Posts

Five years on from Czech smoking ban: what...

The Czech Republic was the last EU country to bring in a comprehensive smoking ban. A ban on smoking in public places such as restaurants, bars, cafes, pubs, and bus stops came into effect in the Czech Republic on May 31 2017 – happily...

PH Ambassador to Czech Tour Operators: The...

“The Philippines is now open for foreign tourists,” said Ambassador Ombra T. Jainal as he opened the breakfast meeting on “The Philippines: It’s More Fun with You” at Prague Andaz Hotel on 25 May 2022. Speaking before a number of Czech travel...

ISRAELI CULTURE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC...

The approaching summer is a symbol of the holidays, yet many of us stay in the cities, and a rich cultural program is prepared for them. So before you pack your suitcase and fly off to explore Jerusalem, have fun in Tel Aviv or swim in the Dead...

Jewish Tombstones Used as a Paving at...

The Jewish Community in Prague is launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for a memorial monument made of tombstones that were carved up and used for the pavement of Prague’s Wenceslas Square during the communist regime. The...

Czech Centres preparing “whole culture...

The Czech Republic’s six-month presidency of the EU gets underway in exactly one month’s time. In parallel the country’s international network of Czech Centres will be running a whole host of events in the second half of 2022, with the motto...

Was the reconstruction of Prague’s famous...

The Ministry of Culture is looking into a complaint regarding the 2018 reconstruction of Prague’s famous astronomical clock. Specifically the complaint targets the copy of the original calendar on the Old Town Clock by Josef Mánes. According to...

China – a political view

International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES[1]) from Ljubljana, Slovenia, regularly analyses developments in the Middle East, the Balkans and around the world. Dr J Scott Younger is a President Commissioner at Glendale...

EVENTS HAPPENING IN JUNE 2022

IN THE RHYTHM OF PASSION 8./9. 6. 2022 – 19:30 Municipal House, Smetana Hall BÉLA BARTÓK Romanian Folk Dances PABLO DE SARASATE Carmen Fantasy Op. 25, Gypsy Airs Op. 20 ZOLTÁN KODÁLY Dances of Galánta MAURICE RAVEL Bolero Pavel ŠPORCL |...

Real estate used by Russian Embassy reviewed...

Thanks to contracts signed under the communist regime, the Russian Embassy received a vast amount of real estate in Prague, Karlovy Vary and other Czech cities free of charge to be used for diplomatic purposes. With just six Russian diplomats...

Deutsche Telekom Design & Customer...

DURING MILANO DESIGN WEEK 2022, DEUTSCHE TELEKOM DESIGN & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE WILL PRESENT THEIR CONCEPT CONNECTIVITY PROJECTS, CONCEIVED WITH STRATEGIC DESIGN AGENCY LAYER, AND AUGMENTED REALITY PACKAGING CONCEPTS AND MAGENTAZUHAUSE SMART...

The Přemyslid dynasty and the forming of the...

The Czech state began to form around the 9th century AD. This process was crucially influenced by the Přemyslids, Bohemia’s ruling dynasty which had control over Czech territory for more than 400 years. But what do we actually know about this...

National Day of Georgia

I have the honor to represent Georgia in the Czech Republic - one of the strongest allies of my country. Georgia and the Czech Republic enjoy special relations. The Czech Republic’s steadfast support of Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic...

Diplomacy in Focus: Selected Articles 1990 –...

LJUBLJANA, 17 May 2022 – International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES[1]), Ljubljana, is pleased to announce that the book “Diplomacy in Focus: Selected Articles 1990 – 2021” has been published. The respected author Dr...

ARABFEST 

ARABFEST will take place from 18 to 28 May in Pilsen and from 8 to 12 June in Prague, offering films, theatre, educational lectures and tastings of Arabic cuisine.

Czech-African Health Forum

Jan Lipavský, Minister of Foreign Affairs together with Vlastimil Válek, Minister of Health, opened the Czech-African Health Forum, which is attended by African representatives, including Ministers of Health. The Forum will help strengthening...

Halíček heads KPMG in Central and Eastern...

Radek Halíček, managing partner of KPMG Czech Republic, has been elected the new chairman and managing partner of KPMG’s Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) network. He will be responsible for KPMG offices in 15 countries. His goal will be...

Czech cities stripping Soviet-era “heroes”...

Prague councillors have voted in favour of stripping the late Soviet military commander Ivan Konev, who led the Red Army’s liberation of Prague, of his honorary citizenship. Among the reasons for the move is his repressive role within the...

Important distinctions for Greece «Greece...

Greece received another important distinction for the video of GNTO’s winter advertising campaign “Greece Does Have a Winter”. It was honored with the Silver Award at the 4th International Tourism Film Festival Africa, in the...

Czech EU presidency to open with composition...

The Czech Republic is due to take up the rotating presidency of the European Council in July of this year. Alongside preparations for the daunting tasks ahead at a difficult time for Europe and the world at large, there are plans for a series...

Fitch move sparks fears of painful cut in...

Top international credit rating agency Fitch has downgraded its outlook for the Czech economy from stable to negative. This has sparked fears it could also cut the Czech Republic’s credit rating – only adding to its mounting economic woes. I...

Czech Republic to champion media freedom as...

The UN General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly for the Czech Republic to replace Russia on the Human Rights Council, the United Nations’ leading human rights body. The Czech Republic’s term starts immediately with the council due to meet for...

ISRAEL ON THE RIVER

Discover Israel through its culture, food and fun. Experience Israel on the Vltava River! The first Israel on the river will take place on May 14 and 15 at the Strelecky island. Enjoy authentic Israeli cuisine or hire a blanket and picnic by...

Shop with classic Czech designs opens in...

Bohéma is the name of a new Prague shop selling T-shirts and other items featuring classic Czech images, from Sokol gymnasts to writer Karel Čapek. The company, previously online only, has opened the outlet in a building associated with major...

Should second foreign language be voluntary...

As part of a number of educational reforms, the government has proposed making the learning of a second foreign language in Czech primary schools voluntary for students rather than compulsory as it is at present, sparking criticism, controversy...

Saint Walpurgis Night celebrated with...

The night of April 30th, halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, is associated with warding off evil spirits. In the Czech Republic, the occasion is traditionally observed by lighting a bonfire on a hill and burning an...

The role of international law in the Russian...

The Russian invasion of Ukraine poses some challenges for students of International Law and Diplomacy in terms of what they have were taught and what they have come to expect of the discipline. Since World War II, there has been no major wars...

Business daily: Long Shanghai lockdown could...

The leading Czech carmaker Skoda Auto has been plagued by production problems in recent years. First because of closures during the Covid pandemic, then due to a lack of components because of the war in Ukraine and most recently because of the...

Czech Radio’s fundraising project to pay for...

Czech Radio has launched a new fundraising project which aims to provide musical instruments to children of Ukrainian refugees but also to Czech children whose parents don’t have the means to buy them. The project, called If a Thousand...

Czech Republic has Neolithic structures...

Almost everyone has heard of the Great Egyptian Pyramids of Giza, the oldest-known of which was built around 2600 BC; most people in the West have heard of England’s Stonehenge, believed to have been constructed somewhere between 3000 BC to...

Žďák Bridge – the largest single-arch...

The Žďák Bridge, which spans the banks of the Vltava River, was completed in 1967. At the time it was the largest single-arch steel bridge in the world. The Žďák Bridge spans the banks of the Vltava near Staré Sedlo on the left bank and...

Radio Prague International is celebrating...

Radio Prague International celebrated its 85th birthday on Thursday! We would like to thank all our listeners, readers and folowers for staying with us. As a little present, here is a tour of where we work – the Czech Radio Building on...

30 years of European solidarity

The NCCC Traders by Nature connect people to make beautiful things happen. When people connect, the positive will win from the negative without a doubt. Creating positive sustainable impact is powered by people that work together and share...

Study: Third of Czechs say “only question of...

A newly published opinion poll on Czech society’s response to Russia’s war on Ukraine suggests that support for NATO is at its highest level for almost three decades – while only 9 percent of respondents now feel there is no threat of armed...

Team of enthusiasts producing bilingual book...

Czech children’s writer Petr Březina has launched a unique undertaking to help Ukrainian child refugees feel at home in the Czech Republic. He has put together a bilingual book of children’s fairy tales, illustrated by Czech children, which...

New Campaign Seeks to Highlight Dangers of...

In the Czech Republic, drinking is almost a national sport, which people train for from a young age. But a new campaign warns parents against the dangers of children drinking even so-called non-alcoholic beers. The Czech Republic has long...

Building business resilience and operating...

Become future-ready Remove organizational silos to make change possible A resilient workforce underpins a resilient business Managing risk and compliance during periods of fast change Succeed with Ekko Become future-ready Do you feel like your...

Pilsen’s Great Synagogue re-opens after...

The Great Synagogue in Pilsen, has opened its door to the public after a three-year renovation. The monumental building, which is the second biggest synagogue in Europe and one of the five biggest in the world, opened last Sunday, just a few...

Israeli trauma expert on refugee wave: You...

Taking in over 300,000 war refugees in the space of several weeks is an unprecedented challenge for the Czech Republic logistics-wise and in terms of psychological support. A team of experts from the Israel Trauma Coalition, which trains...

Books donated to the Oriental Institute...

Dozens of new books on contemporary Japan have been gifted to the General Library of the Oriental Institute of the CAS. The books were donated by the Nippon Foundation and presented by His Excellency Hideo Suzuki, the Ambassador of Japan to the...

Europe: Of Status Qua and (Climate) Change

International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES)[1] from Ljubljana, Slovenia, regularly analyses developments in the Middle East, the Balkans and around the world. Leyla Mammadova is a researcher specialized in international...

Popular Czech puppet character to fly into...

Hurvínek, one of the Czech Republic’s most popular puppet characters, is heading into space. He will be carried to the outer edge of the stratosphere on board of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Hurvínek is the second children’s character to fly...

50 years since Bohemian Karst declared...

With its rugged terrain, cave complexes and iconic Karlštejn castle, the protected landscape area of the Bohemian Karst is one of the most visited sites in Czechia. The Protected Landscape Area of the Bohemian Karst spans 130 square kilometres...

Prague Castle opens exhibition honouring...

A new exhibition focusing on Slovene architect Jože Plečnik has opened at Prague Castle, the Czech capital’s iconic landmark that Plečnik himself had a big role in reconstructing. The exhibit, located both within the Old Palace building and the...

Expert: Czechia should not sever ties with...

Following Viktor Orbán’s landslide victory in the Hungarian parliamentary elections this Sunday, some politicians and experts have questioned future cooperation within the Visegrad group, comprising the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and...

Seznam owner sending CZK 100 million to...

The owner of Czech internet giant Seznam.cz, Ivo Lukačovič, says he will send CZK 100 million of his own money to help Ukraine. Mr. Lukačovič wrote on Twitter on Monday that he could not get footage following a Russian massacre in the Ukrainian...

Czech brewers hope to add Czechia’s beer...

The Czech Association of Breweries and Malt Houses (ČSPS) is aiming to get Czech beer culture added to UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. The authors of the application are optimistic about their chances, but warn that it will take at...

Exhibition brings Czech animation to life

Czech animated films have enjoyed international popularity and acclaim that far outstrips what you might expect from a small country of 10 million people. A current Prague exhibition aims to show the public that Czech animation is still alive...

Mortgage advisor – “There are quite a lot of...

Many expats living in the Czech Republic are considering buying a property in the country, but for a non-native speaker and foreign national this may sometimes feel like a challenge. To find out more about the most common challenges expats face...

5 Perfect Birthday Gifts for Nature Lovers 

Showing someone how much you know and care about them is best through a birthday present. If your special person is a nature lover and you’re not, it can be challenging to find the best gift for them. Fortunately, we have a few suggestions that...

Putin’s War – 4

International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES[1]) from Ljubljana, Slovenia, regularly analyses developments in the Middle East, the Balkans and around the world. Dr J Scott Younger is a President Commissioner at Glendale...

New government media advisor:...

For the first time ever, the Czech government has a special representative for media and disinformation. His name is Michal Klíma and he has been in charge of several of the country’s leading media outlets in the past. More recently, he has...

Events happening in April

April is in the name of dance. The National Theater will premiere a dance performance BPM, which was created in cooperation with Israeli and Czech choreographers and dancers. And one performance is not enough, so go to Trutnov to see another...

Putin’s War – 3

International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES)[1] from Ljubljana, Slovenia, regularly analyses developments in the Middle East, the Balkans and around the world. Dr J Scott Younger is a President Commissioner at Glendale...

Meet the Prague ambassador hosting two...

Many in the Czech Republic have been welcoming Ukrainian refugees into their homes. One of the most high-profile Prague residents to do so is the ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Martina Mlinarević, whose family have taken in two Ukrainian...

Funding for Terezín barracks overhaul under...

The Dresden Barracks, one of the largest buildings in the former Terezín ghetto, are currently in a desolate state. Experts say that the complex needs to be repaired quickly if it is to survive. However, the necessary funds may be harder to...

Czech municipalities, whose money is frozen...

Many regional and municipal administrations in the Czech Republic who saved at least part of their funds in Russia’s Sberbank have lost access to their money since the bank lost its license after the invasion of Ukraine. Amid fears that this...

10 Important Workforce Management Tips

There’s no doubt that your employees are your biggest asset, as they bring specialised skills and unique value that allows your company to achieve success. However, simply having knowledgeable and experienced workers won’t be enough. You will...

Following USA, France and...

Spain has changed its stance towards Western Sahara and announced its support for the Moroccan initiative on this region, according to a message sent by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

Czechs and Russians: A love-hate...

Czechs have always had a complicated relationship with Russians. At some points in history, they saw them as their Slavic brothers who could help them gain independence and freedom.

The first Czech female doctor graduated in...

Anna Honzáková was the very first Czech female doctor and gynaecologist, as well as being a women’s rights activist and opponent of abortion. She treated women both rich and poor, providing treatment free of charge to those who couldn’t afford...

Prague Radio’s Symphony Orchestra to hold...

Czech Radio is hosting a benefit concert in support of Ukraine in Prague’s Rudolfinum Concert Hall on Monday evening. The concert, featuring the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, will combine music by Ukrainian and Czech composers. The proceeds...

Ubuntu Is Parada YouTube Channel by...

Last year, Humanitas Afrika launched its newest initiative which is a youtube channel called UBUNTU IS PARADA. The name of the channel combines an African philosophy UBUNTU (unity, interdependence, interconnectedness, togetherness of humanity)...

Economist: Huge risk of even higher inflation

Fuel prices are continuing to rise and have already reached historic highs in the Czech Republic. The government has therefore decided to abolish the mandatory blending of bio-components into fuels and also to abolish the road tax on vehicles...

Ukraine 2022: A Test for the EU and NATO

International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES)[1] from Ljubljana, Slovenia, regularly analyses developments in the Middle East, the Balkans and around the world. One week after the Russian aggression on Ukraine, IFIMES...

11 Female-owned Hotels Around the World With...

From the Caribbean to the U.S., here are 11 amazing female-owned hotels to support during Women’s History Month and beyond. There are many unknowns surrounding travel right now, but one thing is for sure: A stay at any of these women-run...

Czech leaders condemn Russian hospital...

Russia’s bombing of a maternity and children’s hospital in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol is a war crime, says the Czech prime minister, Petr Fiala. Mr. Fiala said on Twitter that Vladimir Putin was killing innocent women and children and that...

Legendary tank on Kinsky Square repainted in...

The legendary tank on Kinsky Square in Prague, which artist David Černý famously repainted pink in April 1991, has now been repainted in Ukraine’s colours. Between 1945 and 1991, a tank stood on a plinth in Kinsky Square in Prague, as a...

Ukrainian refugees arriving by the thousands...

Since the start of the Russian aggression in Ukraine close to two million people have fled the country. Close to 200,000 refugees, mainly old people, women and children, have found their way to the Czech Republic –on their own, with the help of...

5 Best European Countries to Invest In

Europe is among the most important contributors to the global economy, representing the key grounds for employment, competitiveness, and growth worldwide. Although the effects of COVID-19 and Brexit can still be felt across the continent, the...

Czechs declare “state of emergency for...

The Czech government is further intensifying its efforts to aid Ukraine. Systems are being put in place to help the Ukrainian refugees entering the country every day and ministers say a state of emergency from Friday will accelerate the process...

The Sunniest Cities in Europe, According to...

Alicante, Spain tops the list with 349 average monthly sun hours. Nothing puts a damper on a perfectly planned European getaway than a sudden change in weather. So holiday rental search engine Holidu took a look at the places with the most sun...

Israeli Culture in the Czech Republic

A cultural overview of Israeli art in Czechia in March. Be with Israeli culture in the spring. A world format drummer 16.3.2022 / 19:00 / Jazzinec / Trutnov 20.3.2022 / 19:00 / Jazz Dock / Praha 23.3.2022 / 20:00 / U bílýho černocha / Česká...

This Is The Closest We Will Get

Devashish Gaur’s layered approach to portraiture builds visual conversations between three generations of men in his family, exploring the intimacy and distance embedded in family archives. There is a particular collage in Indian photographer...

Lépe placenou nebo novou práci sólo rodičům...

Najít nové zaměstnání, nebo lépe placenou práci, kterou jde sladit s péčí o děti. S tím sólo rodičům pomáhá Akademie práce pro samoživitele, společný program Klubu svobodných matek a společnosti JTI, jehož první série odstartovala v únoru...

The Prague Ratter: a small but lively...

Czechs are known as one of the dog-friendliest nations in Europe, with around two million dogs living in a country of ten million. Apart from the globally popular dog breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, you can also spot breeds that originated...

2022 Elections in Serbia: Yet another...

The International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES)[1] from Ljubljana, Slovenia, regularly analyzes developments in the Middle East, the Balkans and around the world. In the context of the upcoming presidential elections...

After Merkel

International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES[1]) from Ljubljana, Slovenia, regularly analyses developments in the Middle East, Balkans and also around the world. Ambassador Dr Milan Jazbec, Professor of diplomacy, poet and...

WORLD PANGOLIN DAY

The third Saturday in February is World Pangolin Day, the purpose of which is to draw attention to the importance of protecting these unique creatures. These are currently the most illegally smuggled animals in the world. The Prague Zoo will...

Pride Business Forum Voices

6 speakers, 6 emotional stories about #WorkplaceEquality and #ComingOut. Are you ready to experience Pride Business Forum Voices? 🏳️‍🌈 Book your free ticket now!  👤💬 Stories will be shared by: Armin...

Government to cut StB pensions – but calls...

The Czech government plans to cut the old-age pensions of senior communist-era secret police officers. While the idea is welcomed by some, calls have also been made to do more for the victims of the former regime, many of whom are on very low...

Lukas Cerny from LASVIT talks about...

Glass and design leader LASVIT is illuminating the Czech Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai with Golden Rain, a groundbreaking six-metre-high organically shaped installation. The light installation is made entirely of recyclable metal and glass that...

5 Tips for Hiring the Right Consulting Agency

Hiring a consulting agency can be very effective when you have some doubts concerning your business. Regardless of whether you’re in the process of starting a new business and are in need of expert advice or are unsure if you should take a...

A Parrot Stole a GoPro at This New Zealand...

A family who recently visited New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park got better GoPro footage than they were expecting thanks to a mischievous parrot who snatched the camera and took it for a flight. The batty bird stole the camera and...

Color revolution in Kazakhstan 2022

International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES)[1] from Ljubljana, Slovenia, regularly analyses developments in the Middle East, Balkans and also around the world. Konstantin Sergeevich Strigunov, leading analyst of the...

Czech female amateur cyclist beats the pros

Data published on the global athletics app Strava shows that Czech amateur cycling has a record holder. Kateřina Rusá, a hobby cyclist in her mid-thirties, rode over 50,000 kilometres in 2021. That’s hugely more than the women in the...

RFE/RL Condemns Latest Kremlin Threats As...

Full article here. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) strongly condemns a sharp escalation of intimidation tactics by Russian authorities, which saw state media-monitoring agency Roskomnadzor overnight threaten to block eight RFE/RL...

IFIMES II: Population and pollution and...

International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES[1]) from Ljubljana, Slovenia, regularly analyses developments in the Middle East, the Balkans and around the world. Dr J Scott Younger is a President Commissioner at Glendale...

European affairs minister highlights media...

Media freedom and responsibility should become one of the themes highlighted during the forthcoming Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the Slovak Presidency of the Visegrad Group (V4), the Czech Minister for European...