his men. He vowed to retaliate with force, insinuating that his forces would “destroy” any resistance, including roadblocks and aircraft. “There are 25,000 of us and we are going to find out why there is such chaos in the country,” he said. Prigozhin later rowed back on his threat, saying his criticism of the Russian military leadership was a “march of justice” and not a coup – but by that point he appears to have already crossed a line with the Kremlin. The crisis then deepened as Prigozhin declared his fighters had entered Russia’s Rostov region and occupied key military installations...

by Prague Morning Jun 24, 2023

The Czech Company Fooling the Russian Army with Inflatable Tanks

Inflatech, owned by a Russian businessman who lives in the Czech Republic, produces inflatable fake tanks and rocket launchers. These decoys are extremely useful for Ukrainian forces exposed to their adversary’s bombardments. Two seamstresses are busy at their sewing machine joining together shapeless grey-green nylon strips. It’s hard to imagine that, once sewn together, these pieces of fabric will form the frame of a fake but very realistic SA-8, a Russian anti-aircraft vehicle. Able to be inflated in just a few minutes, this full-size copy can be used as a target for training Western forces, but also as a decoy to fool enemy artillery. It’s a vital device for the Ukrainian army in the face of Russian bombardment. Production takes place in the Czech Republic, in a small factory belonging to the company Inflatech, located in Decin, a town on the German border in the northwest of the Central European country. While the factory manager, Victor Talanov, refused to confirm that he works for the Ukrainian army, he admitted with a touch of black humor, “Putin has done good marketing for us, we doubled our sales in 2022.” ‘Highly skilled seamstresses’ With its brand-new production unit set up behind the...

by Prague Morning Jun 05, 2023

Paris Becomes First City in the World to Ban E-Scooters

Parisians have voted to ban rental electric scooters in their city, dealing a blow to scooter operators and a triumph for road safety campaigners. Almost 90% of votes cast on Sunday favoured a ban the battery-powered devices, official results showed. But under 8% of those eligible turned out to vote. The referendum was called in response to a rising number of people being injured and killed on e-scooters in the French capital. Of the 1.38 million people on the city’s electoral register, just over 103,000 took part, according to offical figures. Of these, over 91,300 voted against the scooters. Paris was one of the first cities to adopt the electric vehicles – but critics argue they were causing more harm than good. There was growing concern with the way some people were driving the scooters – weaving through traffic, dodging pedestrians on pavements, and getting up to speeds of 17mph (27km/h). Riders often did not wear helmets and children as young as 12 could legally hire the e-scooters. There was also criticism that groups of parked e-scooters were cluttering pavements. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo called the referendum, where voters could say if they were for or against free-floating e-scooters. Privately-owned vehicles...

by Prague Morning Apr 03, 2023

German Brewery Creates World’s First Powdered Beer

East Germany-based Klosterbrauerei Neuzelle is developing the world’s first powdered beer – turning water into lager in a mere matter of moments. While it might take some getting used to even for those of us who whip up an instant hot chocolate or knock back an effervescent in the morning, the German brewer believes its new invention could be ready to bring to market by the end of this year. Klosterbrauerei Neuzelle hopes that the beer powder could be a turning point for the carbon footprint of beer exports – eschewing bottles and crates in favour of the much lighter powder packets. “We have calculated that, if we now relate this to Germany, we can save about 3 to 5 percent of the CO2 emissions for Germany alone,” said the brewer’s general manager Stefan Fritsche. “And if you look at it globally, that would be about half a percent of CO2 emissions worldwide that we could reduce.” At the moment, the beer is an alcohol free one, but there are plans to develop a whole range of powdered beers, with Fritsche bullish about the possibilities. “We want to make virtually everything in powder form,” he said. “We want the complete...

by Prague Morning Mar 29, 2023

Czechs Raise Two Million Crowns for Rocket Launcher in Record-short Time

Czech crowdfunding initiative Gift for Putin (Dárek pro Putina) started a campaign to collect money for a mobile rocket launcher and 365 rockets to help Ukraine prepare for the spring counteroffensive. The campaign has already collected CZK 2 million in donations just hours after its start. “You sent CZK 2 million in four hours from the start of the collection for Přemysl. No previous collection had such a massive start. Thank you very much. Every koruna helps kick those murderous scoundrels in the backside,” the fundraising organizers said on Twitter. The money is newly being collected by the Gift for Putin group, which will pass it to the Ukrainian embassy after the whole required sum is collected. In the past, a tank and an air defence system were bought within the Gift for Putin campaign launched by entrepreneur Dalibor Dedek last May and held under the aegis of the Defence Ministry. Za 4 hodiny od spuštění sbírky na Přemysla (raketomet RM-70) jste poslali 2 000 000 korun.😍 Žádná předchozí sbírka neměla takhle masivní začátek… 👏Moc děkujeme. 🫡 Každá koruna pomáhá, těm …… lůmpům vrahounskejm nakopat ….. pozadí. 🇨🇿❤️🇺🇦 https://t.co/RyCyPqJczC pic.twitter.com/HAqtj32hmB — Dárek pro Putina (@DarPutinovi) February 20, 2023 According to...

by Prague Morning Feb 21, 2023

Czech Republic to Send Rescue Team to Help Turkey After Quakes

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake follows devastating 7.8 earthquakes in southeast Turkey, also causing damage in northern Syria. At least 1,014 deaths were reported in Turkey, while 582 people died in Syria. Czech Republic is to send a team of people to Turkey as part of international efforts after a massive earthquake hit the country, killing hundreds and wreaking massive devastation. The 68-strong specially trained rescue team includes sniffer dogs, a structural engeneer and a doctor. The Urban Search and Rescue Team is made up of firefighters from Prague and Moravia-Silesia. It has helped abroad on previous occasions, for example, in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2020 after an explosion in the port that killed two hundred people and injured 6,000 others. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the first earthquake killed 912 and wounded 5,385 people in Turkey alone, describing the event as the “biggest disaster” since the 1939 Erzincan earthquake, according to Turkish state-owned news agency Anadolu. Around 2,818 buildings were toppled, the head of state added. The EU said it is also ready to offer support to Syria through its humanitarian assistance programs. Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended condolences and an offer of assistance to Ankara and Damascus, Moscow’s state news...

by Prague Morning Feb 06, 2023

Dakar Rally: Czech Loprais Drops Out After Involvement in Fatal Accident

Organisers of the Dakar Rally announced on Tuesday that a spectator died during the ninth stage of the event. The classification leader in the trucks, Ales Loprais, has dropped out of the Rally following the fatal accident. The Czech was involved in the incident. In a statement on Facebook, Loprais reveals that he will no longer participate in the 2022 Dakar Rally. The driver himself had not noticed anything about the incident with the spectator and continued his way. On Tuesday evening, he was informed by the stewards. Dakar leader leaves rally after fatal accident The incident took place in the dunes. Loprais’ truck drove over a dune, which the spectator was hidden behind to take photos. As a result, the Czech did not see the man. In his statement, the Dakar driver says the spectator was still able to get up after the collision, but became unwell a few hours later and was taken to hospital. The 69-year-old man eventually died of a heart attack during the ambulance drive. “I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family and friends. I am very sorry, and this accident will be with me for the rest of my life”, Loprais says in the...

by Prague Morning Jan 11, 2023

‘Extreme event’: Warm January Weather Breaks Records Across Europe

Weather records have been falling across Europe at a disconcerting rate in the last few days, say meteorologists. The warmest January day ever was recorded in at least eight European countries including Poland, Denmark, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Belarus, Lithuania and Latvia, according to data collated by Maximiliano Herrera, a climatologist who tracks extreme temperatures. In Korbielów, Poland, the mercury hit 19C – a temperature the Silesian village is more used to in May, and 18C above the 1C annual average for January. In Javorník in the Czech Republic, it was 19.6C, compared with an average of 3C for this time of year. Temperatures in Vysokaje, Belarus, would normally hover around zero at this time of year. On Sunday they reached 16.4C, beating the country’s previous record January high by 4.5C. “Elsewhere on the continent, local records were broken at thousands of individual measuring stations, with nearly 950 toppled in Germany alone from 31 December to 2 January”, Herrera said. Northern Spain and the south of France basked in beach weather, with 24.9C in Bilbao, its hottest-ever January day, and records broken at stations in Cantabria, Asturias and the Basque region. Only Norway, Britain, Ireland, Italy and the south-east Mediterranean posted no records....

by Prague Morning Jan 03, 2023

Zelensky Named Time Magazine ‘Person of the Year’

The magazine annually hands out the title to someone who has “affected the news or our lives the most, for better, or worse”. President Volodymyr Zelensky and “the spirit of Ukraine” has been named Time magazine’s 2022 Person of the Year. The annual award by the US magazine’s editors is given to someone who is felt to have had the most global influence during the last 12 months. The magazine has previously said their Person of the Year is someone “who affected the news or our lives the most, for better, or worse”. Mr. Zelensky has led his country through the war with Russia following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February. Despite international appeals for the 44-year-old and his family to be evacuated to a safe location during the opening days of the invasion, Mr Zelenskyy stayed in Kyiv with his defence forces. He said he was “not hiding” and “not afraid of anyone” as he led his nation’s response. Zelensky was born in 1978 in Russian-speaking Kryvyi Rih, a southeastern region of what was then known as the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. He was 12 when the Soviet Union dissolved and Ukraine gained its independence. The former comedian and...

by Prague Morning Dec 07, 2022

Replica of Prague’s Iconic Lennon Wall Arrives in Paris

A uniting wall. Visited by millions of curious people every year in Prague, the Lennon Wall arrived in Paris today. On Thursday, October 20, and Friday 21, 2022, the Lennon Wall comes to the Pantheon, in Paris 5th arrondissement. As part of the Czech Presidency of the EU Council, 27 artists from the European Union (including French Anaëlle Bouard) and two special guests from Ukraine (Viktoriia Savchuk) and Norway (Pippip Ferner) have been invited to create a mural themed on liberty and energy on the famous Lennon Wall in Prague. After a day’s work, the 29 artists created a large work of art of 35 x 5 meters. Once the artists concluded their work on the Lennon Wall in Prague, it was photographed and printed on an inflatable wall of the same size (35 x 5 metres). The replica was earlier unveiled in front of the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg, and is now on display –for two days – at the Place du Panthéon, in Paris. Pavel Štastný says he added a special feature: The project is also meant to highlight the EU motto “United in Diversity”. Behind this cultural project titled “Wall of Freedom and Energy / Lennon Wall Prague” stands Czech artist Pavel Šťastný. “This...

by Prague Morning Oct 21, 2022

Czech-Born Ivana Trump Dies at 73

Ivana Trump, Donald Trump’s first wife and the mother of three of his children, has died aged 73. “She was a wonderful, beautiful, and amazing woman, who led a great and inspirational life,” Mr. Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social. Ivana Trump, who was born in Gottwaldov, now Zlín, married the former president in 1977. They divorced 15 years later in 1992. They had three children together – Donald Jr, Ivanka and Eric Trump. Police believe the cause of death may be accidental, according to the Associated Press. Sources told the news agency Ms. Trump was found unconscious near a staircase at her New York City home, and it is believed she may have fallen. Donald and Ivana Trump were notable public figures in New York in the 1980s and 1990s, and their split was the subject of intense public interest. After their separation, she went on to launch her own lines of beauty products, clothing and jewellery. While living in Canada in the 1970s, she worked as a ski instructor and model. On a work trip to New York City in 1976, she met Mr. Trump while with a group of models. They were married the...

by Prague Morning Jul 15, 2022

Foreign Ministry Confirms Two Czechs Died in Avalanche in Italian Dolomites

The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that Sunday’s ice avalanche in the Italian Alps resulted in the death of two Czech citizens. The two individuals were touring the mountain region together, the Czech News Agency reports. Rescue teams in the Italian Alps said Tuesday they found eight survivors who had been missing since a glacial avalanche killed at least seven people on Sunday. The avalanche happened on the Marmolada ridge, the highest peak in the Dolomites, standing more than 3,300 meters. “When we arrived, we saw a disaster. We realized the dimensions of this enormous avalanche,” said Stefano Coter, head of the local alpine rescue team and one of the first people to reach the scene. “We found injured people in need of help and other people who were dead,” he added. Nicola Casagli, a geologist and avalanche expert at Florence University, told CBS News that the effects of a glacial avalanche were more devastating than a snow avalanche. “These types of events, which are ice and debris avalanches, are impulsive, rapid, unpredictable phenomena, reaching very high speeds and involving large masses,” he said. “And there is no chance of getting to safety or perceiving the problem...

by Prague Morning Jul 05, 2022

EU Improves Mobile Roaming Rules for Consumers

Five years after the introduction of its free roaming directive, the European Commission has upgraded its roaming rules based on the number of complaints received since the directive came into effect. Starting July 1, the new, improved roaming regulations will come into force in the EU. This will extend and improve the system for another 10 years, until 2032, thanks to which travelers in the EU and the European Economic Area can call, send text messages, and use their mobile data without incurring extra charges. An important element of the new rules is that consumers will have the right to the same quality mobile internet abroad as at home. Mobile service companies must ensure that consumers have access to 4G or more advanced 5G networks, if available. There is a special provision for the prevention of unexpected hidden fees. This is because when consumers travel by plane or ship, mobile phones can automatically connect to the onboard network-provided satellites. And the use of mobile connection services provided by non-terrestrial networks can result in very high surcharges. The new roaming rules oblige service providers to protect their customers and notify them when their phones switch to a non-landline network. In addition, operators must automatically...

by Prague Morning Jul 05, 2022

One Czech Tourist Killed in Avalanche in Italian Dolomites

Authorities say another eight hikers were injured following a fall of ice, snow and rock on popular trail in the Dolomites. At least six people, including a Czech tourist, have died after a large chunk of alpine glacier broke loose and slid down a mountainside in Italy. Gianpaolo Bottacin, a local civil protection official, said the situation was “evolving” and that there could be perhaps 15 people missing. Among the missing, there are certainly Italians, Germans, Czechs, and Romanians. In the late evening, the National Alpine and Cave Rescue Corps tweeted a phone number to call for family or friends in case of “failure to return from possible excursions” to the glacier. Rescuers were checking number plates in the car park as part of checks to determine how many people might be unaccounted for, a process that could take hours, said Walter Milan, a spokesman for the Corps. It had earlier tweeted that the ongoing search of the peak involved rescue dogs and at least five helicopters, but the operation was paused on Sunday night amid fears that more of the glacier could come away. The rescue corps had said the hikers were “hit by the detachment of the serac”,...

by Prague Morning Jul 04, 2022

Czech Citizen Killed Fighting in Ukraine

A Czech citizen has died in Ukraine, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said on Saturday, confirming media reports about the first casualty among Czech volunteers fighting in the country. “I can confirm that a Czech citizen has died in the Donetsk region of Ukraine,” Lipavsky told reporters. “The body should be transported to Kharkiv region tomorrow.” More than a hundred Czechs have joined the Ukrainian armed forces, with the consent of Czech authorities, to help in Ukraine’s defence against the invasion launched by Russia on February 24. Czech Republic, Poland Set New Rounds Of Military Aid To Ukraine Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova said that Prague intends to soon send Kyiv armaments worth $26 million to $30 million. “It’s crucial that the aid is steady,” she said, adding that the country has sent more than $150 million in military aid supplies since the start of Russia’s invasion on February 24. Cernochova did not provide details on the type or extent of the military aid for security reasons but said heavy weaponry would be included. Czech media have reported that T-72 tanks, BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, Dana howitzers, and potentially Soviet-made combat helicopters would be among the supplies provided. Meanwhile, Poland...

by Prague Morning Jun 11, 2022

A Dead Czech Volunteer Fighter Discovered in Mass Grave Near Kyiv

The 49-year-old Czech citizen worked in Ukraine as a truck driver before the war, but after the outbreak of fighting, he came to help as a volunteer fighter. The body of a Czech volunteer fighter was discovered in one of the mass graves near Kyiv along with three other victims, with documentation confirming the Czech victim’s identity, according to the newspaper Ukrayinska Pravda. The grave was located at the side of the road near Makariv, which was temporarily under Russian control. A fragment from an F-1 grenade, which was left there by Russian soldiers, was also discovered near the grave. “Two people were killed in the head, one man in the stomach. Documents of one of the victims, a citizen of the Czech Republic, were found at the burial site. The data matches,” said the Kyiv region police chief, Andrij Nebytov. The Czech foreign ministry also confirmed the information. The Ukrayinska Pravda newspaper, referring to the police, wrote that a 49-year-old Czech citizen worked in Ukraine as a truck driver before the war. After the outbreak of fighting, he came to help as a volunteer fighter. He stopped communicating with his family on Mar. 3. He had a wife and a brother at...

by Prague Morning May 17, 2022

Madeleine Albright, First Female US Secretary of State, Dies

Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who was a native Czech, has died of cancer at the age of 84. Albright was a central figure in President Bill Clinton’s administration, first serving as US ambassador to the United Nations before becoming the nation’s top diplomat in his second term. She championed the expansion of NATO, pushed for the alliance to intervene in the Balkans to stop genocide and ethnic cleansing, sought to reduce the spread of nuclear weapons, and championed human rights and democracy across the globe. She was a face of US foreign policy in the decade between the end of the Cold War and the war on terror triggered by the September 11, 2001, attacks, an era heralded by President George H.W. Bush as a “new world order.” The US, particularly in Iraq and the Balkans, built international coalitions and occasionally intervened militarily to roll back autocratic regimes, and Albright — a self-identified “pragmatic idealist” who coined the term “assertive multilateralism” to describe the Clinton administration’s foreign policy — drew from her experience growing up in a family that fled the Nazis and communists in mid-20th century Europe to shape her worldview. She saw the US as the “indispensable nation” when it...

by Prague Morning Mar 23, 2022

Czech Crowdfunding Campaign Raises CZK 670 Million for Weapons for Ukraine

A crowdfunding campaign aiming to raise money for weapons for Ukraine has raised over CZK 670 million from more than 100,000 supporters since it was launched last month, according to the Czech Ministry of Defense. The campaign is coordinated by the Czech government with the money going to the Embassy of Ukraine in Prague. The proceeds are being used to buy weapons and other military supplies that Ukraine needs to defend itself from the Russian invasion, according to a statement from the Czech Ministry of Defence. The Czech government said it has made available CZK 413 million worth of military supplies that can be purchased with the money from the crowdfunding campaign. “Arms, military equipment and ammunitions urgently needed by the Ukrainian military and the Territorial Defense Force to fill depleted stockpiles are part of the offer,” the ministry said. “Heavy military systems and ammunitions of ‘Eastern’ design are under consideration for delivery to Ukraine as well. The Ministry of Defence has already sent about CZK 750 million worth of military aid to Ukraine, which is resisting Russian aggression, including ammunition, machine guns and anti-aircraft missiles. Czech legislators are also finalizing a bill to give Ukraine refugees 5,000 Czech crowns a...

by Prague Morning Mar 17, 2022

Czech Republic Ready to Send 400 Troops to Boost NATO’s Eastern Flank

The Czech Republic could contribute 400 troops to a battlegroup in neighbouring Slovakia as part of NATO’s plans to bolster its eastern flank, Defence Minister Jana Černochová said on Thursday. NATO has sought to strengthen its presence in eastern countries of the military alliance in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which borders Slovakia and other central European nations like Hungary, Romania and Poland. The new battlegroup would include troops from those countries along with Bulgaria, Černochová said. The Czechs would send personnel for posts in command and connection, logistics, policing and a mechanised unit, she said. The mission still needs to be approved by the Czech government and Parliament. The Czech Republic, like others, has backed Ukraine and has provided military aid for the country’s forces. On Thursday, the government approved an additional shipment of light weapons and ammunition worth 17 million crowns. The country has already sent Ukraine weapons to the tune of 650 million crowns. Slovakia’s defence minister said last Saturday that the country could host a battlegroup being formed that would include 1,200 foreign troops and a Patriot missile defence system manned by German and Dutch personnel. Yesterday, Prime Minister Petr Fiala and President Miloš...

by Prague Morning Mar 04, 2022

Czechs to Give Impunity to Nationals Fighting for Ukraine

Czech nationals will have the chance to join Ukraine’s defence forces to battle Russia’s invasion without fear of punishment at home, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Thursday. Under Czech law, it is illegal to join foreign armed forces without an exemption from the president who is the commander-in-chief of the Czech army. Violations are punishable by up to five years in prison. CTK news agency reported this week at least 300 people had sought an exemption to answer Ukraine’s call for foreign volunteers to fight Russia’s invasion. Fiala said after talks with President Milos Zeman on Thursday they had agreed to guarantee impunity for people who join Ukraine forces, rather than sort through individual requests. The Czech Republic has been a NATO member since 1999. The invasion of Ukraine, the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two, has caused unease in the former Soviet-era satellite states in central Europe, many of which border Ukraine and have seen an influx of refugees. It has also prompted growing interest in joining domestic armies. The Czech defence ministry has reported a several-fold increase in the number of potential army recruits. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ...

by Kathy Zabinski Mar 03, 2022

Best Czech Breweries and Beer Brands 2021

Staropramen Suspend Exports to Russia

Staropramen has suspended the export of its brands to Russia. “In connection with the war in Ukraine, we are suspending the export of our brands to Russia. Protecting our people is our top priority, especially at a time like this. We provide support to our employees of Ukrainian nationality who live in the Czech Republic,” said Denisa Mylbachrová, communication manager and spokesperson of Pivovary Staropramen. “We try to help their family members who come, for example, by providing accommodation. We have also set up a collection for Člověk v tísni (People in Need), to which our colleagues contribute alongside our company,” she adds. Yesterday, Wednesday 2nd, other two large breweries in the Czech Republic, Budějovický Budvar and Plzeňský Prazdroj, have stopped accepting applications to supply their products to Russia. “In the current crisis and extremely uncertain situation, we have suspended all production and supplies intended for the Russian market. We consider commercial issues as secondary. First of all, we need to think about providing accommodation to Ukrainian refugees,” said the representative of the state company Budějovický Budvar Barbora Blahova. “We have decided not to accept orders for our products from Russia, which was one of the export markets for Pilsner...

by Prague Morning Mar 03, 2022

Volunteers Launched Website to Help Refugees Arriving in Europe

A new website providing information for the Ukrainian people and refugees arriving in Europe has been launched. @UnitedForUkraine is an initiative by the Ukrainian community living abroad and friends willing to help. UnitedForUkraine.org website is still in development and will continue growing, but they have started collating some essential information: 1) Shelter and accommodation assistance 2) Legal assistance 3) Emergency contacts 4) Refugee support centers 5) Refugee support resources 6) Donations You can get in touch ([email protected]) if you are willing to offer: 1. Contacts – Provide details of any organisations you know that are willing to take in refugees, organize transport, provide any other support services. 2. Shelter – Tell us if you can offer shelter anywhere in Europe to Ukrainians who are fleeing the country. 3. Volunteering – Tell us if you are willing to invest your time. 4. Legal – Tell us if you are a lawyer and are willing to provide any legal support that may be required by Ukrainians arriving in Europe. 5. Engagement – Write to your MPs to push for sanctions and support for Ukraine. Join your local demonstrations – if your town is not holding a demonstration, consider organizing one. UnitedForUkraine is...

by Prague Morning Feb 28, 2022

President Zeman: Invasion of Ukraine “Crime Against Peace”

Czech President Miloš Zeman, who had in the past promoted warm relations with Moscow, said on Thursday Russia’s attack on Ukraine was a “crime against peace” and required a response through harsh sanctions including cutting the country from the SWIFT international payments system. “It is time to reach for much tougher sanctions than those originally planned, by which I mean above all a sanction in the area of the so-called SWIFT,” Zeman said in a speech. “It is needed to isolate a madman, not just defend against him by words, but by concrete measures.” Zeman also expressed support for Ukraine and its people. He recalled that he and Prime Minister Petr Fiala will attend the NATO summit on Friday. “I believe that the situation will calm down, not by a cowardly compromise, but by a decisive response against the aggressor,” he added. Přečtěte si přepis projevu prezidenta republiky 🇨🇿 Miloše Zemana k občanům České republiky: https://t.co/NwsozAzVLM pic.twitter.com/m2L6FRGd6g — Jiří Ovčáček (@PREZIDENTmluvci) February 24, 2022 Latest People gathered on Prague’s Wenceslas Square and at the Russian Embassy in the city on Thursday to express their support for Ukraine following the Russian attack. A large gathering is organized for 5 o’clock in...

by Prague Morning Feb 24, 2022

How to Support the People of Ukraine as Russia Declares War

The people of Ukraine have been plunged into war as Russia invaded the country in the early hours of Thursday morning, with explosions heard in the capital and other major cities. The military operation has triggered an international outcry and many world leaders have condemned Russian president Vladimir Putin for launching an “unprovoked and unjustifiable” attack on Ukraine. Czech non-profit organizations are announcing new collections or strengthening already functioning aid for Ukraine. These are charities you can donate to in support of the people of Ukraine: SOS Ukraine Organized by People in Need. Collection account: 0093209320/0300 Here you can find a quick link to the collection, where you can contribute online. Charity for Ukraine Organized by Caritas Czech Republic. Collection account 55660022/0800, variable symbol 104 Donor SMS to number 87 777: DMS CHARITASVET 30, DMS CHARITASVET 60 or DMS CHARITASVET 90 More information about the collection on the Caritas CR website. Help Ukraine with the Memory of the Nation Organizes the Post Bellum Memory of the Nation collection. A link to the online portal to the collection, where you can conveniently contribute, here. People in Need People in Need (Člověk v tísni) has already released CZK 1 million from the Club of Friends of...

by Prague Morning Feb 24, 2022

Czech Foreign Ministry Condemns Russian Invasion. “Unacceptable and Against International Law”

Russian forces have unleashed an attack of Ukraine on the orders of Vladimir Putin, who announced a “special military operation” at dawn, amid warnings from world leaders that it could spark the biggest war in Europe since 1945. Within minutes of Putin’s short televised address, at about 5 am Ukrainian time, explosions were heard near major Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv. The scope of the Russian attack appears to be massive. Ukraine’s interior ministry reported that the country was under attack from cruise and ballistic missiles, with Russia appearing to target infrastructure near major cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mariupol and Dnipro. I strongly condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin’s decision to launch a completely unprovoked attack is unacceptable and in contradiction to international law. Together with Allies, we will respond to this barbaric act of aggression,” tweeted the Czech Foreign Ministry. I strongly condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin’s decision to launch a completely unprovoked attack is unacceptable and in contradiction to international law. Together with Allies, we will respond to this barbaric act of aggression. — Jan Lipavský (@JanLipavsky) February 24, 2022 Explosions from artillery rockets lit up the night sky as shelling began...

by Prague Morning Feb 24, 2022

The Czech Republic Will Provide CZK 10 Million in Aid to Ukraine

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavský said on Sunday that according to available information, Russian troops are not withdrawing from the border with Ukraine and the number of troops is increasing to 200,000. The Foreign Ministry is also preparing further medical aid to Ukraine amounting to CZK 10 million. At the same time, Lipavský again called on Czechs not to travel to Ukraine. According to Lipavský, the Ministry is setting up two working groups, one to deal with the assessment of the situation in Ukraine, the other with humanitarian aid. “It will be medical humanitarian aid. We are already finalizing it. When everything is signed and ready, we will inform you about it,” he added. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) also spoke about humanitarian aid on Sunday. “If the situation in Ukraine deteriorates, we will send other CZK 100 million”. “We are committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and will continue to provide Ukraine the support it needs,” he added. In a Sunday interview with Czech Television, Fiala said he still believes a peaceful solution can be found to the Russian build-up on the Ukrainian border. “The whole EU is united in this and that’s new. We...

by Prague Morning Feb 21, 2022

Four-Day Work Week Approved in Belgium

In December 2021, the UAE became the first country in the world to shift to a four-day workweek. Inspired by the move, Belgium has also allowed its employees to work for four days a week, while also giving them the right to disconnect after work hours. Those who want to subscribe to the new work regime will have to work 10 hours a day instead of the usual eight. The pay shall remain unchanged. According to Euronews.com, Belgian prime minister Alexander de Croo told a press conference: “We have experienced two difficult years. With this agreement, we set a beacon for an economy that is more innovative, sustainable, and digital. The aim is to be able to make people and businesses stronger”. The draft reform package agreed by the country’s will means that employees will have the right to request a four-day week and the employer must give solid reasons for refusal. Over a 6 month period, employees will trial the 4 day work week and if they prefer they can return to a five-day week with no negative consequences. The changes won’t be implemented immediately, but are expected to come into effect by the middle of the year. After the UAE and...

by Kathy Zabinski Feb 21, 2022

Czech Archaeologists Discovered Largest Mummification Deposit in Egypt

Czech archaeologists have made another major discovery in Egypt. 370 large vessels and other objects used during the mummification process in the sixth century B.C. have been found in a burial shaft in the Abusir necropolis by a team of Egyptologists from Charles University. The researchers found traces of natron, a substance used to dry the body, and detected residues of resins, oils, and myrrh in the jars. Unused limestone canopic jars, which were used to hold viscera removed from the body during the embalming process, were also recovered. “Interestingly, there were inscriptions on them including the name of the owner,” said team member Jiří Janák. “That’s what helped us identify the person to whom this deposit belonged.” “Among the objects, we found there were other smaller vessels as well as pieces of ashes from a fire that burned somewhere near the place where the person was mummified. We also found remnants of natron, a substance that the Egyptians used to dry the dead body.” Wahibre-mery-Neith, the owner of the tomb, is thought to have been buried in the structure adjacent to the mummification deposit, Janák explained. The team will continue to analyze the contents of the jars in an...

by Prague Morning Feb 19, 2022

Online Grocer Rohlik Expands in Germany

Online grocery delivery business Rohlik Group said on Tuesday it has expanded its German business to the Rhine-Main region including Frankfurt and plans to add Hamburg, Cologne and other cities within two years to become the German market leader. “Aiming for a turnover of 1.2 billion euros in 2024, (Rohlik’s German brand) Knuspr.de is aiming to be number one in the growing e-grocery market in Germany with 30% market share,” the company said in a statement. Rohlik, set up by Czech businessman Tomáš Čupr in 2014, was valued at 1 billion euros in a funding round last year, and had revenue of over 300 million euros in 2020. It has operations in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria and Germany and plans to launch in Romania, Italy and Spain this year. It expanded to Munich under the Knuspr.de brand in August 2021 and now has 40,000 German customers and 3,000 orders per day, it said. About Rohlik Founded in 2014 in the Czech Republic, Rohlik Group is one of Europe’s leading online grocery delivery services. Already active in the Czech Republic (Rohlik.cz), Hungary (Kifli.hu), Austria (Gurkerl.at) and Germany (Knuspr.de) it is launching in Romania, Italy and Spain in 2022 under the Sezamo brand for these...

by Prague Morning Feb 15, 2022

The Czech Republic is Ready to Accept Refugees from Ukraine, Fiala Announced

The Czech Republic is ready for all scenarios that could arise in connection with the tensions in Ukraine. The country is ready to take in refugees if the current situation was to boil over into a conflict, said Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) on Monday. “We must be prepared for the escalation of the conflict and for a possible wave of migration. We have done everything to count on all possible scenarios, including pessimistic ones. However, I believe that the situation will be resolved peacefully,” Fiala said. “We have already supported Ukraine by sending artillery shells. In the near future, we are ready to respond to any requests from the Ukrainian side if the situation will deteriorate,” he clarified. The Slovak government has already prepared three strategic documents. One of these is the so-called migration plan. Although it is currently not public, the Minister of Defence Jaroslav Naď said that all Ukrainians who arrive in the country would receive refugee status. “Protection of the external border of the Schengen area is a common priority for us. If the Slovak side is interested in, the Czech Republic and the Czech police are certainly ready,” Czech Interior Minister Vít Rakušan (STAN, EPP)...

by Prague Morning Feb 15, 2022

Ukraine Tensions: Family Members of Czech Diplomats Left the Country

More than a dozen countries have urged their citizens to leave Ukraine amid warnings from Western powers that an invasion by Russia could be imminent. The US, UK, Germany and the Czech Republic are among those who told their nationals to leave. The last family members of the diplomats at the Czech Embassy in Kiev will leave the town on Sunday afternoon and evening. The embassy will continue to operate with 29 people remaining there. On Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the withdrawal of the diplomat’s family members from the country. The Ministry also recommended Czechs who are in Ukraine to leave the country. Canada is also moving its embassy staff to Lviv, near the border with Poland. Australia, Italy, Israel, the Netherlands and Japan have told their citizens to leave Ukraine. Some have also evacuated diplomatic staff and their families. The Kremlin described the call as taking place amid “peak hysteria” from the US and its allies, and said Mr. Putin had again told his counterpart that they had not addressed Russia’s security concerns. But both leaders would continue to talk, it said. Moscow has amassed an estimated 100,000 troops along Ukraine’s border but denies any intent...

by Sian Bradley Feb 13, 2022

Family of Wild Boars on Tram Line in Bratislava Breaks the Internet

A family of wild boars wandered the streets of Bratislava on Friday, February 4. Several videos sent to the police capture them wandering along the tram line near Nábrežie Armádneho Generála Ludvíka Svobodu Street. “Their walk ended successfully; there were no people injured and no complications in transport reported,” the police wrote on Facebook. Yet, Dana Čahojová, the mayor of the Karlova Ves borough, said state authorities should start paying attention to the overpopulation of wild animals in the municipalities. As she wrote, the employees of the borough met some 50 animals right in the middle of the borough a few days prior, adding they may have been in distress. She stated that wild animals do not belong to the city. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng đá mớibóng đá cúp thế giớitin bóng đá ViệtUEFAbáo bóng đá việt namHuyền thoại bóng đágiải ngoại hạng anhSeagametap chi bong da the gioitin bong da lutrận đấu hôm nayviệt nam bóng đátin nong bong...

by Prague Morning Feb 10, 2022

Czech Minister: Putin Gave Europe ‘Gift’ as Gas Crisis Showed Alternatives Exist

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments to Europe late last year showed Russia could not use gas as great leverage over Europe, and the gas shortfall supported efforts to build more LNG capacity on European shores, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said on Wednesday. Lipavsky told Reuters in an interview that diversion of LNG cargoes to Europe after prices surged late last year amid lower supplies from Russia showed there were alternatives to Russian gas and supported the argument for investing in infrastructure. “I like to say (Russian President) Vladimir Putin gave Europe a great Christmas gift because he showed that we are not dependent on Russian gas,” Lipavsky said. “I am not saying we can only be dependent on LNG, but this is a very good example that Russia cannot afford to use gas as some fundamental economic lever, because if Europe builds sufficient mechanisms, terminals, it will diversify its energy security.” The Czech Republic consumes around 8.7 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year, most of which comes from Russia through Germany. Lipavsky, whose ministry has a special envoy for energy security, said the Czech government aimed to gain access to an LNG terminal in some neighbouring country....

by Prague Morning Feb 10, 2022

Czech Millionaire Investigated for Racing at 417 km/h on German Autobahn

German prosecutors are investigating a Czech millionaire for allegedly driving along an autobahn at up to 417 km/h. Radim Passer is accused of holding an illegal motor race on the A2 motorway between Berlin and Hannover in July 2021. The driver of the Bugatti Chiron vehicle had recorded the incident and posted a clip on YouTube earlier this year, generating widespread criticism in Germany. The 58-year-old millionaire drove “at an inappropriate speed, disregarding traffic rules and in a reckless manner in order to reach the maximum possible speed,” prosecutors said. The man faces a two-year prison sentence or a significant fine if convicted. Passer’s company develops multifunctional houses in Prague, and he is reportedly worth €246 million. The public prosecutor’s office in Stendal, in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, said on Monday that it could charge the millionaire later this week. German Transport Minister Volker Wissing has slammed the driver’s attitude, noting that while Germany has no speed limit, vehicles should always be “under control”. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao...

by Prague Morning Feb 09, 2022

Czech, Austrian, Slovak Foreign Ministers to Jointly Visit Ukraine on Feb 7-8

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and Slovak Foreign Minister Ivan Korčok will together visit Ukraine on February 7-8 on the invitation of their Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba. The first-ever visit by the foreign ministers of the Slavkov or Austerlitz format to Kyiv is to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry’s press service said in a statement. Kuleba and his Czech, Slovak and Austrian counterparts will hold talks with key agenda items such as “further support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression, the implementation of a comprehensive containment package for the Russian Federation, strengthening security cooperation, supporting the economic and financial stability of our state,” it said. The Slavkov format ministers are also planning to visit the zone of Ukraine’s Joint Forces Operation to familiarize themselves with the current situation, Kyiv said. Meanwhile, the US government has again warned that Russia could invade Ukraine at any time. “We are in the window. Any day now, Russia could take military action against Ukraine, or it could be a couple of weeks from now,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told Fox News on Sunday. Two US officials earlier told Reuters that Russia had assembled about...

by Prague Morning Feb 07, 2022

‘We Should Participate in Dispatching Troops to Ukraine,’ Says Czech Foreign Minister

The deployment of new NATO troops in the countries of its eastern wing is in the interests of Czech security and the Czech Republic should participate in it, the country’s foreign minister Jan Lipavský said in Brussels on Thursday. Following talks with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Lipavský assured that NATO remains united in rejecting Russian demands which threaten Czech sovereignty. The Czech government is considering providing further aid to Ukraine after sending artillery ammunition. On Wednesday, the Czech government decided to ship Ukraine 4,000 shells worth about CZK 37 million. Ukraine however has not yet requested the assistance of Czech personnel on its soil. At the NATO headquarters, Lipavský discussed, in particular, the tension between Russia and Ukraine. The West fears that Russia will use 100,000 troops prepared at the Ukrainian border to attack a neighboring state and plans to avert the invasion through negotiations. However, to support its own security, NATO continues to strengthen its military presence on its eastern wing and, according to Thursday’s statement by Slovak foreign minister Ivan Korčok, the organization is considering deployment of its troops to Slovakia. “The creation of such units would be in the interests of the security of Czechia. I believe that our country will...

by Prague Morning Jan 30, 2022

Czech Tourist Thrown Out of Venice for Sunbathing Topless on War Memorial

A Czech tourist was thrown out of Venice after she was caught posing for photos topless on a war memorial. The 30-year-old stripped off last Friday afternoon, dumping her belongings on the monument — which pays homage to Italy’s war heroes — as she went for a swim in the freezing lagoon, and then lay beside the statue of a murdered female partisan to pose for photos. She was banned from Venice for 48 hours and fined 450 eur (11 000 crowns). Local Mario Nason was out walking with his son when he saw the woman and her two companions on the monument, which sits on the waterfront. Dedicated to the women who gave their lives in their fight for freedom under fascism, it consists of a bronze statue of a murdered partisan, half in the water, half on a platform of bronze and concrete. Placed near the gardens of the Biennale, it is one of the relatively few statues dedicated to women in Italy. “It was a beautiful day and we saw two people taking photos. I saw a strange movement and then I saw this woman swimming without a care in the world,” said Nason. “I thought she must...

by Prague Morning Jan 26, 2022

Czech Republic Advises Against Travel to Ukraine

The foreign ministry on Monday advised Czech nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Ukraine.

by Prague Morning Jan 25, 2022

Czech Hockey Player Suspended for 30 Games for Racist Gesture

The American Hockey League (AHL) on Friday suspended San Jose Barracuda forward Kryštof Hrabik for 30 games for directing a racist gesture toward Boko Imama of the Tucson Roadrunners during a game earlier this month. Multiple reports describe Hrabik imitating monkey-like movements in the direction of Imama, who is Black, during a January 12 game in San Jose, California. “The AHL believes that individual inclusion learning is a key element of improving league-wide culture,” said the league in a statement. “As such, as part of his suspension, Hrabik will be provided the opportunity to work with the National Hockey League’s Player Inclusion Committee to participate in education and training on racism and inclusion.” Hrabik, 22, is a Czech Republic national in his second year with the San Jose Sharks’ minor league affiliate. “People should know that I had absolutely no inappropriate intent. The gesture was made in the heat of battle and while I didn’t mean anything racist by what I did, I realize now through my own ignorance how my gesture could be interpreted,” Hrabik said in a statement. “I fully accept the consequences of my actions and am not appealing the discipline imposed by the AHL.” “Even though I...

by Prague Morning Jan 22, 2022

Czech Republic Ready to Supply Ukraine With Weapons, Ammunition

Defense Minister of the Czech Republic Jana Černochová reaffirmed the government’s readiness to supply Ukraine with military material amid the Russian military build-up near the border. “The Czech Republic is historically, politically and in terms of alliances on Ukraine’s side. If Ukraine needs help, we will do our best to help,” Černochová said in an interview with daily Hospodářské noviny. At the same time, the minister noted that the supply of arms or ammunition to Ukraine should be coordinated with other countries, including Visegrad countries, Germany, Austria or the Baltic states. As Hospodářské noviny reported, Černochová is currently negotiating with the Czech Army Chief Aleš Opata about the possible needs of Ukraine. Moreover, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Valerii Zaluzhnyi is expected to come to Prague soon. At the same time, the Czech army will send six members of its special forces to Ukraine for a joint exercise ‘Silver Sabre 2022’ in late February or early March. The exercise takes place under NATO’s plan to develop the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The US and the UK have already decided to ship weapons to Ukraine. Germany, however, has declined to join them, contending that such a move could...

by Prague Morning Jan 20, 2022

Germany Criticizes Czech Tycoon’s 414km/h Autobahn Ride

Germany’s Transport Ministry has criticized a stunt that saw a Czech millionaire drive his high-powered sportscar along a public highway at speeds of up to 417 kilometers per hour. A video posted online this month shows Radim Passer pushing his Bugatti Chiron to extreme speeds on a stretch of Germany’s A2 Autobahn between Berlin and Hannover. Beneath the video, Passer wrote that the stunt was filmed last year on a 10-kilometer straight section with three lanes and “visibility along the whole stretch.” “Safety was a priority, so the circumstances had to be safe to go,” he said. But the car can be seen passing several other vehicles on the highway and the light in the video suggests it was at twilight. While much of Germany’s Autobahn network famously has no speed limit, the Transport Ministry said in a statement Wednesday that it “rejects any behavior in road traffic that leads or can lead to endangering road users.” “All road users must abide by the rules of the road traffic regulations,” it added, citing the first clause of Germany’s road traffic law, which states that “anyone participating in traffic must behave in such a way that no other person is harmed,...

by Prague Morning Jan 19, 2022

Czech Inflation Quickens in December

Czech inflation accelerated at the end of 2021 but the focus of investors has already shifted to the start of this year when consumer prices are expected to rise at the faster pace in over two decades. The annual inflation rate rose to 6.6% in December, from 6% in the previous month, data from Czech Statistics Office showed Wednesday. The last time the country experienced such rapid inflation was in September 2008. The average rate of inflation for the whole of 2021 was 3.8 percent. This was also the highest seen since 2008. Three central bank board members said this week that price growth may approach 10% in early 2022 before it starts slowing later in the year. The central bank has pledged to continue with one of the European Union’s most aggressive campaigns of interest-rate increases, after lifting borrowing costs by a cumulative 3.5 percentage points since June. The biggest contribution to annual December inflation came from cost of transportation and housing. While commodity prices and supply-chain problems are among key price drivers, the central bank says its monetary-policy tightening is aimed at preventing current high inflation from becoming a long-term phenomenon The Czech Republic has the lowest jobless...

by Prague Morning Jan 12, 2022

Czech-American TikToker Made $200,000 Farting In Jars

Stephanie Matto alias Stepanka Matto is a Czech-American YouTuber, model, and founder of a Not Safe For Work (NSFW) platform Unfiltrd

by Prague Morning Jan 09, 2022

Germany Tightens COVID-19 Restrictions on Bars and Restaurants

Customers will now need to provide a negative COVID test or proof of a booster shot to enter restaurants.

by Prague Morning Jan 07, 2022

Czech Foreign Ministry Calls Calm as Russia Sends Troops in Kazakhstan

Russia sent paratroopers into Kazakhstan on Thursday to help put down a countrywide uprising

by Prague Morning Jan 06, 2022

Slovakia Is Sending Seniors €567 If They’re Fully Vaccinated Against Covid

Slovakia plans to send hospitality vouchers worth 500 euros (around 13,000kc) to seniors who are fully inoculated against Covid-19 in a bid to increase one of the European Union’s lowest vaccination rates and prevent future lockdowns. The cabinet of Prime Minister Eduard Heger approved the bonus for all residents over the age of 60 who have received shots, including the booster, the Finance Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The vouchers will be redeemable at hotels, restaurants, hair salons, gyms and cultural venues. Slovakia is in a full lockdown as its rate of new infections on per capita basis is among the worst in the world now. The bonus roughly equals an average monthly pension. The plan is estimated to cost the state budget 500 million euros and could boost next year’s deficit by about 10%. The second largest coalition party, the fiscally-conservative Freedom and Solidarity, opposed the measure as cumbersome and too expensive. The premier’s faction will need to rely on opposition lawmakers to push the motion through in parliament. The Slovak measure runs counter to those being put in place elsewhere in Europe. Greece, which is making vaccines mandatory for all citizens above 60 years of age,...

by Prague Morning Dec 01, 2021

November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

On February 7, 2000, the United Nations (UN) officially designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. As in previous years, the day will be commemorated through 16 days of activism starting today and ending on December 10, International Human Rights Day. This will include a series of events, digital initiatives as well as ‘making orange’ some iconic buildings and landmarks as a reminder of the mission to end violence against women. A new UN Women report, due to be published today, gathered data from 13 countries* which revealed that COVID-19 has eroded women’s feelings of safety, both at home and in public spaces, with significant negative impacts on their mental and emotional well-being. As countries went into lockdown to stop the spread of the virus, violence against women intensified, especially domestic violence, and the challenges of reporting it grew. In the Czech Republic, the organisation Rosa, which provides counselling for victims of domestic violence and gender-based violence, has reported that the number of calls received has doubled during the pandemic, and the length of calls has increased threefold. Safety Line has seen an increase of 25% in contacts by online chat, many of which...

by Prague Morning Nov 24, 2021

Austria Announces Fourth National Lockdown and Compulsory Vaccination

The Austrian government on Friday announced that the country will go into its fourth nationwide lockdown and will make Covid-19 vaccines compulsory. The nationwide lockdown will start on Monday, for at least ten days but for “a maximum” of 20. Heath Minister Wolfgang Mückstein said: “The lockdown will break the fourth wave; the way out of the fifth wave is vaccination, vaccination, vaccination.” “Our shared goal needs to be getting unvaccinated people, rather than shutting away the vaccinated,” said Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg, but he added that despite extensive efforts, “we have not succeeded in getting enough people vaccinated. He criticised the “irresponsible” anti-vaccine campaigns from Austrian politicians, saying: “There are too many political forces in this country, that have campaigned against [vaccination]. The consequences of this are overfilled intensive care stations and enormous human suffering.” “This decision does not come easily to us. None of us enjoys bringing in measures that put limits on freedom,” said Schallenberg. He said that the decision was necessary because “too many among us have acted without solidarity”. The lockdown will follow the rules that are already familiar to people in Austria. Reasons under which it is possible to leave the house include attending work...

by Prague Morning Nov 19, 2021

France Tightens Entry Requirements for Unvaccinated Travelers, Including Czechs

France has tightened restrictions on unvaccinated visitors from several European countries as the continent sees a new surge in COVID-19 cases. Unvaccinated travelers from Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Greece need to show a negative PCR test taken within 24 hours of their departure for France, according to the new rules announced late Friday. Previously, tests could be taken within 48 hours. The measure comes as European countries struggle to contain a new surge in COVID-19 blamed on low vaccination coverage and the relaxation of social and public health measures. German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday pleaded for citizens to get vaccinated. “These are very difficult weeks ahead of us,” Merkel said in a video speech. “I am asking you: Join us, and try to convince relatives and friends as well [to get vaccinated].” She also called on vaccinated Germans to get booster shots. “If we stand together, if we think about protecting ourselves and caring for others, we can save our country a lot this winter,” the chancellor said. Germany reinstated free rapid COVID-19 testing on Saturday, two days after the country’s daily number of new coronavirus cases rose above 50,000. In the Netherlands, three people remained in custody after violence at a protest in...

by Prague Morning Nov 14, 2021

Austria to Impose Lockdown on Millions of Unvaccinated People

Austria is expected to impose lockdown restrictions on millions of unvaccinated people in the coming days. Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg told a press conference Friday that his government wanted to give the “green light” to such measures by Sunday, Austria Press Agency reported. Lawmakers will meet over the weekend to discuss the move, according to the news agency. The chancellor rejected the notion of a nationwide lockdown being applied to all of Austria’s citizens, telling reporters on Friday that two-thirds of the population who had accepted the immunization would not be forced to show “solidarity” with the unvaccinated. However, he did caution that there may be some tightening of other restrictions. Covid patients currently take up 20% of ICU beds in Austria, according to Reuters, and that level is rising fast. The country saw 67,148 new cases of Covid-19 over the past seven days — a new record weekly high, Johns Hopkins University data shows. “We have just days until we have to introduce a lockdown for unvaccinated people,” Schallenberg told a press conference on Thursday. The chancellor also said Thursday it was “probably inevitable” that Austria would have to impose a lockdown for those who were not vaccinated, adding that there...

by Prague Morning Nov 12, 2021

DoorDash to Acquire Food Delivery Company Wolt

On-demand delivery giant DoorDash announced Tuesday it was acquiring food delivery company Wolt in an all-stock deal valued at €7 billion, or $8.1 billion. Talking about the acquisition, Tony Xu, co-founder and CEO of DoorDash said in a statement that the move “will accelerate our product development, bring greater focus to each of our markets and improve the value we provide to consumers, merchants, as well as Dashers and couriers around the world.” Finland-based Wolt was founded in 2014 by Miki Kuusi, who, upon the deal closing, will run DoorDash International and report to Xu. The company has over 4,000 employees across 23 countries and its technology enables users to easily discover and receive food via its platform by selecting a restaurant, placing the order and hitting send. Wolt has raised over $850 million to date, according to its Crunchbase profile. Its most recent funding round was $530 million in January, led by Iconiq Growth, with participation from Tiger Global, DST, KKR, Prosus, EQT Growth and Coatue. Wolt represents DoorDash’s sixth acquisition according to Crunchbase data and its second in 2021, which includes an acquisition of Chowbotics earlier this year. The latest transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2022. DoorDash was one of...

by Prague Morning Nov 10, 2021

Slovaks Expand Restrictions, Plan More Amid Record Surge

Slovakia on Monday expanded strict coronavirus restrictions including hotel, bar and restaurant closures to almost a half of the country amid a record surge of infections. The government is expected to discuss additional measures as the country’s health minister joined medical personnel who treat Covid-19 patients in urging Slovaks to get vaccinated. “Only vaccination can take us through the pandemic,” Health Minister Vladimír Lengvarský said. The measures will affect 36 of the country’s 79 counties. Indicative of how fast infections are spreading, only five counties had imposed the measures three weeks ago, and another five a week later. On top of the hotel, bar and restaurant closures, people will be allowed to only buy takeout meals. Fitness, wellness and aquatic centers also have been shuttered. The maximum number allowed at public gatherings has been reduced to 100 fully vaccinated people. Face masks are compulsory indoors and outdoors. Slovakia, which has a population of nearly 5.5 million people, is one of the countries in the European Union that have been hardest hit by the pandemic. It has registered around 457,431 cases and 12,917 deaths. Daily infections have set three new records within last week, with the most recent of 6,805 cases...

by Prague Morning Nov 09, 2021

Austria Applies Rough COVID-19 Curbs for Unvaccinated

Only the vaccinated or those who have recovered from COVID-19 will be allowed to access bars, hotels and cultural events from Monday, the Austrian government announced on Friday. “The dynamic is extraordinary, and the occupancy rates of intensive care units are rising faster than expected,” Chancellor Schallenberg said in a press conference on Friday. He added that the restrictions for the unvaccinated must be toughened to avoid a future general lockdown – especially during the Christmas holidays and the upcoming tourist season. In late October, Austria introduced a five-phase plan, explicitly targeting the unvaccinated to avoid future lockdowns for the general population. However, with the dramatic surge in new infections, the government has moved straight to the fourth phase – which effectively bans the unvaccinated from most cultural, social and sports activities. The fifth and final phase would introduce a fully-fledged lockdown for all unvaccinated. Infection rates have been rapidly increasing in recent days. On Saturday, new infections reached an all-time peak, with 9,943 new documented infections. The seven-day average is now at 7,148 infections per day. With around one-fourth of intensive care units occupied by vaccinated persons, the government is trying to incentivise people to get their third vaccination. The...

by Prague Morning Nov 08, 2021

Germany is Named ‘Best Country in the World’ for Fifth Year

Germany has been named the world’s best-regarded country for the fifth-year running in an international soft-power survey that asked 60,000 people to score states on categories including culture, governance and exports. Each year since 2008 Simon Anholt, a British political scientist and the pollster Ipsos have assessed countries’ “nation brands” by measuring how they are perceived on six different scales, including the country’s governance, friendliness, culture and quality of life. Germany was followed by Canada, Japan, Italy and the UK. In this year’s rankings, Germany retained its first-place position for the fifth time in a row and seventh time overall. Their score improved to 71.1 per cent this year, compared to 69.1 per cent in 2020. Germany’s reputation has benefited massively by people feeling positive about German products and the government’s work to fight poverty. About Simon Anholt Simon Anholt designed and launched the Nation Brands Index in 2005. Since 1998, he has advised the presidents, prime ministers and governments of 56 countries, helping them to engage more imaginatively and effectively with the international community. He is recognized as the world’s leading authority on national image. Professor Anholt also publishes the Good Country Index, a survey that ranks countries on...

by Prague Morning Nov 04, 2021

Slovakia Extends COVID-19 Restrictions Amid Infection Surge

Slovakia extended tight coronavirus restrictions to more parts of the country on Monday as the latest surge of infections intensified. The number of counties affected by the measures doubled in just one week, from five to 10. They are mostly located in northern Slovakia, on or near the border with Poland and the Czech Republic. Slovakia has 79 counties. The measures include the closure of hotels, bars and restaurants, with people only allowed to buy meals at takeout windows. Fitness, wellness and aquatic centers also have been closed. The maximum number allowed to attend public gatherings is reduced to 100 fully vaccinated people. It´s also mandatory to wear face coverings both indoors and outdoors. Slovakia, which has a population of nearly 5.5 million people, is one of the countries in the European Union that have been hardest hit by the pandemic. It has registered around 457,431 cases and 12,917 deaths. Almost 80% of 1,144 people who currently need hospitalization in Slovakia have been only partially vaccinated or haven´t received a shot at all. Slovakia has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the EU. Less than 2.4 million people have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. xosotin chelseathông tin...

by Prague Morning Oct 26, 2021

Prague Mayor Unveils Havel’s Corner in Brussels

Havel’s corner, unveiled in Brussels on Tuesday, should be reminiscent of the legacy of the former Czech president and writer Václav Havel and at the same time entice people to sit and talk. Two chairs and a round table, through which a tree grows, stand in the park in sight of the European Parliament. According to the Czech Ambassador to Belgium, Pavel Klucký, the space can serve, for example, as a meeting point for citizens and politicians. “We want it to become a real place where various ideas, often controversial, are expressed,” Klucký told reporters, according to whom the space, despite its small size, could become the Brussels form of London’s Hyde Park. Since the place is on the road leading to the meeting place of seven hundred politicians, it could serve the purpose well. The Czech Embassy in Brussels plans to revitalize the site by organizing some events, for example in connection with the upcoming Czech Presidency of the European Union. Similar monument stands in Prague since 2014 The monument, designed by Havel’s presidential architect Bořek Šípek, was created based on cooperation between Prague and Brussels’ City Halls. It is almost identical to the two chairs and table which since 2014...

by Prague Morning Oct 15, 2021

‘Polexit’: Is Poland About to Quit the European Union?

European Union officials have warned that the bloc “is at risk of collapse” unless it challenges a ruling by Poland’s top court over the supremacy of EU law, which is seen as a central pillar of European integration. Vera Jourova, the Czech EU commissioner, said Monday: “If we don’t uphold the principle in the EU that equal rules are respected the same everywhere in Europe, the whole Europe will start collapsing. That is why we will have to react to this new chapter which the Polish constitutional court started to draw.” Large rallies were held across Poland over the weekend in support of EU membership following the ruling by the country’s Constitutional Tribunal last Thursday. An estimated 100,000 people gathered in Warsaw on Sunday to show support for Poland’s EU membership. Among them was Donald Tusk, the former president of the European Council until 2019 and now leader of Poland’s opposition Civic Platform Party. “What is it that brought us all here today? A pseudo-Court of Justice, a group of masqueraders in judicial robes, by order of the party’s leader, in violation of the constitution, decided to take Poland out of the EU,” Tusk told the crowd gathered in the...

by Prague Morning Oct 12, 2021

Czech Republic and Other 11 States to Seek EU Funding For Walls Against Migrants

Interior ministers from 12 member states are demanding the EU finance border-wall projects to stop migrants entering through Belarus, in a further push towards creating a fortress Europe. In a letter dated 7 October, the ministers asked the European Commission to tweak external border-entry rules to include walls and fences. “Physical barriers appear to be an effective border protection measure that serves the interest of the whole EU, not just member states of first arrival,” they said in their letter to EU commission vice-president Margaritis Schinas and EU home-affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson. “This legitimate measure should be additionally and adequately funded from the EU budget as a matter of priority,” they said. The four-page letter was signed by the interior ministers of Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Slovakia. It comes as the regime of Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko is shuffling migrants mainly from Afghanistan and Iraq to its shared borders with Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, leading to standoffs that have resulted in the loss of life of would-be asylum seekers. Around 4,000 people have entered Lithuania, some 1,400 have gotten into Poland, and around 400 came to Latvia over the past few months. All...

by Prague Morning Oct 08, 2021

A Hydrogen Corridor Will Lead Through the Czech Republic

The gas transmission system operators of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Germany plan to build a hydrogen corridor from Ukraine across Central Europe. The companies did not disclose the likely price of the energy project. A joint initiative called the Central European Hydrogen Corridor focuses on the development of a hydrogen “highway” in Central Europe. It should be used to transport the hydrogen from future major production areas in Ukraine, which, according to companies, offers excellent conditions for its massive organic production. The idea is a joint initiative of the Slovak company Eustream, the Czech company Net4Gas, the German company OGE, and the operator of the Ukrainian gas transmission system (Gas TSO of Ukraine). The corridor is to run through Slovakia and Czechia to areas of expected strong demand in Germany and the EU. According to the companies, it will also enable the transport of hydrogen between hydrogen production facilities and its consumers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Hydrogen network is essential for the European market The initiators of the project believe that the Central European Hydrogen Corridor can be created by partial reuse of the existing gas infrastructure in combination with targeted investments in new specialized hydrogen...

by Prague Morning Sep 28, 2021

Same-Sex Marriage Now Legal In 30 Countries

Same-sex marriage, which Switzerland approved in a referendum on Sunday, is now legal in 30 countries, but homosexuality remains banned in many parts of the world. Here is an overview of the global situation. On October 1, 1989, for the first time in the world, several gay couples in Denmark tied the knot in legal civil unions. Danish homosexual couples would, however, have to wait until 2012 to be allowed to marry in church. The right to a religious marriage ceremony was first allowed in the Netherlands in 2001. Thirteen European countries followed: Belgium, Britain, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. Austria allowed gay marriage from 2019. In Switzerland, same-sex couples could only register a civil partnership until the parliament approved marriage late last year. Opponents launched a referendum against the decision under Switzerland’s direct democracy system, only to be defeated by Sunday’s vote, in which 64 percent backed same-sex marriage. Some countries allow only civil partnerships for gays, including Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy and Switzerland. The Czech government has backed draft legislation that would make the country the first post-communist member of the European Union to legalize same-sex...

by Prague Morning Sep 26, 2021

Czech Republic to Send CZK 75 Million to Afghanistan to Aid Country and Reduce Immigration

On Monday, the Czech government approved humanitarian aid for Afghanistan amounting to CZK 75 million. The money will go to health care, aid for women and children, and to support neighboring states in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed to provide CZK 40 million, which the government already approved in July, to support the Afghan defense and security forces and the country’s sustainable development. The Ministry will also provide another CZK 5 million from its budget, while the Ministry of the Interior will send the remaining CZK 30 million. The money will be distributed in cooperation mainly with the European Union and the United Nations. Of the sum, CZK 20 million will go to the programs of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The finances should help with stabilizing and supporting the internally displaced population in Afghanistan and Afghan refugees in Iran, Pakistan, and the countries of Central Asia. Another CZK 15 million will go to support the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Afghanistan along with programs aimed at protecting women and children from violence and responding to the coronavirus pandemic. With the remaining CZK 10 million, the Ministry proposes to support...

by Prague Morning Sep 22, 2021

5 Things First: The Top Czech and World News Headlines

If your day doesn’t start until you’re up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to our new morning fix. CZECH REPUBLIC Poland has been ordered to pay a daily penalty of €500,000 to the European Commission over its failure to respect a court ruling to halt operations at its Turow lignite mine, the EU’s top court said on Monday. The US Molson Coors is probably going to sell Pivovary Staropramen. Four sources familiar with the situation independently confirmed to Hospodářské noviny that the brewery is to be for sale soon. As early as 2020, the global brewing group hired Bank of America to develop a plan to sell Staropramen by the end of 2020 or early 2021. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the deal was delayed. The Czech Republic ranked fifth globally in the list of 47 countries most suitable for manufacturing. Within Europe, it is first. This is according to the Manufacturing Risk Index by Cushman & Wakefield (C&W). WORLD The United States in November will re-open for air travelers from 33 countries including China, India, Brazil and most of Europe who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the White House said on Monday, easing...

by Prague Morning Sep 20, 2021

5 Things First: The Top Czech and World News Headlines

If your day doesn’t start until you’re up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to our new morning fix. CZECH REPUBLIC Czech Finance Minister Alena Schillerova said on Sunday she had warned the central bank against sharp rises in interest rates, prompting a swift reply from the bank’s governor, who said further increases were needed. The Czech National Bank is one of the first in the European Union to begin tightening monetary policy amid strong inflationary pressures. Czechs traveled abroad this summer more than last year and over 750,000 spent their vacation in Croatia, nearly as many as before the coronavirus pandemic, which made the country the most popular Czech holiday destination. Thousands of people in the Czech Republic will be in a position to receive a third round of vaccination against Covid-19 from next week as it is now at least eight months since their initial inoculation was completed. Up to 40,000 people will be informed of the possibility of a booster shot by the end of September. WORLD Thousands of people including soldiers and diplomats marched peacefully through Kyiv on Sunday in an annual gay pride parade. Homophobia is widespread in Ukraine,...

by Prague Morning Sep 20, 2021

Berlin to Buy 15,000 Flats for 2.5 Billion Euros

The acquisition comes nine days before elections in the German capital, where housing shortages and rapidly rising prices have become a hot issue. An advisory referendum on expropriating the two housing companies is due to be held in parallel with the city election. German residential rental companies Vonovia and Deutsche Wohnen are selling almost 15,000 apartments to Berlin for 2.46 billion euros, the companies said on Friday. The acquisition comes nine days before elections in the German capital, where housing shortages and rapidly rising prices have become a hot issue. An advisory referendum on expropriating the two housing companies is due to be held in parallel with the city election. Deutsche Wohnen would be selling 10,700 apartments and 4,250 would come from Vonovia’s portfolio. Vonovia, the largest German residential rental company is in the process of acquiring its smaller competitor, creating a housing behemoth with some 550,000 apartments worth more than 80 billion euros. In an effort to win political support for the deal announced in May, the two companies have pledged to limit regular rent increases in Berlin and offered to sell about 20,000 apartments to the city for at least 2 billion euros. However, a group behind the...

by Prague Morning Sep 18, 2021

5 Things First: The Top Czech and World News Headlines

If your day doesn’t start until you’re up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to our new morning fix. CZECH REPUBLIC The Czech Republic will buy 52 new Caesar artillery pieces from French group Nexter Systems for 8.5 billion crowns to replace older howitzers dating back to the 1970s, the Defence Ministry said on Monday. Defence Minister Lubomir Metnar said on Twitter a contract would be signed by the end of September. The Czech Republic will continue the practice of advancing clocks during the warmer months so that darkness falls at a later time for at least the next five years. Daylight saving time was to have been discontinued in the European Union in 2019 but member states failed to agree on a single time. The son of Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Andrej Babiš Jr., was questioned by police in Prague for over six hours on Monday in connection with a case surrounding a conference centre built by his father. The PM is facing charges of subsidy fraud in connection with the Stork’s Nest complex and his son was previously also charged over the matter. WORLD The Lithuanian government said on...

by Prague Morning Sep 14, 2021

Pope Francis Has Arrived in Slovakia

Hundreds of believers, politicians and the representatives of the Church welcomed him at the airport. Pope Francis arrived in Slovakia on Sunday, September 12, shortly after 15:30. Francis came to Bratislava from Budapest, where he also met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and President János Áder. He was welcomed by President Zuzana Čaputová, PM Eduard Heger (OĽaNO), Speaker of Parliament Boris Kollár (Sme Rodina), Foreign Affairs Minister Ivan Korčok (SaS nominee), Bratislava Mayor Matúš Vallo, the representatives of the Church, invited guests such as Ombudswoman Mária Patakyová, František Mikloško as a representative of the Catholic dissident movement during communism, and Holocaust survivor Herta Vyšná, the SITA newswire reported. There were also hundreds of believers welcoming him at the Bratislava airport. Čaputová said that the first words the pope told her after his arrival were: “You invited me to Slovakia in December, and now I fulfill this promise.” Later in the afternoon, an ecumenical meeting was held at the apostolic nunciature in Bratislava. In his speech, held during the meeting, Pope Francis thanked the representatives of the Church for coming to meet him. He called himself “a pilgrim in Slovakia.” Moreover, the pontiff expressed hope that Slovakia will continue in...

by Prague Morning Sep 13, 2021

5 Things First: The Top Czech and World News Headlines

If your day doesn’t start until you’re up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to our new morning fix. CZECH REPUBLIC Polls: Ruling party ANO maintained its poll lead before next month’s election in two separate surveys. ANO held 32.4% in a STEM poll done for CNN Prima News, ahead of the two opposition coalitions of Spolu, with 20%, and the Pirates-Mayors’ parties, with 18%. In a Data Collect poll for Czech TV, ANO held 25% and Spolu trailed with 22% and the Pirates-Mayors had 21%. Online Retail: Billa, part of the REWE International grocery group, wants to launch online grocery sales next year and aims to become the leader on the market. Inflation: Czech headline inflation accelerated to over 4% last month and reached its highest rate since 2008, data showed on Friday, adding to debate in the central bank over whether a bigger interest rate hike was needed amid policy tightening. WORLD FBI releases first declassified 9/11 document after Biden order: The FBI on Saturday released a newly declassified document related to its investigation of Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and allegations of Saudi government support for the hijackers, following...

by Prague Morning Sep 13, 2021

Czech Man Rescued After GPS Leads Him to Austrian Forest

Blind confidence in the GPS led a seventy-three-year-old driver from the Czech Republic to the depths of the forest in Upper Austria. The man was rescued after a few hours by local firefighters. According to the police, the man was returning to the Czech Republic from a holiday in Croatia, when the car navigation – nearby the village of Grossraming – led him to a road into a forest. The driver keep on driving and despite the ban on entry, he continued along the hiking trail, which led him further and further into the forest. After driving a few hundred meters, the car got stuck on a slope. The car could not go forward or back. At that point, the driver got out of the car and headed back to the village of Ortisei, from where he was taken to the police station in the village of Garsten. After a brief search, police found the car stuck in the woods and called in volunteer firefighters. Michael Mauler, the fire chief, considers it “completely inexplicable” why the driver took the forest trail. Police took the driver for a medical examination and confiscated his driver’s license. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu...

by Prague Morning Sep 11, 2021

Czechs Make First EU Donation Towards Lithuania-Belarus Barrier

The Czech Republic has become the first EU member state to contribute funds for Lithuania to build a barrier along its border with Belarus amid a surge in migration and upcoming Russian-led military exercises. The Czech donation, worth half a million euros, comes at a time when Lithuania is lobbying the EU to finance the three-meter high fence, which would stretch for more than 500 km at a cost of about 152 million euros. The EU has accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko of flying in migrants from the Middle East and sending them to the EU in retaliation for sanctions imposed on his country over human rights abuses. “It stands to reason that we need to better protect the EU’s external borders and we should fully support those member states, including Lithuania, which are ready to do their job and protect the external border”, Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek said in Vilnius on Tuesday, announcing the donation of 13.5 million Czech crowns (530,000 euros). “Lukashenko’s brazen actions call for additional sanctions against the Belarussian regime. He continues to weaponize illegal migration as a means to blackmail Lithuania and by extension, the EU,” said Kulhanek. “He has to be stopped.” The...

by Prague Morning Sep 07, 2021

Czech Republic Gifts Vietnam Over 250,000 Covid Vaccine Doses

Vietnam’s Health Ministry received more than 210,000 AstraZeneca and 40,800 Moderna doses from the Czech Republic government in Hanoi. Deputy Minister Truong Quoc Cuong received the vaccines from Lukas Musil, Czech deputy ambassador to Vietnam. The vaccines had arrived in the city last Friday and been sent to cold storage. “Vietnam is a priority in the Czech Republic’s vaccine support policy,” said Musil, recalling Vietnam’s support for his nation during the pandemic last year. So far, Vietnam has received 27 million Covid-19 vaccine doses from different sources, including government support, the Covax facility, and commercial contracts. Of the vaccines, more than 17 million doses are AstraZeneca while the rest are more than five million doses of Moderna, over three million Pfizer doses, and 2.5 million Sinopharm doses. According to the Health Ministry, as of last Saturday, more than 2.43 million people had been double vaccinated, and almost 17 million had received the first dose, in a population of more than 96 million. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean...

by Prague Morning Sep 05, 2021

Taiwan Receives 30,000 Moderna Doses Donated by Czech Republic

Taiwan on Sunday received 30,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine donated by the Czech Republic when a flight from Istanbul touched down at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 5:49 p.m. The donation was announced by the Czech government on July 26 as part of the warming relations between Prague and Taipei. The shipment was made from Prague through Turkey through the efforts of the Czech Republic’s health ministry and Taiwan’s representative office there, Health and Welfare Minister Chen Shih-chung, said Sunday. After arriving in Taiwan, the vaccines were unloaded and transported to a cold storage logistics center at the Taoyuan airport for inspection, according to Chen. With COVID-19 vaccines in short supply around the world, the Czech Republic’s generous donation will be of great help to Taiwan in containing the virus, Chen said. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s landmark skyscraper Taipei 101 will flash messages of thanks and appreciation to the Czech Republic, such as “Democratic partners,” “Looking out for each other,” from 6:30-10:00 p.m. To date, Taiwan has obtained over 10.67 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from abroad, of which roughly 5.9 million have been donated by the United States, Japan, and Lithuania as Taiwan’s government has struggled to get delivery of vaccines...

by Prague Morning Aug 30, 2021

Athletics-Czech Runner Dies in Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc Race

A Czech runner died from his injuries after falling at the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc’s TDS mountain race, organisers said on Wednesday. The incident occurred on the descent of the Passeur de Pralognan, organisers said, adding that the rescue team at the top of the pass reached the scene immediately. “State services were then notified, with a request for helicopter support. Despite all the care given to him, the runner succumbed to his injuries,” organisers said in a statement. “The runner involved in the incident is a Czech national and, out of respect for the family, the organisers will respect their anonymity.” The TDS is one of the many Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc events taking place in the final week of August in the vicinity of the highest mountain in the Alps. It features 1,600 runners taking part in a 145-km run with 9,100 metres of altitude gain across the Italian and French Alps. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng...

by Prague Morning Aug 25, 2021

Czech Republic Brings the Desert to Life at Expo 2020

Water scarcity has inspired cutting-edge innovations across the world with the Czech Republic joining the list of countries scouring for a viable solution. At Expo 2020 Dubai, the Central European nation offers a practical method to transform hot, arid land into fertile soil through a canopy of intertwined pipes. Designed by the Czech architecture studio Formosa AA, the two-storey building is shaded by 12-metre-tall organic capillaries that are in line with the theme of Sustainability, the district out of which the pavilion is based. Further driving home the concept is the surrounding pavilion garden irrigated through the pipes carrying specially treated water. Enriching the desert soil Nicknamed ‘spaghetti monster’, the overhead cluster of pipes will be part of an active exhibition presenting the Czech-invented Solar Air Water Earth Resource (S.A.W.E.R) system. This two-part solar-powered technology extracts water from the desert air, developed by the University Centre of Energy Efficient Buildings and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the Czech Technical University, and treats it with subsurface cultures to cultivate arid soil, the technology for which was developed by the Botanical Institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. “The pavilion itself won’t only be an exhibition space, but...

by Prague Morning Aug 17, 2021

Government Approved Plan to Evacuate Afghan Staffers at Czech Embassy in Kabul

Czech leaders have approved a plan to evacuate Afghan staffers at the Czech embassy in Kabul. The Czechs already had evacuated their own diplomats from the embassy and transported them to Kabul´s international airport. Czech Foreign Minister Jakub Kulhanek said Afghan staffers are at risk of “death and torture” if they stay, adding, “We simply can’t allow that to happen.” The announcement Sunday came as the Taliban seized the last major city outside of Kabul held by the country´s central government, cutting off the capital to the east. Defense Minister Lubomir Metnar said the Czechs will help those Afghans who worked with Czech troops during their deployment in NATO missions. Metnar said his country is ready to take care of Afghan interpreters and their families. “We will relocate those who have asked, to the Czech Republic,” Metnar said. The evacuation flights should take place in the next days. Afghan president flees the country Afghanistan’s embattled president left the country Sunday, joining his fellow citizens and foreigners in a stampede fleeing the advancing Taliban and signaling the end of a 20-year Western experiment aimed at remaking Afghanistan. The Taliban entered the capital early Sunday and an official in the militant group...

by Prague Morning Aug 15, 2021

Slovakia Ends Blanket Coronavirus Measures

Slovakia will no longer apply national measures, only regional ones, if the coronavirus epidemic situation worsens. Minor restrictions will apply to operations and mass events attended only by people fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The Slovak government approved the new anti-epidemic system on Tuesday. It will be enforced next week. Experts prepared the system in response to the spread of a more contagious variant of coronavirus. From next Monday, for the first time since the second half of July, not all districts in Slovakia will be at the lowest level of epidemic risk. The new anti-epidemic system, the so-called covid automat, will also take into account the proportion of vaccinated elderly people who are among the most vulnerable groups. Milder restrictions will apply in districts where at least 65 percent of the population over the age of 50 have been vaccinated against Covid-19. Slovakia lags behind the EU average in vaccination as 2.09 million people have been fully vaccinated in the country so far. Less strict rules, including capacity restrictions, will now apply to selected operations and mass event organizers who will only allow entry to vaccinated visitors. The most stringent conditions will have to be governerned by institutions and places...

by Prague Morning Aug 12, 2021

The Czech Republic Promotes Itself in Milan With a New Mural

Czech Tourism has launched a project born during the lockdown, inviting two internationally renowned Italian artists such as Solo (in the century Flavio Carbonaro, Rome 1982) e Diamond (aka Stefano Biagiotti, Rome 1977), to create a mural with Prague suggestions with their street art. The new, gigantic mural is therefore located in Morosini street, in the Public Spaces of the Municipality of Milan and in Municipio 4 (not far from Piazza Cinque Giornate): the dominant features are those of Mucha’s Art Nouveau, in the seductive forms of Princess Libuše. It is the predominant trait d’union between the neo-Renaissance and unmistakable profile of the National Museum of Prague, outlined in the background, and the symbols, placed in the foreground, of the city current, modern and lively, perfect for families and for generation Z. With a red heart “set”, it virtually extends its hand to the other two great works of the well-known street artist Millo, which already overlook the Garden of Cultures. In the mural, while not neglecting the rich historical, artistic and architectural heritage for which it is famous, an up-to-date, young, creative, urban, alternative, irrepressible and always different Prague breaks out, whose new way of communicating is street art. Thanks...

by Prague Morning Aug 09, 2021

The Vaccination Lottery Starts in Slovakia

A lottery was launched in Slovakia on Sunday to support the COVID-19 vaccination. The form of support was approved by parliament at the beginning of July. Beginning Sunday evening, Slovaks can start registering for the lottery – the first drawing will take place on August 15. The highest winning is 100,000 euros. The winners will be drawn every week until the end of October. The Slovak tax office should thus spend about ten million euros on prizes. The competition is open to people with a permanent residence in Slovakia who have completed vaccinations against COVID-19. However, the start of registration was postponed by several hours on Sunday. It was originally supposed to be launched at noon, but the ministry of finance, which organizes the competition, ultimately announced that it would not launch the registration page until evening. According to the daily Pravda, the conditions for winning the main prize provoked great debate. To win, the person drawn would have to answer the moderator’s question live. In this way, the organizers want to guarantee that interest in the lottery will not decrease over time. Minister of Finance and former Prime Minister Igor Matovič is a big supporter of the lottery. He...

by Prague Morning Aug 04, 2021

Czech Republic to Donate 30,000 Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines to Taiwan

The Czech Republic is donating 30,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Taiwan, the island’s president said on Tuesday, praising the central European country for taking a step that could irritate China. “This manifests again that Taiwan and Czech are not only firm partners on the path of freedom and democracy, but also that a friend in need is a good friend indeed,” Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said in a statement announcing the vaccine donation. China, which claims Taiwan as its sovereign territory, had last year condemned the head of the Czech Senate for making an official trip to the democratic island. Czech President Milos Zeman subsequently tried to defuse the row, calling the speaker’s trip a “boyish provocation”. Since a rare spike in domestic cases began in Taiwan in May, the government has received almost six million vaccine doses gifted by Japan and the United States, enabling it to speed up an inoculation programme that it said had been hampered initially by China, though Beijing denies playing any negative role. The Czech Republic’s decision to donate vaccines to Taiwan follows similar actions by Lithuania and Slovakia. Since the pandemic began, Taiwan has donated millions of face masks around the world,...

by Prague Morning Jul 28, 2021

Russia Blocks Access to Czech Radio Broadcast

Russia’s Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare blocked the Russian website of Czech Radio (Český rozhlas) because of an article about Czech martyr Jan Palach from 2001. According to Czech Radio, the entire website of its broadcast in Russia is not available. The URL address (https://ruski.radio.cz/yan-palah-i-ego-posledovateli-8037218) now appears in the official Russian list of blocked sites. The details only state that the decision to include the site in the register was taken on May 17 this year. According to the information obtained by the iRozhlas.cz server, the Russian authority justified the restriction of access by saying that the article, entitled Jan Palach and his followers, promotes suicide. The text recalled the act of 20-year-old Palach, who burned himself in the center of Prague in January 1969 in protest against the Soviet occupation of what was then Czechoslovakia. Czech Radio objected to Moscow’s move, and spokesman Jiří Hošna called the blockade of the website unprecedented censorship and an attack on all the principles of freedom of expression. The case was noted by several members of the Russian media. Because the broadcasting sites use the HTTPS protocol, the office could not block only one specific material, but the entire...

by Prague Morning Jul 20, 2021

Last Czech Soldiers Return Home From Allied Afghan Mission

The last 12 Czech soldiers returned home from the allied Afghan mission along with military materiel on Sunday, the large An-124 Ruslan transport plane with them landing at the Pardubice airport, east Bohemia, the military announced today. The participation in the Afghan mission was the longest foreign operation in the Czech military’s history. Most European troops have already pulled out of Afghanistan, quietly withdrawing months before the U.S.-led mission was officially expected to end – part of an anticlimactic close to the “forever war” that risks leaving the country on the brink of civil war. Germany and Italy declared their missions in Afghanistan over on Wednesday and Poland’s last troops returned home, bringing their deployments to a low-key end nearly 20 years after the first Western soldiers were deployed there. Georgia´s last troops returned home on Monday, while Romania brought home its remaining 140 troops on Saturday when Norway also pulled out. Troops from Denmark, Estonia and the Netherlands also returned home last week. Spain withdrew its last troops on May 13, Sweden on May 25, and Belgium on June 14. The small contingents deployed by Portugal, Slovenia, Finland, Albania, North Macedonia and Luxembourg have all left as well. The...

by Prague Morning Jun 30, 2021

Croatia Fans Hired Private Jet to Fly to Euro 2020 in Glasgow but Ended up in Prague Instead

A group of Croatia fans hired a private plane to take them to Scotland for the match with the Czech Republic – only for them to watch it in Prague instead. After the opening day defeat to England, the 2018 World Cup finalists needed something from their second Group D clash on Friday. Sebastian Jagic Njare, his brother Simo and friends Domagoj Raljevic and Luka Vojvodic decided that the game was a must-see. And after securing match tickets, they then decided to book a private jet to fly them from Zemun Airport on Friday morning for the showdown. But after traveling to Serbia and enjoying a smooth take-off, things hit a snag once they arrived in Scotland. And amazingly they ended up watching the game with their rival supporters! Sebastian revealed their incredible adventure from Prague to Zadarski.hr, saying: “We rented a private plane to go to watch the Croatia-Czech Republic match in Glasgow. We already had tickets and were crazy with happiness, it’s a Czech company, and we got a discount – it was easier to agree with them than with our women to let us go.” “When we arrived over Scotland, the pilot told us that he had just...

by Prague Morning Jun 22, 2021

PM Babiš Predicts Muslim Majority in Sweden, Netherlands in Coming Decades

As of now, Islam is the second-largest religion in both the Netherlands and Sweden, which are both known for their liberal immigration policies; it is practised by 5 and 8 percent of the population of the nations, respectively. According to Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, the Netherlands and Sweden will become Muslim-majority countries in the coming decades. In a recent opinion piece on risks associated with immigration, published in the Czech daily Právo, he highlighted the two countries specifically. Among others, Andrej Babiš ventured that a majority of the Dutch population will be Muslims by 2044. Sweden will follow the same path and have a Muslim majority population by 2065, according to the Czech prime minister. As of now, Islam is the second-largest religion in both the Netherlands and Sweden, practised by 5 and 8 percent of the countries’ residents, respectively. Babiš’s projections raised eyebrows. “It’s completely wrong. He wants to scare people. A year ago, he said that Belgium would have a Muslim majority by 2040”, Daniel Prokop, a sociologist and researcher at Charles University in Prague, told the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet. According to Prokop, the prime minister is clearly distressed and is trying to shift the focus from acute domestic...

by Prague Morning Jun 15, 2021

Pro-Israel Demonstrators Will Gather in Prague on Friday

Pro-Israel demonstrators will gather in Prague on Friday at 3 pm in front of the Israeli Embassy. “We deeply regret any loss of lives of innocent Israelis, as well as the innocent people of Gaza and the West Bank. We want that the civilian attacks on each other to end immediately. Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin called the attacks of extremists on both sides a civil war,” states the event on Facebook. The program includes a mourner’s Kaddish for the victims of the conflict, prayer for the State of Israel and the Israeli national anthem HaTikva. On the same day, protest in support of Palestine is to take place at 2 pm when pro-Palestine demonstrators will march from Malá Strana to the Israeli Embassy. This comes after the President of the Czech Republic, Miloš Zeman, publicly announced solidarity with the state of Israel on May 14th by hanging the Israeli flag on the square at Prague Castle. The violence between different ethnic groups in the region has been an ongoing issue for thousands of years, but the conflict between Israel and Palestine has resulted in multilateral international involvement since the Israeli state was first formed in...

by Prague Morning May 19, 2021

Israeli Flag Flying Over Seat the Czech Presidency

A spokesman said on Friday that Czech President Milos Zeman has ordered the flag flown over the Prague Castle as “a sign of unequivocal support and solidarity” with Israel during its clash with militant Hamas leaders in Gaza. It was Zeman’s latest statement of support for Israel during the current round of violence. He had previously stood by Israel in a letter to his Israeli counterpart, President Reuven Rivlin. The Czech Republic has been one of Israel’s staunchest allies in the European Union. The worst violence between Israel and Palestinian groups since 2014 has been seen in recent days, with the conflict escalating over the final Ramadan weekend. What is happening? Since mid-April, there have been clashes on the streets of Jerusalem – a city both Israelis and Palestinians consider to be their capital. Over the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which started on 12 April, Israel imposed a limit of 10,000 people gathering for prayers at the Al Aqsa mosque. The mosque is the third most holy site in Islam and is also the site where the Jewish first and second Temples are believed to have been built – known as Temple Mount. Tens of thousands of Muslims were...

by Prague Morning May 14, 2021

Slovakia Expels Three Russian Diplomats, They Should Leave Country Within Week

Slovakia is expelling three Russian diplomats, Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger announced, he was quoted as saying by the TA3 channel. “Slovakia is expelling three Russian diplomats,” he said. “They are required to leave the country within the next seven days.” The move comes as Bratislava’s reaction to a plea put forward by Prague to NATO allies and EU members to show solidarity with the Czech Republic after it expelled several members of the Russian Embassy in Prague personae non gratae over explosions at the Vrbetice ammo depot in 2014. Czech authorities claim that Russian intelligence services were involved in the incident. The Russian Foreign Ministry protested the step that Prague had taken “under false pretenses,” and declared 20 employees of the Czech Embassy in Moscow personae non grata in response. “We believe it I very important to do everything possible to ensure security and so that diplomatic missions work in Slovakia in accordance with our laws and international agreements. Slovakia cannot disregard activities of representatives of foreign diplomatic missions who disrespect treaty principles,” Heger said. According to him, the decision to expel Russian diplomats was made “based on the information received from our intelligence services who cooperate closely with...

by Prague Morning Apr 23, 2021

Explained: The Significance of Earth Day 2021

Earth Day 2021: This year’s theme focuses on natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems. Today (April 22) is Earth Day, an international event celebrated around the world to pledge support for environmental protection. The year 2021 marks the 51st anniversary of the annual celebrations. This year’s theme for Earth Day is ‘Restore Our Earth’. In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 as ‘International Mother Earth Day’. “Recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is a chance to set the world on a cleaner, greener, more sustainable path,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement. “Mother Earth is clearly urging a call to action. Let’s remind more than ever on this International Mother Earth Day that we need a shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet”. The importance of Earth Day Earth Day was first observed in 1970 when 20 million took to the streets to protest against environmental degradation. The event was triggered by the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, as well as other issues such as smog and polluted rivers. For over the next half-century, Earth Day continued to play an important role in environmental activism....

by Prague Morning Apr 22, 2021

France is First EU Member State to Start Testing Digital Covid Travel Certificate

France has become the first EU member state to begin testing a digital coronavirus travel certificate as part of a Europe-wide scheme that Brussels hopes will allow people to travel more freely within the bloc by the summer. The TousAntiCovid app, part of the country’s contact tracing program, has been upgraded to store negative Covid-19 test results on travelers’ mobile phones and is being trialed on flights to Corsica and overseas départements from this week. The app has so far been downloaded by nearly 15 million French citizens so far. When will it be ready for use? According to a French official, at first, the certificates will only be used for travel, but they “could eventually be adopted for public events such as concerts, festivals and trade fairs,” although not for bars and restaurants. First, the system will be tested on flights from the mainland to Corsica, then to other overseas territories in the coming weeks. How will it work? Currently, through the app, people who have been tested for the virus with an antigen test or RT-PCR will receive an SMS or an email that enables them to connect to the SI-DEP and retrieve a certificate in the form of a PDF....

by Prague Morning Apr 21, 2021

Russian Public Figure Proposes to Ban Czech Beer as a Form of Retaliation

Sultan Khamzaev, a member of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation and chief executive of the project Sober Russia, proposed to ban Czech beer on Russian territory as a reaction to the expulsion of eighteen diplomats on Saturday. In his opinion, such a measure will make Czech political groups realize that their statements and actions will have economic repercussions for the entire country. Russians, according to Khamzaev, will be able to live without a beverage, and the embargo will help reduce the alcohol consumption among the population. “In Russia, people consume about eight billion liters of beer annually, including a certain percentage of Czech beer. We need to ban it and let them consume it there themselves,” Khamzaev asserted in an interview with the radio station Moscow Speaks. A number of Russian politicians spoke out against the proposal. They consider the measure to be childish, inefficient, and potentially pernicious for Russia. “I am always very suspicious of such initiatives. What will it lead to? What does beer and all these conflicts have to do with it?” said Andrey Panferov, First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Novosibirsk Oblast. “Time will pass and everything will fall into place. And...

by Timur I. Apr 21, 2021

The Czech Republic Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

Held every five years, expos see hundreds of countries using pavilions to show off the latest in architecture and technology. A number of Expo 2020 pavilions in Dubai have already been completed while work on the others is underway. All the country pavilions are expected to be finished well ahead of the mega event’s highly anticipated kick-off on October 1. The organizers estimate that the EXPO 2020 will have more than 200 participants, as well as multinational companies, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations. The Czech Pavilion Consisting of four volumes using a steel frame system, forming the framework of the object, the Czech pavilion draws the attention of the visitors with its “organic cloud structure that grows out from the garden at the place of the cultivated desert”. Solar-powered technology that can suck water vapour from the air and turn barren deserts into fertile lands will be exhibited. It has tremendous benefits for sunshine-rich nations facing food security issues due to a lack of arable land on which to raise crops. The restaurant, attached to the central space, can also be linked to the garden or to a multimedia conference hall. In fact, all premises may be combined in a single...

by Prague Morning Apr 17, 2021

Johnson & Johnson Begins Vaccine Shipments to EU

Deliveries of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine start today to member states, the European Commission has said, in a boost to the continent’s vaccination efforts. The company had initially planned to start its deliveries at the beginning of April but delayed the roll-out due to production issues. “Johnson & Johnson begins vaccine shipments to the EU today. Very good news,” said Mr. Peter Liese, an EU lawmaker from the same party as German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The U.S. company has committed to delivering to the EU by the end of June 55 million doses and another 120 million in the third quarter, EU industry commissioner Thierry Breton said this month. The Czech Republic should receive the first 14,400 doses on April 19. Another 24,000 a week later. “This restriction is set due to the number of current deliveries to the Czech Republic,” Distributor spokesman Martin Nesrsta explained to Radiožurnál. “We prepared for the increased pressure, both in setting parameters for the operation of the website and for the operation of the customer line. Although the risk always exists, we will do our best to ensure that the ordering process is ongoing, “he added. The single-dose vaccine was shown to have a...

by Prague Morning Apr 12, 2021

France, Italy and Germany Suspend Use of AstraZeneca Vaccine

Shots of the COVID vaccine continue to be paused over isolated reports of harmful side effects. No scientific confirmation has connected the vaccine to health issues, but many countries aren’t taking any chances. Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, Iceland, and Thailand have all temporarily suspended their use of the jab. Germany Germany on Monday halted the use of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine after reported blood clotting incidents in Europe, saying that a closer look was necessary. “After new reports of thromboses of the cerebral veins in connection with the vaccination in Germany and Europe, the PEI considers further investigations to be necessary,” said the German health ministry, referring to a recommendation by the country’s vaccine authority, the Paul Ehrlich Institute. France and Italy follow Germany Not long after Germany suspended the use of the vaccine, French president Emmanuel Macron followed suit and announced a similar temporary halt. Macron announced the suspension himself which he said was taken “as a precaution” and would only be effective for 24 hours to give time to the European Medicines Agency to issue advice. Italian regulator has confirmed it is suspending the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine across Italy while it waits...

by Prague Morning Mar 15, 2021

European Parliament Prepares Resolution Declaring EU as ‘LGBTIQ Freedom Zone’

The European Parliament is to debate a resolution on declaring the European Union an ‘LGBTIQ freedom zone’, supported by some of Polish MEPs. The resolution will mark the sad second anniversary of the first “LGBT-free” zone in Poland’s Świdnik county, which now covers around a third of the country. The document was prepared by MEPs, including Polish ones, from the European People’s Party, the socialists, Renew Europe, the Greens, and the Left. “Combating inequality in the EU is a shared responsibility, requiring joint efforts and action at every level of government,” the resolution reads. The document calls for the European Commission to not hesitate in using any tools available to oppose the violation of the basic rights of LGBTIQ people in the EU. Hungary and Poland are not the only ones targeted by the resolution, said German Green MEP Terry Reintke, co-chair of the European Parliament’s LGBTIQ intergroup, saying the situation “is still worrying” throughout the EU bloc. The resolution is largely symbolic and will not imply a political procedure or have direct legal consequences. But the intergroup intends to start a conversation with political leaders at a national, regional, and local level in order to identify concrete actions that can be taken. “We...

by Prague Morning Mar 09, 2021

Some EU Nations Are Looking East for Vaccines Compromising a United European Front

Frustrated European Union member states faced shortages and a slow rollout of vaccine supplies. Leaders of countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria are looking to eastern nations seeking Russian and Chinese vaccines which were not previously approved by the European Commission’s unifying strategy. On Feb.16, the first batch of the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm arrived in Budapest making Hungary the first EU member state to purchase and authorize the use of Chinese vaccines. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was photographed receiving the Sinopharm vaccine in a recent Facebook post stating, “Today is an important day because (on) this day we are starting to vaccinate with Chinese vaccines,” said Orban. This public endorsement came two days after Hungarian president Janos Ader also opted for the Sinopharm vaccine which boasts a 72.5 per cent efficacy rate according to the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products. According to government-collected data, as of Feb. 28, over 677,682 Hungarians have received at least one dose of the vaccine, while over 249,499 have received two doses. In the Czech Republic, President Miloš Zeman along with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin requesting an order of vaccines from the Russian manufacturer Sputnik....

by Jason S. Mar 02, 2021

WHO: The Pandemic Will End at Beginning of 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for Europe said Sunday he believes the coronavirus outbreak will end in early 2022. Hans Kluge told Danish state broadcaster DR that COVID-19 will still be prevalent in 2021, but it will be more manageable than in 2020. Stating that the worst scenarios are now over, Kluge said there is more information concerning the virus compared to 2020, when it first began spreading. He cautioned, however, that no one can know the future of the COVID-19 pandemic in advance. “There will continue to be a virus, but I don’t think restrictions will be needed. This is an optimistic message,” he said. Kluge said mutations are normal and the virus is trying to adapt to the person infected, but the rapid spread of the mutations are a concern for them. Adding that the WHO is closely monitoring the effectiveness of vaccines developed against COVID-19 due to the fast-spreading types of the virus, he said vaccines can be altered based on the new mutations if necessary and there is no need to produce them from the ground up. He said mutations will not make the virus out of control but noted that countries whose health...

by Prague Morning Feb 24, 2021

Slovakia Asks EU Partners for Vaccines to Help ‘Tragic’ COVID Situation

Slovakia’s foreign minister called on EU partners on Monday to send an advance vaccine shipment to the central European country which he said was in a “tragic” coronavirus situation with record numbers of cases. Slovakia has suffered about 100 deaths per day recently, the highest in the world relative to population on a one-week basis and ahead of the Czech Republic, according to data tracker ourworldindata.org. The country had 3,672 patients in hospital with confirmed coronavirus as of Sunday. “I will inform my foreign minister colleagues about the very serious and what can be called tragic situation we have with COVID,” Ivan Korcok told reporters ahead of a foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels. “I will turn to them to ask them, if they have a vaccine they cannot use at the moment, to provide it to us. “I believe it would be a very good sign of cooperation on the EU level. I fully realize that other countries have a vaccine shortage as well but Slovakia now, also based on the fact that we have the highest death rate, at the moment needs it most.” Slovakia has asked through the EU’s emergency mechanism for the help of 10 doctors and...

by Prague Morning Feb 22, 2021

European Countries Are Launching Vaccine Passports

The President of the European Union Commission Ursula von der Leyen supports the idea of a common vaccination certificate, which can be established by the EU, and issued by the Member States to every person who gets vaccinated against COVID-19. In an interview for Portuguese media, Von der Leyen was asked regarding the proposal of the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to introduce a common document that would be issued to EU citizens who receive the vaccine against COVID-19. At a meeting with the European Commission, Portugal’s Interior Minister Eduardo Cabrita ventured that vaccine certification would be easier to manage than the current Covid-19 requirements. Certificates “should act as proof of security and do away with certain requirements at borders — in particular, the requirement for PCR tests,” he said. The number of EU countries warning they are planning to introduce ‘vaccination passports’ which will enable their citizens who are vaccinated to prove it while their travel, is on the rise. Even the United Kingdom is preparing a certification system that would allow inoculated citizens to travel abroad this summer has reported the London Times. British Foreign Office Minister James Cleverly told BBC Radio 4’s Today program it was “not an uncommon practice” for...

by Prague Morning Feb 11, 2021

Covid “Jail” Opens in Germany for Quarantine Breakers

A “Covid jail” has been opened in Germany for people who repeatedly break quarantine rules. The facility in Neumünster, in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, launched this month and sees inmates locked up to ensure they self-isolate, with 40 retired police officers volunteering as guards. “The isolation of suspected infected people in their own homes is an essential element in getting the infection rate under control,” Sönke Schulz, representative of the local district council in Neumünster in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, told reporters when the facility was opened in January. “Anyone who does not comply with this is putting other people at risk,” he added. “The infection protection act therefore rightly allows isolation in locked facilities as the last resort.” The center is not a traditional jail. Detainees will be allowed home comforts like televisions, laptops, and mobile phones, and will also be able to access psychological support if needed. Councillor Peter Schröder, who will be overseeing the facility, said it was intended more to “set an example” than to be in regular use. “We hope there will be hardly any [detainees]. Up until now, there have not been many,” he said. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá...

by Prague Morning Feb 01, 2021

AstraZeneca-Oxford Vaccine Approved for Use by European Medicines Agency

The coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford has been approved by Europe’s drug regulator, the European Medicines Agency. That will make it the bloc’s third certified vaccine, along with those made by the US-German enterprise BioNTech-Pfizer and the US firm Moderna. AstraZeneca requested market authorization through the EMA on 11 January. The approval comes at a tricky time for the EU, with its vaccination program sluggish at best, and looking very vulnerable to supply shortages. The EU contract with AstraZeneca is an advance purchase agreement for the supply of at least 300 million doses, with doses delivered in stages. 📢 EMA has just recommended granting a conditional marketing authorisation for the #COVID19vaccine AstraZeneca to prevent #COVID19 in people from 18 years of age. 👉Read our press release: https://t.co/YDbOvZEMUN pic.twitter.com/Sbj6TdlGTW — EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) January 29, 2021 In a statement this afternoon, the Amsterdam-based EMA said that it had approved the vaccine’s use for all age groups over 18, despite the decision by German authorities not to use it for over 65s. “With this third positive opinion, we have further expanded the arsenal of vaccines available to EU and EEA member states to combat the pandemic and protect their citizens,” said Emer...

by Prague Morning Jan 29, 2021

Woman Kept Robber at Petrol Station for Police to Arrive by ‘Performing Sex Act on Him’

The would-be thief was said to have burst into the station in Bratislava on Tuesday night before he demanded money from staff – but a member of the public intervened to keep him there. The man, a 24-year-old Serb, had been attempting to rob a petrol station on the outskirts of Bratislava overnight on Tuesday when the incident took place. While trying to get money from the safe, a 36-year-old Czech woman began to perform a sex act on him, before officers found the pair half-naked on the floor. The robber punched a staff member behind the counter multiple times, before taking money from the cash register. He then went to the back office, where a second member of staff was sitting and demanded that they open the safe. While the safe was being opened, the first member of staff ran outside and called police, who raced to the scene. It was while he was there and attempting to get money from a safe that “under mysterious circumstances” an unknown woman arrived inside the station. Reportedly, the woman said to be a 36-year-old Czech woman, then performed a sex act on the suspect until the police eventually turned up and...

by Prague Morning Jan 28, 2021

Michelin Star Awarded To Vegan Restaurant For First Time Ever

The crowdfunded ONA is overturning stereotypes about what this famously gourmet country likes to eat. For the first time ever, a vegan restaurant in France has been awarded a coveted Michelin star. The French edition of the Michelin guide, published Monday, awarded a star to ONA. The name stands for Origine Non-Animale, or animal-free origin, BBC News reported. The Michelin verdict: “more than a restaurant, it’s a way of life. The beautifully dressed plates feature a splendid array of fruit and vegetables. Greatly deserving of the attention it is garnering.” The restaurant is located in Arès, near Bordeaux in southwestern France, and was started by chef Claire Vallée, a 41-year-old former archeologist who became a vegan after a trip to Thailand. Restaurant owner Claire Vallée urged customers to “follow your dreams” after winning the star on Tuesday. “It felt like I got hit by a train,” the restaurant owner told AFP of the moment the Michelin Guide called her with the good news. ONA opened its doors in 2016. The restaurant offers a seven-dish gourmet menu that uses ingredients such as fir-tree, boletus mushrooms, and celery. The restaurant was launched by La Nef, a green bank that finances ethical projects. However, it is...

by Prague Morning Jan 20, 2021

Slovak Designer Wins Top Prize for Ocean Station Prototype That Removes Plastic From the Sea

A prototype ocean cleaning facility by Slovak designer Lenka Petráková has scooped the highest award in an architectural competition for projects posing creative solutions to environmental challenges. Called The 8th Continent, the floating station designed to solve one of the world’s most pressing pollution problems: ocean plastic waste. Marine debris currently covers a surface of approximately 1.6 million square metres in the North Pacific — known as the Great Pacific garbage patch — which, as Petráková suggests, could be considered the world’s eighth continent. The 8th Continent was awarded the 2020 Grand Prix Award for Architecture and Innovation of the Sea from Foundation Jacques Rougerie, a French institute that awards visionary projects that encourage sustainable collaborations between scientists and designers. Petráková’s model consists of interconnected petal-shaped buildings that stand on tentacle-like platforms, and all work together to collect plastic debris from the water surface and transform it into recyclable material. The prototype also features a research and education centre that studies and showcases marine environments, a greenhouse where plants are grown using hydroponic cultivation — a method for growing plants without soil just using water — and living facilities for the station’s researchers. Petráková prototype is conceptualized to be self-sufficient...

by Prague Morning Jan 16, 2021

Norway First Country in the World to Reach 50% Electric in New Car Sales

Norway became the first country in the world where electric cars accounted for more than 50 percent of new registrations in 2020, according to figures published Tuesday by an industry group. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) made up 54.3% of all new cars sold in the Nordic country in 2020, a global record, up from 42.4% in 2019 and from a mere 1% of the overall market a decade ago, the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV) said. The four best-selling models in the Nordic country were the Audi e-tron, the Tesla Model 3, the Volkswagen ID.3 and the Nissan Leaf — all fully electric. Other countries are playing catch up. The United Kingdom said in November that it would ban the sale of new cars that run only on fossil fuels in 2030, five years earlier than previously planned. Electric vehicle sales are expected to continue to soar in 2021, according to industry analysts and car distributors, as more models are brought to the market. New car sales in the country last year were 141,412, of which 76,789 were fully electric. Norway, the largest producer of oil in Western Europe, is making headway in electric mobility thanks to heavy subsidies. The Nordic...

by Prague Morning Jan 05, 2021

German Pilot Traces Syringe in the Sky to Mark Vaccine Campaign

A young German pilot said Sunday he traced a giant syringe in the sky as a way of marking the start of Germany’s rollout of vaccines against the coronavirus. Samy Kramer, a 20-year-old amateur pilot, had carefully plotted out the route he needed to take in advance in order to create the effect in the skies above Baden-Wuerttemberg. The manoeuvres included a number of 90-degree turns during the flight on Wednesday that lasted one hour and 40 minutes and covered around 280 kilometres. “There are still relatively many people opposing the vaccination and my action may be a reminder for them to think about the topic, to get things moving”, Kramer told Reuters TV on Sunday, adding that his flight should not be understood as a direct call to be inoculated. “Perhaps it was also a bit of a sign of joy, because the aviation industry has been hit pretty hard by the pandemic,” he said. The syringe-shaped route showed up on the internet site flightradar24. The European Union kicked off its COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Sunday. The 27-nation bloc staged a coordinated rollout aimed at projecting a unified message that the shot was safe and Europe’s best chance to emerge from...

by Prague Morning Dec 28, 2020

Slovakia Starts COVID-19 Vaccinations a Day Earlier Than EU’s Plan

Slovakia started its COVID-19 vaccination campaign on Saturday, a day earlier than the European Commission’s planned coordinated roll-out across all member states. EU member states each received a first shipment of just under 10,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine on Saturday but vaccination was not supposed to start across the bloc’s 27 nations until Sunday. Vladimir Krcmery, a member of the government’s Pandemic Commission, was the first person in the country inoculated by the vaccine produced by Pfizer and BionTech. The first ten vaccines, administered in front of cameras, went to members of the government’s advisory body, top experts in immunology, infectology, and epidemiology. President Zuzana Čaputová, cabinet ministers, and representatives of the parliament will be vaccinated in Bratislava on Sunday. Today, we start turning the page on a difficult year. The #COVID19 vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries. Vaccination will begin tomorrow across the EU. The #EUvaccinationdays are a touching moment of unity. Vaccination is the lasting way out of the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/pYOj5vS2gV — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) December 26, 2020 In an effort to ensure fair access across the bloc, the EU is carrying out a coordinated vaccination program. The European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm,...

by Prague Morning Dec 26, 2020

Brexit Deal Reached Between Britain and the EU

Britain and the European Union agreed Thursday on new Brexit trading arrangements more than four years after the U.K. voted to leave the bloc, narrowly avoiding a potentially disastrous no-deal scenario. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted “the deal is done,” while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the agreement. The negotiations lasted about eight months and until a few days ago no one could say for sure whether they would end with an agreement: the European Union had already published the measures necessary to deal with a possible no deal, i.e. the exit of the United Kingdom without an agreement, a scenario that would have caused the reintroduction of many inconveniences both to theU.K. and to the European countries. On January 1, the breakup will start feeling real. The new year will bring huge changes, even with a trade deal. No longer will goods and people be able to move freely between the U.K. and its continental neighbours without border restrictions. It was worth fighting for this deal. We now have a fair & balanced agreement with the UK. It will protect our EU interests, ensure fair competition & provide predictability for our fishing communities. Europe is now moving on....

by Prague Morning Dec 24, 2020

UK to Ban Gasoline Car Sales by 2030

The United Kingdom will ban the sale of new cars that run only on fossil fuels in 2030

by Prague Morning Nov 18, 2020

Slovakia to Test Everyone Above Age of 10

Slovakia has begun the process of testing most of its population for the coronavirus in a one-of-a-kind mass program to run over the next three weekends. Four districts along the Polish border will be tested first, with all residents older than 10 to be subjected to a rapid antigen test under the direction of the defence ministry. Authorities plan to test the rest of the country on the following two weekends between Friday and Sunday. The army is deploying about 8000 soldiers but there is a lack of medically trained personnel. Health Minister Marek Krajci therefore also called on medical students to participate as volunteers. Prime Minister Igor Matovic has previously said participation in the tests is voluntary, though those not able to produce a negative test in the days after the mass testing program will be required to go into a 10-day forced quarantine. President Zuzana Caputova has criticised this rule, saying: “If you threaten sanctions, you cannot say it is voluntary.” Slovakia confirmed 2581 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, with 19 additional deaths bringing the total to 134. Strict restrictions will apply throughout the country from Saturday. EU member Slovakia has a population of about...

by Prague Morning Oct 24, 2020

Slovakia Sets Virus Restrictions Amid Case Surge

Slovakia is imposing new restrictive measures in hopes of curbing a surge in coronavirus infections. Starting Thursday, it will again be mandatory to wear face masks outside in all cities, towns and villages and there will be a ban on public events, including religious services in churches. Exceptions include weddings, funerals and baptisms with a limited number of participants. Major professional sports competitions are allowed to continue without fans. Fitness and wellness centers and public swimming pools will be closed. Restaurants are banned from serving meals indoors, and the number of people in stores and shopping centers is limited. Starting Monday, all high schools across Slovakia will provide only remote teaching. This past week, Slovakia reported new highs for confirmed coronavirus cases for four straight days, with a record 1,887 Friday. The country has had a total of 19,851 cases, with 61 deaths. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ haalandUEFAevertonfutebol ao vivofutemaxmulticanaisonbetbóng đá world cupbóng đá inter milantin juventusbenzemala ligaclb leicester cityMUman citymessi lionelsalahnapolineymarpsgronaldoserie atottenhamvalenciaAS ROMALeverkusenac milanmbappenapolinewcastleaston villaliverpoolfa cupreal madridpremier leagueAjaxbao bong da247EPLbarcelonabournemouthaff cupasean footballbên lề sân cỏbáo bóng đá mớibóng đá cúp thế giớitin bóng đá ViệtUEFAbáo bóng đá việt namHuyền thoại...

by Prague Morning Oct 12, 2020

Slovakia to Declare State of Emergency

Slovakia is set to declare a new state of emergency this week to combat the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Igor Matovic said on Monday following a sharp rise in cases. “The situation is extremely serious, and I think we must adopt very fundamental decisions and very bold decisions,” Matovic said after a meeting of the country’s crisis management team. The measure is expected to be approved by the government on Wednesday and would be the second time that Slovakia introduces a state of emergency to combat the pandemic. Under the proposed restrictions, all sporting events, cultural events and religious services would be banned from October 1. Weddings and funerals would only be allowed if all the participants can prove they have had a negative test for coronavirus. Restaurants, bars, and cafes would close at 10:00 pm and if people not living in the same household come closer than two metres outdoors, they would have to wear masks. Masks are already compulsory in public indoor spaces in Slovakia. The EU country of 5.4 million registered 9,343 coronavirus infections since the beginning of the pandemic and 44 patients have died. xosotin chelseathông tin chuyển nhượngcâu lạc bộ bóng đá arsenalbóng đá atalantabundesligacầu thủ...

by Prague Morning Sep 30, 2020

Coronavirus Vaccine is ‘Safe and Induces Immune Response’, Study Suggests

Britain today stepped up the battle to defeat coronavirus with Oxford University scientists successfully completed the second phase of developing a vaccine. A coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford appears safe to use in humans and trains the immune system. The early-stage trial has found that the vaccine causes few side effects and induces strong immune responses in both parts of the immune system – provoking a T cell response within 14 days of vaccination and antibody response after 28 days. Trials involving around 1,077 people showed the injection led to them making antibodies and white blood cells that can fight coronavirus. The findings are hugely promising, but it is still too soon to know if this is enough to offer protection and larger trials are underway. “We are seeing very good immune responses, not just on neutralizing antibodies but of T-cells as well,” said Adrian Hill, head of Oxford’s Jenner Institute, in an interview. “We’re stimulating both arms of the immune system.” Although stimulating the production of neutralizing antibodies doesn’t prove a vaccine will be effective, it’s considered an important early step in testing. Results from testing in animals had already shown the Oxford-AstraZeneca shot provoked an immune response. One critical question...

by Prague Morning Jul 20, 2020

Lidl Sneakers Became Fashion Phenomena

Net users are going crazy over a pair of sneakers that originally sold for about 10 euros on the discount supermarket giant Lidl’s website.

by Prague Morning Jul 13, 2020

Lisbon Wants to ‘Get Rid of Airbnb’ Once Pandemic is Over

Lisbon mayor Fernando Medina has pledged to ‘get rid of Airbnb’ once the coronavirus pandemic is over.

by Prague Morning Jul 10, 2020

Ryanair to Cut 3,000 Jobs

Ryanair is planning to cut 3,000 pilot and cabin crew jobs and reduce staff pay by up to a fifth in response to the Covid-19 crisis, which has grounded flights. Europe’s largest low-cost carrier said it expected it will now take at least two years for a return to 2019 passenger demand and pricing, estimating summer 2020 at the earliest, as it laid out plans to cut further costs. Group CEO Michael O’Leary, whose pay was cut by 50% for April and May, has now agreed to extend this 50% pay cut for the remainder of the financial year to March 2021. He told the BBC: “If a vaccine isn’t found then clearly we may have to announce more cuts and deeper cuts into the future.” In a Covid-19 market update today, Ryanair said it would ground more than 99% of its flights until July and said it had begun negotiations with Boeing about cutting the number of aircraft deliveries over the next 24 months. It expects to carry fewer than 100 million passengers for the year to the end of March 2021, 35% less than its original target of 154 million. O’Leary also addressed complaints from customers about the...

by Prague Morning May 01, 2020

Johnson & Johnson Announces a Lead Vaccine Candidate for COVID-19

Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson plans to begin human clinical trials of its Covid-19 vaccine by September with a goal of the first batches being made available for emergency use authorization by early next year, according to a company announcement released Monday. Though not a major vaccine maker, Johnson & Johnson (ticker: JNJ) was among the first companies to announce a Covid-19 vaccine development program back in January. Johnson & Johnson said it planned to make the vaccine available “on a not-for-profit basis.” “The world is facing an urgent public health crisis and we are committed to doing our part to make a Covid-19 vaccine available and affordable globally as quickly as possible,” Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky said in a statement. The company said it is also increasing its manufacturing capacity with a new site in the U.S. and additions to existing sites in other countries to produce and distribute the potential vaccine quickly. “We have very good early indicators that not only can we depend on this to be a safe vaccine base but also one that will ultimately be effective based on all the early testing and modelling we’ve been doing,” Chairman and CEO Alex Gorsky said Monday. Johnson & Johnson isn’t...

by Prague Morning Mar 31, 2020

Study Reveals the Best European Cities for Coffee Lovers

According to the CBI, Europeans consume more coffee than every other continent in the world. But where in Europe is the most coffee-obsessed?

by Prague Morning Jan 28, 2020

The Berlin Wall Fell 30 Years Ago

The Berlin Wall was torn down 30 years ago. The seismic event sent shock waves across Europe and sparked hopes for millions of East Germans. The Berlin Wall was erected on 13 August 1961. Made of barbed wire and concrete, the wall divided East and West Berlin for 28 years. The fall of the wall also triggered a series of events that led to the reunion of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic. The Berlin Wall was actually two walls, surrounding West Berlin and separated by a “death strip.” As its name implies, East Germans who tried to escape would be summarily shot by GDR border guards. Estimates vary, but well over 300 people are believed to have been killed trying to escape East Germany. Berlin Today About 200 events have been held over the last week in Berlin alone. Under the slogan “7 Days – 7 Locations,” lectures, art installations, talks from witnesses, films and exhibitions have been held at the original Berlin locations of the revolution. Berlin’s historic Brandenburg Gate has been the setting for an art installation featuring around 30,000 ribbons with people’s wishes, hopes, and memories, combined into a 150-meter long “freedom cloud.” To mark...

by Prague Morning Nov 09, 2019

Berlin Approves 5-Year Rent Freeze in German Capital

The Berlin Senate on Tuesday approved a five-year rent freeze designed to tame soaring housing costs in the German capital, bowing to pressure from residents angry that their city has become unaffordable. In practice, this means rental rates will remain in place on 1.5 million of the city’s 1.9 million homes. To enforce the rule, tenants who sign new contracts could have them checked by the city to verify that rents have not been raised illegally. Meanwhile, existing tenants who pay a rate that the city deems too high could apply to have their rent lowered. (It hasn’t been decided yet what rates are considered too high.) The Senator for Urban Development and Housing in Berlin, Katrin Lompscher, said the five-year freeze, which was originally planned to take effect in January 2020, would apply retroactively from June 18. The corporate landlords say that the rent freeze will discourage new building to take up demand; historically, Berlin managed this dynamic through the construction of public housing. The rent freeze exempts new buildings. By freezing rent increases altogether, things will surely get tougher for landlords. Any renovation plans will now have to be approved by the city to ensure that they are genuinely...

by Prague Morning Jun 19, 2019