EU citizens staying in the Czech Republic for more than 90 days will have to register with the Ministry of Interior, according to a draft law approved by the Czech government on Wednesday.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
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Photo: Official website of La Grace
Although Czechia is a landlocked country, a replica of an 18th century privateer ship, named La Grace, is sailing the seas under the Czech flag. La Grace was constructed by Captain Josef Dvorský and a group of enthusiasts as a tribute to a famous Bohemian explorer, merchant, pirate and cartographer.
The replica of the privateer ship commanded by the 18th century Bohemian explorer, merchant, pirate and cartographer Augustin Heřman was constructed 14 years ago in Egypt by Czech sailing enthusiasts.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Jana Plavec, Czech Academy of Sciences
Czech scientist Tomáš Čižmár has won the European Microscopy Society award for contributing to the development of a new, hair-thin endo-microscope, which allows detailed investigation of hard to access brain areas. The revolutionary instrument could help neuroscientists develop new tools for fighting severe neurological conditions, such as dementia or Alzhemier’s disease. I asked Professor Čimžár to tell me more about it:
“Our endoscope differs in that the flow of light through it is controlled by computer-generated and dynamic hologram.
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Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Jiří Rotrekl, Pixabay, CC0
The World Road Motorcycle Championship will return to Brno’s Masaryk Circuit next year after a five-year break, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced. The state will support the event financially through the National Sports Agency.
With over 50 years of motorcycle Grand Prix history Brno’s iconic race attracted tens of thousands of people from at home and abroad, until its closure, for financial reasons, in 2020.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
On Friday, 23rd August 2024, at Prague Castle, the President of the Republic Petr Pavel received the credentials of the new Ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary.
H.E Mr. Víctor Aquiles Abujatum Sepúlveda – new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Chile
H.E Mr. Carlos Manuel Folhadela de Macedo Oliveira – new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Portugal
H.E Mr. Hayder Shiya Ghubeshi Albarrak – new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Iraq
And H.E Mr. Aleš Balut – new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Slovenia.
Gorillas are not animals known for their patience. For slowly melting ice cream on a rope, the whole gang usually takes turns gradually. Pictured is an adolescent gorilla from the Dja Reserve, eight-year-old male Ajabu. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
On Saturday, August 24, residents of the Prague Zoo will be treated to an ice cream refreshment. Gorillas, elephants, sea lions, and even the polar bears get special frozen treats.
For animals, this ice cream is not only food but also enrichment, i.e. a stimulus for their physical and mental activity. For visitors, such variety is an experience – especially when they can also refresh themselves. People can buy ice cream at thirteen places in the Prague Zoo area. There is a choice of packaged, scooped, and spun ice cream, including lactose-free variants.
For Indian elephants, special ice cream is not only food variety, but also entertainment and distraction. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Ice Cream Refreshments at the Animals on Saturday 24th August
- 10:00 a.m. Honeyeaters – close-up indoor exhibition in Africa
- 10.00 family group of lowland gorillas – Dja Reserve
- 10.30 nestors kea – Rákos’ pavilion
- 11.00 polar bears – Exhibition of polar bears
- 1.30 p.m. South African sea lions – Sea lion exhibition
- 2.00 p.m. chipmunks – Monkey Islands
- 14.00 African brush dogs and Brazzo cats – Reserve Dja
- 14.30 Indian elephants – Elephant Valley
- 15.00 male group of lowland gorillas – Méfou Centre
South African sea lions receive fish or squid frozen into ice cubes during a veterinary training demonstration at 1:30 p.m. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Visitors can buy a scoop of ice cream at Supa, U Hrocha, Bororo Reserve, Gočárové houses, and the Trilobit snack bar. Tapas are waiting for them at U Gibona and at the Gaston restaurant, with lactose-free versions of sorbet being offered along with tap ice cream at, for example, the ice bear stand, Obora, Černohouska, and the Gulab and Oceán restaurants. Popsicles and crushed ice are also on offer in Oceán or Gaston.
Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová organized a seminar on the topic “Prospects of change? Russia two and a half years since the aggression against Ukraine” at the building of the Chamber of Deputies, in Prague.
The moderator of the event was Martin Churavý – Spoke man and
Press Secretary of the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies.
The seminar started with opening remarks by Markéta Pekarová Adamová, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic.
3 panels took place:
“Russian Economy Under the Weight of Sanctions”
o Karel Svoboda, Russian
o Miroslav Karas, columnist and journalist
o Michael Romancov, political geographer
Moderator: Andrea Michalcová, Center for an Informed Society
Interview “Russian propaganda and sport as one of the hybrid tools”
o Dominik Hašek, former hockey goalkeeper
o Otakar Foltýn, government coordinator of strategic communication
Moderator: Miroslav Karas, columnist and journalist
“Prospect for change? The Kremlin and the Russians”
o Zhanna Nemtsova, journalist and social activist
o Andrey Shary, journalist
Moderator: Gabriela Svárovská, former diplomat and journalist
Barbora and Michal Chalup with their four-year-old son Matěj and his friend Dominik became the millionth visitors to the Prague Zoo in 2024. Photo by Oliver Le Que, Prague Zoo
This year’s millionth visitor came to the Prague Zoo today at 10.02 – more precisely, a married couple with two children. The Chalup family from Prague entered the zoo grounds through its newest entrance on Sklenářka near the Dja Reserve. For their unique ranking, they received a voucher for an experience program at the mountain bongs and special gifts, while both children were most happy with a stuffed tapir and an orangutan. Prague Zoo welcomed its millionth visitor on the same day as in the last pre-Covid year of 2019.
“We go to the Prague Zoo several times a year, if we can, even three times. We usually look forward to the meerkats, penguins and giraffes the most, but today we can’t wait especially for the baby gorillas,” revealed the jubilee visitors. “But we have to say that we like to come back here not only for the animals, but also for the food. So we are also looking forward to a good lunch today,” both spouses agreed.
The Prague Zoo is enjoying excellent attendance this year, especially thanks to rare and attractive additions – baby gorillas, orangutans, giraffes, wombats and sloths. Another attraction is the Mongolian Gobi exhibition, which opened this year, or newly bred species such as attractive fos animals. The Prague Zoo is a frequent excursion destination in the summer despite the hot days, during which it cools its visitors and animals with tons of ice cubes, numerous snails or ice cream.
Empowering Women Mentoring opens applications for talented women for the seventh time from companies. Both companies with their teams and women themselves can participate. The program is suitable for fulfilling ESG goals
Prague, August 22, 2024 – Business & Professional Women CR (BPWCR) is proud to announce that on October 11, it will officially launch the 7th year of the Empowering Women Mentoring program, which brings a unique opportunity for companies and individual participants to support female leadership, develop women’s career opportunities while meeting key ESG ‘S’ targets. 60 women and 10 companies have the chance to use it this year. Applications are now open and places are filling up fast.
Empowering Women Mentoring (EWM) has become an indispensable platform for talented aspiring female managers to advance their careers. The program is unique in its approach, the basis of which is the speed mentoring method – a dynamic, effective, and interactive way to transfer experience and knowledge between mentors and mentees, in sharing experiences between participants, and in networking.
What is speed mentoring and why is it a key element of our program?
Speed mentoring, as developed in 2010 by the president of the organization, is a unique method of education that combines speed, intensity and focus on the specific needs of the mentee. “Unlike traditional mentoring, where the relationship between mentor and mentee is long-term and broader in scope, speed mentoring offers intensive and narrowly focused sessions where mentees receive valuable advice and feedback from multiple mentors in a short period of time while benefiting from the sharing of ideas and the experiences of other participants. This format allows women to gain different perspectives and apply the acquired knowledge in practice more quickly,” says Lenka Šťastná, president of BPWCR and author of the speed mentoring method.
Thanks to this approach, the participants not only develop on a professional level, but also build an important network of contacts, which is crucial for their career growth. Companies that join the program have the opportunity to provide their employees with access to this unique form of education, which can significantly contribute to their professional development and overall satisfaction.
Why should companies get involved?
By engaging in EWM programs, companies can significantly strengthen their ESG strategy. Nowadays, it is increasingly important to demonstrate a commitment to sustainable and ethical business, not only in terms of environmental protection, but also the promotion of equal opportunities, talent development and increasing the proportion of women in top management. According to a McKinsey study, there are currently only 4% of women in the position of CEO and 11% of top management in Czech companies. A number of large employers aim to increase the representation of women in management to at least 30% by 2030.
This program offers companies the opportunity to actively contribute to the fulfillment of these sustainable social responsibility goals. Supporting female leadership is both a matter of equal conditions and a competitive advantage – studies show that companies with diversified leadership achieve better financial results and have higher innovation potential. Companies with more than 30% women in management are likely to increase their profitability by up to 26%. Building employee loyalty through an employment policy set in this way reduces fluctuations, and thus recruitment costs, and increases the company’s attractiveness on the labor market.
How to get involved?
Registration for companies and individual participants is currently underway. Companies can nominate their employees to the program or join as partners and support the entire project. Participants will gain access to a series of mentoring sessions covering important development topics and networking to help them develop their skills and increase their visibility in the industry.
Feedback from previous years
The participants of the previous six years of the EWM program appreciated not only the opportunity to receive valuable advice from experienced professionals, but also the atmosphere of mutual support and inspiration, which motivated them to further professional growth. “Speed mentoring helped me quickly identify areas where I can grow professionally and gave me specific advice on how to do that,” said one of the participants from last year.
EWM supports individual women, but at the same time creates a wider impact on the entire society and organizations that choose to participate in the program. At BPWCR, we believe that an investment in the development of women’s potential is an investment in the future, and we look forward to the involvement of new companies and women in the seventh year of this exceptional evaluated program – the rate of satisfaction of participants with the program reaches 99% and 63% confirms increased self-confidence and courage to change.
For more information and to register, visit https://bpwcr.cz/empoweringwomen7/
Photo: Kristýna Maková, Radio Prague International
Venus of Dolní Věstonice, a Stone-Age ceramic sculpture of a female figure considered one of the oldest pieces of art in the world, was made from fragments of rocks and tiny fossils, not mammoth bones as previously believed. The discovery was made by experts from the Moravian Museum in Brno using micro-CT scanning. I discussed the findings, which have been published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, with the head of the research team Petr Neruda:
“It’s a rather complicated story.
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Author: Ruth Fraňková
The Committee for European Affairs of the Czech lower house has approved Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Sikela as the Czech nominee for EU commissioner.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Illustrative photo: Max Fischer, Pexels
While some European countries, namely France, Italy, the UK, and the Netherlands, have totally banned the use of mobile phones in schools, there is still no clear consensus on this issue in Czechia. At the moment, each school decides for itself which position to take, without a coordinated approach from the government or the Czech School Inspectorate. Some schools allow them to be used in class, others only during breaks. But some have started to take a more radical approach.
The town of Vsetín in the Zlín Region is introducing a ban on using mobile phones in primary schools from September.
See more here.
Author: Anna Fodor
Photo: Miloš Turek, Radio Prague International
The Usti nad Labem Region has many attractions but there is nothing to beat the breathtaking beauty of the sandstone rocks of Bohemian Switzerland and the Pravčice gate of sandstone created through millions of years of erosion.
The history of the Pravčice Gate goes back to the Mesozoic era – approximately a hundred million years ago, when the region known as Bohemian Switzerland lay at the bottom of an ocean.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Dominik Jůn, Radio Prague International
David Bradbury is a former director general of the British Library. In 1968, the foreign language student found himself in Czechoslovakia right after the Soviet-led invasion. Despite the unusual times, he formed lifelong friendships with a number of Czechs, and an ongoing affinity for the country. I caught up with David during a recent visit to Prague and began by asking how he ended up in the Czech capital in September 1968.
“I was born in Manchester, England, in 1947.
See more here.
Author: Dominik Jůn
The Prague Metro Authority is alerting the public to the fact that if a person falls onto the tracks in the metro there is an emergency button which will immediately stop an oncoming train.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Tomáš Adamec/Jan Bartoněk, Czech Radio
On August 21, 1968 Soviet-led Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia, crushing the Prague Spring and ushering in a long period of political and moral decline. More than 130 people died during the invasion and thousands fled the country in the years that followed. The late Czech filmmakers Jiří Menzel and Miloš Forman share their personal memories of that fateful night, reflecting on the shock, fear, and surreal experiences.
The occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1968 was an event of immense global significance, but for millions of Czechs and Slovaks, it was deeply personal.
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Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Studio Matouš
Vítězslava Kaprálová was born into a musical family; her father was even a pupil of Leoš Janáček, providing her with a strong foundation for success. For her graduation project at the Prague Conservatory, she composed the Military Sinfonietta, which was performed by the Czech Philharmonic—an exceptional achievement, as it is unlikely the orchestra has performed another graduation work since. Not only that, she conducted the performance herself, with President Edvard Beneš attending the premiere.
Kaprálová was both a composer and a conductor, a rare combination even today.
See more here.
Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz
Top officials gathered outside Czech Radio at middday on Wednesday to recall the battle that took place there in the first hours of the Soviet-led invasion on August 21, 1968 and to pay homage to those who died defending the Czechoslovak Radio building.
President Petr Pavel laid a wreath under the plaque with the names of people who died defending Czechoslovak Radio in August of 1968.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Illustrative photo: Surprising_SnapShots, Pixabay, Pixabay License
Czech children and teenagers are crafting their own language, filled with slang and new expressions, often borrowed from English. The internet speeds up the creation of new words and phrases, which can be confusing for people who aren’t active online. In particular, it can be difficult for their parents and grandparents to understand.
“ ‘Boomer’ I know, that’s me.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Tomáš Minarčík, Czech Radio
A small pond in Jeseník is attracting plenty of attention. Kurt Gebauer, a provocative Czech sculptor, painter and lifelong fighter for better public space, has selected it for one of his latest public installations.
What was a common, everyday sight for the locals has become a colourful topic of debate.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Part of the revenue from frozen Russian assets in the European Union will be spent on the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine, within the Czech shells-for Ukraine initiative, Defence Minister Jana Černochová announced on the X network on Tuesday.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Film Servis Festival Karlovy Vary
The first days of the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia were closely tied to the Czechoslovak Radio building in front of which bloody clashes took place and at least 15 civilians were killed. The newly released film Waves, inspired by the true story of a group of journalists from the radio’s foreign service section, focuses on these traumatic events and the preceding Prague Spring period.
The story of the journalists working for the Czechoslovak Radio’s international editorial offices during the invasion and in the months leading up to the event is the focus of a newly released film called Waves, directed by Jiří Mádl and co-produced by Czech Radio.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
The third edition of the NeverMore 68 festival at the Prague Exhibition Grounds will mark the 56th anniversary of the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia on August 21, 1968.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
The 14th edition of Prague Pride, an annual festival celebrating the LGBTQ community, took place in Prague on Saturday 10th August 2024.
The theme this year was “equal marriage”.
Tens of thousands of people, including several Ministers, Czech politicians, members of Prague’s diplomatic community, and big commercial companies and organizations, took part in the parade, which ran from the lower part of Wenceslas Square via Celenta st., Old Town Square, and Parizka st., to Letná Park.
The diplomatic community had a great representation from almost all embassies.
The celebrations continued at Letná, with live music and other events, until 10 pm.
Watch the video and the pictures from this colorful event.
On the occasion of the 57th Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, H.E. Mr. Duong Hoai Nam Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Czech Republic Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague hosted a reception at the beautiful Hartig Garden.
A cultural show from each ASEAN country followed the ceremony.
Happy Birthday ASEAN countries.
The mother of the cub is the female Faraa, the male Johan became the thirty-fold father posthumously. Photo by Oliver Le Que, Prague Zoo
On Saturday, August 10, we will christen a Baby Girl Northern Nubian giraffe at the Prague Zoo. The cub was born at the beginning of July, but visitors could not see it for the first time until later due to an unstable front limb.
The name, which is traditionally chosen by breeders, will be unveiled by the zoo at 11:00 a.m. at the viewpoint near the African House. Her godparents will be basketball representatives Ilona Burgrová and Iva Večeřová, who won, the silver medals at the World Championships.
The little giraffe managed the difficult beginning of life thanks to its tenacity and the care of its mother and keepers. Photo by Oliver Le Que, Prague Zoo
Soon after the birth, the breeders noticed a complication on the front leg of the little bay girl giraffe, so she spent the first fortnight in the facility on a hard floor with only her mother. Thanks to the correctly chosen procedure and the suction of copious breast milk, the limb soon became stronger even without the intervention of a veterinarian. Visitors can now observe the little giraffe in the outdoor enclosure of the African House not only with the rest of the giraffe herd but also with its other inhabitants.
The cub is the 30th descendant of the legendary male Johan, who died at a respectable age last July. At the same time, the little giraffe, which was brought into the world by the female Pharoah, became the 86th baby giraffe at the Prague Zoo and the 99th giraffe in the history of breeding these iconic ungulates at the Prague Zoo.
In cooperation with the city of Almere and the Rijksvastgoedbedrijf, MVRDV present the development strategy for Almere Oosterwold. Free design and construction will transform an area of 43km2. Limits are set to ensure the rural character of the area is maintained: 18% construction, 8% roads, 13% public green, 2% water and 59% urban agriculture. An individual’s creativity is limitless within this framework – who knows what forms the houses will take!
Freeland is proposed as a radically liberated place where you have the right to define your own living space. Freeland celebrates individual desire: You can build whatever you want; in whatever shape you like; you decide how to use your space and how to behave. You can build a home of your dreams – a dome, a castle, or a simple prefab house.
If you are happy living in a tent, that’s okay too. One can call it I-Land. If you like, a software can help you to make your architecture and helps to realize ideas, the HouseMaker© will assist you in the design, arrangement and construction of the supplies and cost management.
It is a growing attempt to make a masterplan collectively. By giving these initiatives step by step a place, the area will gradually transform the existing situation to a diverse living and working landscape. Based on the existing qualities and conditions– roads, windmills, water channels, forest ridges, buildings, and the piping-system – it will evolve bottom-up. Freeland develops as a rich assemblage of originality where everything is possible, and where advanced urban planning is also very basic.
Read more here.
How a mission to introduce the world to Bosnia-Herzegovina changed the course of Alphonse Mucha’s life.
We are pleased to present the forty-seventh instalment of our newsletter, which brings you interesting facts from the world of competition law for the period from April to June 2024. Regular readers will know that this is a purely subjective selection of events that we found interesting this time around.
Lounging on the beach, relaxing between bike rides or enjoying a glass of chilled rosé in the evening calls for interesting reading, and that’s what we hope to provide you, competition law fans. This time we focus on anti-competitive agreements, both horizontal and vertical. You will learn about new trends in antitrust (employees and sports), the old favourite resale price maintenance and particularities (such as monitoring competitors’ prices or restricting cross-border trade).
When a successful leniency applicant challenges a decision
If the company was a successful leniency applicant, it may not be appropriate to bring an action against the relevant decision of the competition authority. This was the case for CERP, a Belgian pharmaceutical distributor, which appealed against a decision to fine it EUR 0.8 million for a cartel agreement on margins. The original fine of EUR 1.6 million was reduced by 50% under a leniency programme. The Belgian Competition Authority responded to CERP’s action by asking the court to annul the reduction of the fine if the action was unsuccessful. This made it too risky for CERP to continue the proceedings and it withdrew the case instead. In this way, the competition authority protects the functionality of its leniency programme.
Forthcoming amendment to the Czech Competition Act
The Czech Competition Authority is also seeking to ensure the effectiveness of its leniency programme. Our regular readers will have noticed that it is also doing this through the forthcoming amendment to the Competition Protection Act (which we have written about in more detail here). In the meantime, the Czech Competition Authority has submitted a text of the amendment act which is reflects the outline we presented to you. A comment procedure took place in June. There were a number of comments and suggestions, so we are curious to see if the draft will be amended.
Robert discussed the need for the amendment and its risks with the Chairman of the Czech Competition Authority in the radio programme “Pro a proti” (Pro and Con) on ČRo Plus.
Employee-related agreements
As you will have noticed from our previous posts, the investigation of anti-competitive agreements involving employees is becoming a trend and a permanent feature of the antitrust authorities’ activities. This spring was no different.
First, it should be noted that in addition to the Czech Competition Authority, the Slovak Competition Authority has also started to focus on employee agreements. In May, it initiated administrative proceedings against a Slovak business association for adopting a code of ethics that included provisions restricting the hiring of employees. We are of course monitoring the case.
Then, in April and May, the Portuguese competition authority continued to pursue an agreement by large technology consultancies not to hire employees and not to make unsolicited offers to employees of competing companies. In the past it has already fined two companies EUR 1.3 million and EUR 2.5 million respectively for this behaviour, and in April it fined another company EUR 278,000. The Portuguese Competition Authority reduced the fines of all these companies in a settlement procedure. The last two cartel members (belonging to the same group) that refused to settle are still under investigation. A Statement of Objections was sent to them in May. A fine, which is likely to be significantly higher, can be expected by the end of the year.
In April, the Lithuanian Regional Administrative Court upheld a EUR 969,060 fine imposed on the Lithuanian Association of Real Estate Agents and its 39 members. The association’s code of ethics contained provisions that prevented estate agents from taking over each other’s brokers.
Read more here.
The reform of the review of public contracts is intended to speed up and make the decision-making of disputes between contracting authorities and those interested in public contracts faster and more efficient, which today takes place in up to five stages. Unfortunately, in connection with the reform in the public space, there are several inaccuracies and misleading statements that we would like to set the record straight.
- The reform proposal received hundreds of comments in the interdepartmental comment procedure, so it is a bad proposal.
For similarly complex proposals and laws, there may be several thousand comments. Their content is especially important. Specific comments can be agreeable, disagreeable, grammatical, or can be a so-called “no comment” comment. It is often also an explicit support for the reform. The inter-ministerial comment procedure of the reform on the review of public contracts takes place in a completely standard way, and the comments are settled gradually.
The reform is being reviewed by legal experts, representatives of contracting authorities and contractors. In the last year, over 30 meetings were held, which were mostly attended by representatives of the Office for the Protection of Economic Competition (ÚOHS). The effort of the Ministry for Regional Development is a faster and more predictable review of public contracts based on the consensus of the majority of the professional public.
- The current public procurement review system is good and no changes are needed.
Each day that a public contract is delayed in the review procedure will cost approximately CZK 6 million. Every year, the price of orders increases by tens of billions of crowns. The delay in public contracts affects the residents of many places who are waiting for new transport and other important constructions as well as other public projects. The current system is unsustainable. Therefore, our goal is to speed up the public procurement review system.
- ÚOHS proposed its own changes to the review procedure, but the Ministry for Regional Development listened to them. Instead, he is preparing a reform that no one wants.
The Ministry for Regional Development incorporated a number of initiatives that arose from the proposal of the ÚOHS. What could not be agreed with was the effort to further strengthen monocratic decision-making in the form of a full appeal (i.e. the possibility of completely changing the decision) and the setting of deposits for the contracting authority as well.
The reform proposal of the Ministry for Regional Development is a response to the requests of contracting authorities, contractors, and anti-corruption organizations. The Ministry for Regional Development based its decision on the recommendations of experts, proven foreign practice, and the decision of the Supreme Administrative Court (6 As 338/2021 – 52).
- The ÚOHS decides on approximately a percentage of orders out of their total number of approx. 17,000 per year. The chairman of the ÚOHS alone decides on only half a percent of them in the 2nd stage.
It is not only the total number of contracts that is important but also the financial value of those that are interrupted by the review procedure and their importance for the state or local government. In 2022, the chairman of the ÚOHS decided on the dissolution of 45% of all disputes. It is highly unusual for a single person to decide on a review of tens of billions of public money.
Contracting authorities are afraid of lengthy decision-making by the ÚOHS, so most public contracts are awarded mainly on price, not on quality.
- The monocratic decision-making model is quite common in the Czech Republic.
No other civil servant alone decides on dozens of cases of national or regional importance and at the same time on tens of billions a year. All comparative analyzes show that nowhere else in the EU does one person have such power. Everywhere else, the office, senates or commissions decide.
In 2022, the Chairman of the ÚOHS decided in 85 dissolution proceedings on 75 public contracts. He always receives the recommendation of the decomposition committee, but the final decision ultimately rests with the chairman of the ÚOHS, who can deviate from the recommendation. On average, there are two decisions on disputes in public contracts for every week of the year. In addition, the chairman of the ÚOHS also makes decisions in proceedings on offenses and other agendas (economic competition, significant market power, public support, transport infrastructure), represents the office and manages it in a managerial manner. This requires a high degree of expertise and the capacity to read the documents and consider all the circumstances. That is why the Ministry for Regional Development proposed to abolish the decomposition stage in proceedings before the ÚOHS and to strengthen the quality of decision-making by introducing three-member panels.
- In the Czech Republic, there is always two-instance decision-making, there is no logic in introducing single-instance decision-making for public contracts.
Historically, the review according to the Administrative Code is actually two-instance. However, this will not be a new thing, single-instance is already introduced in more than 10 administrative proceedings today. According to the Ministry of Regional Development, this is a logical and effective way to speed up the review and reduce the bureaucratic burden.
- The reform is too big a change that shakes the entire review system and the decision-making practice is discarded.
The reform adjusts the method of evidence and specifies the rules for parties to the dispute. The ÚOHS will continue to have the opportunity to supplement the evidence, but it should be in exceptional cases. Today, this only happens in about a third of cases, the rest is due to the activity of the parties to the dispute.
- The Ministry for Regional Development wants to implement the so-called Croatian model in the Czech Republic, which is criticized even by the chairwoman of the Croatian office.
The Ministry for Regional Development does not want to implement the Croatian model. For 17 years, Croatia has been making decisions in councils led by the chairman and 2 vice-chairmen of the State Commission, in which 2 other members are always appointed by the parliament. According to the Croatian experience, political influence in practice reduces their expertise and creates dissonance in opinions.
The Ministry for Regional Development proposed a fundamentally different model. The members of the Senate would be elected by a commission with an emphasis on their expertise. The ÚOHS and the SAO would also have their representatives in the commission. For the first term of office, the members of the senate would automatically become experts from among the current directors of the ÚOHS, in order to maintain continuity. Decision-making would be linked to specific recognized authorities. The proposal of the Ministry for Regional Development contains clear safeguards so that the Senates do not decide differently in the same case. Clients and contractors must know what they can expect from the review, both in terms of time and material.
- In Germany, they make decisions faster, but these are only over-limit orders, that cannot be compared with the Czech practice, they have a different model. But 40 days, as claimed by the Ministry of Regional Development, is not even available in Germany.
Chambers in Germany make decisions significantly faster than in the Czech Republic, although they only decide on over-limit orders, i.e. the more important ones, which are often more complex than under-limit orders. And yet they manage the review significantly (about 4x) faster and with a smaller apparatus than ours. 40 days is a figure from Germany’s report to the European Commission, and the Ministry of Regional Development verified it by recalculating the length of the decision of the Federal Chamber for Federal Procurement (VK Bund). It is not clear why and on what basis this data is disputed.
- ÚOHS decides quickly enough. According to the reform, the decision will be made in one instance, and the contracting authority will not be able to conclude a contract with the winning contractor for 15 days after the final decision unless the Regional Court in Brno issues a preliminary measure. Decision-making by the Regional Court in Brno takes about 550 days on average.
Currently, orders pending before the ÚOHS are blocked for an average of 5 months. If dissolution is filed (45% of disputes in 2022), the wait increases to 7 to 9 months. Contracts are blocked today even where the proposal has fundamental defects or the deposit has not been paid. This is what the Ministry for Regional Development wants to eliminate through reform.
In addition, the ÚOHS should always communicate its preliminary legal opinion to the parties within 20 working days from the submission of the proposal, so that the parties know how the panel views their dispute. Abroad, this is the usual way to allow the complainant to withdraw his proposal and save the deposit, or for the contracting authority to make corrections in time. Public contracts would thus be blocked for a significantly shorter period of time and the ÚOHS would be less burdened with decision-making. Only where the complainant did not withdraw the proposal himself, but did not succeed before the Office and continued to defend himself before the court, the tender would continue to be blocked. For this, the complainant would have to pay the deposit again and the Regional Court in Brno would have to issue a preliminary measure.
The average duration of proceedings before the Regional Court in Brno is misleading, as it applies to all proceedings. Today, there are only a small number of cases involving disputes that block the procurement process per year, and the Ministry of Regional Development proposes that the Regional Court in Brno decide on them within 60, maximum 90 days.
The five most important archaeological areas of Prague Castle, which are inaccessible to the vast majority of the public, will be guided by a new mobile application called Prague Castle Archeology. He will acquaint them with the history of individual monuments and show them how the premises have developed over the centuries. Experts from the Institute of Archeology of the Academy of Sciences worked on the application in cooperation with the Department of Monument Preservation of the Office of the President of the Republic.
Under the Prague Castle, the remains of buildings from the turn of the ninth and tenth to fifteenth centuries rest under reinforced concrete structures on several thousand square meters. Many visitors to the Castle had no idea of their existence – those who knew, had not had the opportunity to get to know them until now. The situation is changing with a new application covering the five most important archaeological sites: the chapel of the Virgin Mary, III. courtyard – Large and Small excavations, the crypt of the Cathedral of St. Vita and the monastery and basilica of St. George.
With the help of 3D scans, those interested can not only examine individual buildings in detail, but also see how they changed over time and the history of their research on a timeline. In this way, he can virtually walk through almost 5,000 m2.
Development work lasted four years. The application can be used at Prague Castle as a guide, but also anywhere outside the premises.
It is free to download on the usual platforms in Czech, English and German.
Link to the press release, including an illustrative video: Into the inaccessible underground of the Castle. With the new application Prague Castle Archaeological – Prague Castle
https://www.hrad.cz/cs/pro-media/tiskove-zpravy/aktualni-tiskove-zpravy/aplikace-18046
On the occasion of the 203rd Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Peru and the 102nd year of diplomatic relations between the Czech Republic and the Republic of Peru. Ambassador of the Republic of Peru H.E. Mr. Nestor Francisco POPOLIZIO BARDALES and Mrs. Irma Rios de Popolizio Hosted a reception at the beautiful garden of the Ambassador’s residence.
Mr. Jiri Kozak – the first deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic was the honored guest.
Watch the video with the speech of the Ambassador of the Republic of Peru H.E. Mr. Nestor Francisco POPOLIZIO BARDALES and of Mr. Jiri Kozak – the first deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic.
And enjoy Peruvian music with the group of my compatriot Vlado Ulrich.
Viva el Peru! Viva la Republica Checa!
The Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova H.E Mr. Alexandru Codreanu and his spouse Svetlana Codreanu who was one of the piler of the DSA, hosted the beautiful garden of the Embassy farewell reception.
Here are selected sections of H.E Mr. Alexandru Codreanu and H.E. Most Reverend Jude Thaddeus OKOLO speeches at the event.
We will miss you
On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco H.E. Ms. Hanane SAADI hosted a reception at the beautiful garden of the residence.
Mr. Jiri Kozak – the first deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored speaker.
Mr. Vaclav Klaus the former President of the Czech Republic and his spouse Livia were the honor guests.
Watch the video with the speech of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco H.E. Ms. Hanane SAADI and of Mr. Jiri Kozak – the first deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic.
Long live the King!
On the occasion of the 72nd year of the Anniversary of the Revolution and the 102nd year of diplomatic relations between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Mostafa Afifi hosts a reception at the Embassy’s beautiful garden in Vinohrady.
Mr. Vaclav Klaus – Ex-President of the CR and, Mr. Eduard Hulicius – Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic were the honored guests.
H.E. Ms. SUZILAH BINTI MOHD SIDEK – Ambassador of Malaysia, H.E. Ms. Sonia Regina GUIMARAES GOMES – Ambassador of Brazil and H.E. Ms. Kenssy Dwi EKANINGSIH – Ambassador of Indonesia
Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Mostafa Afifi -Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Mr. Eduard Hulicius – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
It’s all about the team
Ryan Gauci, General Manager of Hilton Prague
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
“Ryan Gauci is a hospitality professional with an extensive background in the industry. Originally from Malta, he recently assumed the role of General Manager at Hilton Prague following a successful tenure in Croatia, where he served since May 2021. Prior to this, Gauci held the position of Hotel Manager at Hilton Prague for nearly three years, overseeing significant refurbishments and strategic repositioning efforts. Altogether, he has dedicated seventeen years of his career to Hilton, contributing to the success of twelve properties across eight countries. What does he have to say about his career experience and his new Prague assignment?”
You graduated from the Institute of Tourism Studies in Malta. Why did you choose a career in hospitality?
Actually, I never thought of working in the hotel industry. I’ve always been drawn to archi- tecture. But in tourist countries like Malta, many students earn pocket money in the hospitality industry. I found myself working at the pool during summer holidays, either serving tables or lifting umbrellas. While making some money, I realized that I enjoyed this much more and decided to change direction last minute, opting to study hospitality. Once I entered the industry, it felt like a natural progression to move forward with my career. I believe it was a good choice, as I enjoy every single day working at the hotel, interacting with team members and guests.
You have been in the Czech Republic before. What is your view of it?
Prague is an up-and-coming city with significant potential. Its growing gastronomic scene, still relatively affordable compared to other European cities, is complemented by ample greenery and parks. The city boasts excellent connectivity and an efficient public transportation system, making navigation seamless. What truly sets Prague apart is its unique vibe, appreciated by visitors whether they’re here for leisure or business.
What is your vision for Hilton Prague?
I would begin by outlining a vision for Prague as a destination. While it has great potential to attract visitors for both leisure and business, there are still challenges, particularly with flight connections. I am keen to collaborate with other stakeholders to improve direct flight connections, particularly with the US and Asia, to bring more affluent guests to Prague.
At Hilton Prague, our focus this year is on enhancing our food and drink venues to create welcoming spaces where locals and visitors alike can enjoy unforgettable culinary experiences. With offerings such as Cloud 9 Sky Bar & Lounge, Café & Bistro, Hop House beer bar, Beer Garden Karlín, and Seasons restaurant, we are dedicated to establishing vibrant dining and socializing hubs.
Hilton Prague is the biggest hotel in Prague – together with Hilton Prague Old Town you offer over 1,000 rooms. How difficult is it to maintain high occupancy and satisfied guests?
It’s all about the team, and in Prague, we have a great team of dedicated and engaged professionals. It’s important that we all share the same vision and execute it together. When the team is happy, it positively reflects on our guests’ experiences. In the hospitality industry, our common goal is to ensure guest satisfaction, surpassing their expectations.
We also need to adopt different approaches for different types of business. Meeting and conference guests have different needs and priorities than leisure guests, be it time efficiency or specific food and beverage offerings.
Ryan Gauci with his parents
How do you motivate and lead a team to achieve their goals?
Motivation comes from recognizing and valuing everyone’s efforts and contributions, regardless of how small they may seem. Every little contribution matters. My management style is best described as collaborative. Having worked in diverse environments, teams, and cultures, I’ve had the opportunity to learn and adapt the style that I believe yields the best results. It’s crucial to me that everyone understands our goals and feels a shared responsibility for achieving them. I aim to foster an environment where we’re all in the same boat, enjoying our work. Such an environment provides the opportunity for individuals to thrive and grow.
What is the hardest challenge for a successful team leader?
Being a leader means constantly being looked up to and analysed by others. Your mood and energy levels have a cascading effect on the entire team. Even on the less bright and shiny days, it’s crucial to maintain a positive energy because you’re in the spotlight, and you want to project a positive vibe to influence the team. Staying calm in difficult situations and maintaining a positive outlook is essential.
I always strive to see the glass as half full rather than half empty.
How do you recharge?
I like outdoor activities and sports, mainly triathlon and swimming. Swimming for 30 minutes in the pool helps me clear my mind and fully relax, allowing me to switch off completely. And I also enjoy cooking very much.
Hilton Prague is known for its charity events. Are you going to continue this tradition?
For many years, we’ve been proud supporters of the Tereza Maxová Foundation through various initiatives, with our annual Christmas charity concert being the highlight. Giving back to those in need is ingrained in our values, and we’re committed to continuing this support in the future. Currently, we’re exploring new formats for our charity event, considering that after almost 20 years, it may be time to change the angle and introduce something different.
Before coming to Prague now, you worked for Hilton in eight different countries. What do you consider to be your most thrilling adventure so far?
The opening of Hilton Rijeka in Croatia was a thrilling adventure and milestone for me as a first-time General Manager. It was a culmination of hard work and anticipation, but witnessing the hotel up and running, with happy guests and team members, made the journey incredibly rewarding.
Having worked with so many people from different walks of life, have you ever dealt with any strange situations?
I recall a curious request from a guest who inquired about bringing their parrot to stay at the hotel. Given our balconies, I asked if the parrot would be in a cage, which was not the case. I then inquired if the guest had a leash for the parrot, which they also did not. Fortunately, the guest decid- ed to leave their feathered friend at home.
Ryan Gauci, General Manager of Hilton Prague
Your predecessor spent 16 years in Prague. Are you planning to break this record?
If I can continuously reinvent myself, staying innovative and relevant for 16 years, I will certainly strive to do so. Adaptability and innovation are key to long-term success in any industry.
What is your piece of advice to the next generation of hoteliers?
My advice is simple: be engaged and run the show as if it was your own business. Travel the world, gain experiences, and develop your career. There are endless opportunities within the hotel industry, with Hilton being a prime example.
Do you speak the truth?
Avivit Yorkevich, CEO of Validit.ai startup
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Hanna Tayeb
“Just living in Israel means constantly facing multiple challenges, which fosters a mindset of seeking innovative solutions,” acknowledges Avivit Yorkevich, a former Special Israeli Intelligence Forces member, and co-founder of a tech start-up Validit.ai. “I worked as a fraud detection consultant, and understood how critical the need was for a solution that could validate human statements. I also realized that the commercial world needs a ‘softer’ approach than the one used in the intelligence services. This is how our company was born.”
Who is the woman who founded a tech start-up detecting our truthfulness?
My name is Avivit, and I am a 46-year-old mother of three who can be described as someone who has worn many hats in her career. From being a professional musician to serving as a senior intelligence officer; now I am on my mission in the tech world – to ensure truthfulness in the digital realm.
I was brought up to be a musician. I sang and performed opera professionally worldwide, mainly in Europe and Scandinavia, and my future was set. But as I got older, I developed a growing passion for intelligence and the unknown. So, I joined the Special Israeli Intelligence Forces, got into the Deception Detection unit, and, soon enough, I was the first woman to become a senior officer, paving the way for other women in that field.
After twenty years of service in the organization, I decided to retire and find the next hill to conquer.
How did your career in intelligence inspire your current business activities?
Well, during my service in the Israeli Intelligence Organization, one of the major challenges I faced was verifying the tips provided by our sources who were not accessible or present in front of us. In critical situations, such as life-threatening missions, this information was vital, yet reaching the person physically was often impossible. That’s when I started thinking about this problem as my main challenge to solve.
After my retirement, I worked as a fraud detection consultant, and understood how critical the need was for a solution that could validate human statements. I also realized that the commercial world needs a ‘softer’ approach than the one used in the intelligence services. So, trying to find that solution, Yossi, my former service partner, and I set out on a mission to discover a reliable technology that could detect human fraud remotely, and yet none of what we found was sufficient.
That is how Validit.ai, our company, was born. After gathering the best AI and algorithmics team in Israel, building our product, and completing hundreds of thousands of test cases in the commercial world (insurance, HR, and finance), we can now actually conduct any validation – remotely, using just a smartphone camera. Basically, we can tell if a person is truthful in their statement, and by doing that help mitigate risks and prevent all types of online fraud that affect us all more and more these days.
Validit.ai
Can you explain how it works?
Yes. It may be used in any online application, at the end or middle of it. The applicant gets the option to validate the information he is giving through our tool. A camera window pops up with a question like “Is the information provided by this person accurate?”. The applicant gives his answer, his smartphone camera gathers the bio-signals from his facial area, and our AI can determine if the statement he has given is valid.
Will you give us some concrete examples of your tool’s worth?
Sure! Imagine a loan request or an insurance claim you filed, only to be rejected after a long process because something “seemed off ”. Now, with Validit, only two minutes of using our validator could save you from all that trouble. It also builds trust with your bank or insurer, possibly even lowering your premiums 🙂
We were happy to realize that using our technology has also created a more trustworthy client-business process. That, like in any relationship, only betters everyone.
Are there any particular challenges you are facing? Perhaps, given the current circumstances in Israel?
If we put aside the ‘traditional’ challenges of an entrepreneur, just living in Israel means constantly facing multiple challenges, which fosters a mindset of seeking innovative solutions.
I take pride in our local tech community’s resilience, persisting despite adversities. Israeli technology, like advanced irrigation and the ‘Iron Dome’ defence system, has made a significant global impact, saving millions of lives daily. Interestingly, some members of the team behind the ‘Iron Dome’ are also part of our tech team at Validit.ai.
Avivit Yorkevich, CEO and Yossi Penias, COO of Validit.ai
Finally, what advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women?
For the aspiring entrepreneurs I’ll recommend surrounding themselves with positivity and the best team they can gather.
But, speaking as a woman who spent many years in the field of intelligence – a typically masculine domain – I have this to say: women have a fortune to contribute, not only as women but as human beings. They should never let their fears overtake them. Whoever has an entrepreneurial spirit, and who thinks she can make the world a better place, should fight for her dream.
Be determined and courageous, don’t let obstacles stand in your way. The world needs that added value you bring.
Stronger than last year
Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
“We were pleased to be ranked among the top 5 airports in Europe last year by Google users,” says Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors. “We are currently the fastest growing airport in our category, with almost 70 carriers offering direct summer flights from Prague to 170 destinations. As flying continues to be a part of the modern way of life, we expect this summer to be even stronger than last year.”
Tell us about yourself. You started your career in aviation in 1986 at Czech Airlines. What made you choose this sector?
Imagine me as a little boy, who, many years ago, used to ride a bicycle with his friends to the threshold of the Ruzyně Airport runway. My parents and I lived in Prague 6, so the airport was just around the corner. Together with my friends, I’d lie down on the grass and watch the planes take off and land. It felt so amazing.
I started dreaming of becoming a pilot. That didn’t work out for me because of my colour blindness, but I wanted to stay close to aircrafts no matter what. After graduating from university, I got a job at Czech Airlines, where I spent twenty unforgettable years. In 2006, I moved to Prague Airport, the company which I managed between the years 2011 and 2014 and which I have the honour of managing for the second time since 2021, working with my colleagues from the Board of Directors.
With this life-long valuable experience, can you give a piece of advice to the next generation in aviation?
I really don’t wish to be in the role of a mature man mentoring young people. In my opinion, you should follow your dream, whether it is related to aviation or any other goal in life. We have had a Talent Pool program in our company for many years – it is a program for young people who want to develop their potential.
I like learning the details of the projects which were created in this way, and the enthusiasm and energy of the participants in this program make me happy. Intergenerational sharing is important, so sometimes, I, on the other hand, learn from the younger people.
As an expert in the field of civil aviation and tourism, how do you see its future worldwide?
Currently, it is still difficult to predict the future. We have been through a global pandemic and an energy crisis, the conflict in Ukraine continues, and the Middle East has, once again, become a hotbed. We can say with certainty that while, in terms of the number of passengers handled, most airports have already returned to their pre-COVID-19 levels, it’s been taking Prague Airport a little longer as we had a large share of passengers on routes between the Czech Republic, Russia, and Ukraine. However, we are currently the fastest growing airport in our category. It turns out that even the most difficult period in the history of civil aviation, experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been replaced with growth and the breaking of past records, which seems only natural. Going on holiday to exotic destinations and visiting famous places or friends will continue to be a part of the modern way of life, which is good news for the entire aviation segment. Internationally renowned institutions such as IATA and ACI Europe currently predict a long-term 4% growth in the number of handled passengers.
Numbers are always interesting. Can you give us a few regarding Prague Airport?
We originally estimated we would handle 15.5 million passengers this year, but are now definitely expecting that figure to exceed 16 million. As part of the summer flight schedule, almost 70 carriers offer direct flights from Prague to 170 destinations, including new additions, namely Beijing, Cairo, Florence, Verona, Astana, Tallinn, and Chisinau, as well as popular holiday destinations such as Brindisi, Izmir, La Palma, and Ponta Delgada.
How does Prague Airport compare to other European airports?
We were pleased to be ranked among the top 5 airports in Europe last year by Google users. It proved that passengers like Prague Airport, and that it offers quality services of a high standard. This achievement was also affirmed by the ASQ international benchmark by ACI Europe (Airports Council International). Based on this, we compare ourselves to European airports of a similar size. Last year we received a rating of 4.18 on a five-point scale, and ranked in second place behind Helsinki.
What future developments are you planning?
One of the pillars of our key strategy, titled Prague Airport – Ready for the Future, is the development of the airport capacity – primarily the expansion of the operating areas of Terminal 2, the construction of a central security screening point in Terminal 1, an increase in parking capacity, and more efficient organisation of traffic in the airport area. We estimate the first phase implementation costs at 32 billion crowns. We are currently at the stage of architectural proposals and design. But, as they say, ‘near is my shirt, but nearer is my skin’, so I would like to specifically mention this year’s achievements. Since March, passengers have been able to use a modern large-capacity trolleybus for their journey to and from the airport. We have been expanding the self-check-in options, and upgrading the range of airport shops and restaurants. In the summer, we are planning to open a duty-free walk-through zone in Terminal 2.
The high season is at the gate. What awaits us at Prague Airport when we come to board our holiday planes?
We expect this summer to be even stronger than last year. We plan to handle 3.6 million passengers in July and August, which is 400,000 more than in 2023. This increase will be possible not only thanks to new routes, but also thanks to increased capacity and frequencies to a whole range of destinations.
Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport no later than two hours before the scheduled departure time, and head straight to the check-in counter or use the self-check-in kiosks. They should then proceed directly to security or passport control, where they can save time by using self-service border checks. At the same time, everyone should pay attention to the validity of their documents, and take into account that it is not yet possible to use electronic ID cards for trips abroad. In addition, passengers are advised to check the boarding time on their boarding pass and arrive at the boarding gate on time. The time for boarding the aircraft differs between individual airlines, with some airlines ending boarding as early as 30 minutes before departure.
Some passengers may be worried about security due to the troubled situation in the world. Is Prague Airport ready for that?
I believe that travellers have nothing to fear in Prague. Prague has long been rated as one of the safest destinations in Europe, and we also do our best to ensure passengers enjoy their trips without negative experiences.
Jiří Pos, Chairman of the Prague Airport Board of Directors
How does Prague Airport ensure its continued positive relationship with the surrounding community?
The desire to be a good neighbour is in Prague Airport’s DNA. Our relations are based on long- term and regular communication with the management of municipalities and city districts in the vicinity of the airport, as well as with the residents of these domiciles. We organise, for example, Neighbourhood Afternoons, and we run a Good Neighbour grant program to support events and activities that improve life in the neighbourhood, etc. At the same time, we are developing the Airport City concept, thanks to which, in the future, the airport will offer a number of services to its surroundings that are outside of our core business. These are, for example, educational, health, sports, and cultural facilities within the airport premises.
Generally said, a successful manager always has a good team behind them. Is that correct about you?
That’s exactly right. They say that a good manager leads people by being above them, while a great manager leads his team by also being one of its members. This is my way. The most difficult thing is probably to balance the working conditions so that they are not too loose, but at the same time not too restricting. I am very much inspired by the samurai culture – the main virtues of the samurai were courage, honour, justice, and loyalty. We have been trying to project these virtues onto our company culture for a long time.
What do you see as the most difficult part of your role?
Harmonising all relationships and goals within and outside our company, and attempting to remove unnecessary obstacles toward achieving maximum efficiency.
Surely, you have experienced many interesting situations at work. Can you share one of the most weird ones?
In 2010, holding a position in Prague Airport management, I was in charge of the crisis team established to deal with the four-day air traffic grounding throughout Europe after the eruption of a volcano in Iceland. It was all the more bizarre because the weather was gloriously sunny in those days, and no one understood why flying should be disrupted.
Let’s conclude with a more personal question. How do you spend your free time?
The number one thing is dedicating time to my family. My son plays hockey and football, and enjoys other sports. In that respect, I’m a bit of a taxi driver, an encouraging father, and the biggest fan. With my wife, who divides her working time between the PlanetZen massage studio, which she co-owns, and shifts as a cabin manager at Czech Airlines, we like to travel, play golf, ski, and simply spend our free time actively.
Disrupting the traditional space industry
Petr Kapoun, CEO at TRL Space
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
“Would you like to work on a mission to the Moon? Or on an Earth observation satellite? Or maybe dozens of other projects around the world? If you are nodding your head yes, chances are you have already heard about TRL Space, a company which its CEO, Petr Kapoun, founded in Brno, with the goal of disrupting the traditional space industry and delivering complete space missions made in the Czech Republic. And because we also control space (on the pages of our magazine), we are glad to introduce a short interview with Petr here.”
You present yourself as an “Ambassador for Women in Space”. How do you become one of those?
I believe that we need more women in space, and gender equality in the tech industries is a topic close to my heart in general. It is very sad to see how every technological conference, exhibition, common event, or even business meeting is still a man’s game. That is why I have decided to accept the role of Ambassador for Women in Space, and I try to promote this topic as much as I can. The best way, for sure, is to lead by example, and I am happy that, since 2018, I have been able to be the host of an event called Space for Women, which is a part of the yearly Czech Space Week. This is an event where we gather successful women who made it through the “man’s world” and are open to sharing their stories, inspiring young girls.
What do you do in TRL Space?
TRL Space is a premier mission integration company, adept at serving a wide array of clients from both space and non-space sectors. Our approach is centred around providing customised satellite-based solutions tailored to the unique challenges and objectives of our customers. Whether it’s for Earth Observation, Telecommunication, or deep space exploration missions, our mission is to deliver unparalleled, bespoke solutions that align with our customers’ strategic goals.
We built upon expertise gained during the years since the Czech Republic joined the European Space Agency (ESA), back in 2008. Our team has deep experience in working on many large space projects and missions in the space industry (VEGA and PLATO structures, Sentinel, Galileo, Bepi-Colombo, Juice and Solar Orbiter, and ISS experiments). Since 2022, we have been building customised satellites for hyperspectral or high-resolution Earth observation for agriculture, disaster management, climate change, and security.
At the moment, we are working on two Moon orbiters and several small Earth observation satellites for commercial customers. We are launching our own nanosatellite to demonstrate several payloads and subsystems. Our missions are based on a deep understanding of our customers’ problems and identifying the right solutions, including the right hardware and software tools. In parallel, we are developing unique products such as a Microgravity Lab or LiDARs for Space Traffic Management and proximity operations.
“By 2030, we will have our products and services on every continent”, says your company’s vision statement, among other things. Is that why you are active in Rwanda?
In TRL Space Rwanda we invest in strengthening local capabilities for the development of satellite technology. We are committed to bringing expertise, development, and production capabilities to Rwanda in cooperation with its government, the Rwanda Space Agency, as well as universities and research organisations. We plan to invest over 2 million USD in this innovative collaboration and dedication to fostering a sustainable space ecosystem in Africa.
The first phase of the satellite mission, which will be exclusively dedicated to supporting Rwandan agriculture, has already begun. This pioneering endeavour is just the beginning, as our goal is to create a complete constellation of satellites that will ensure regular and sufficient imaging of the entire African continent. While the first satellite will be built by engineers from Europe and Africa working together, future satellites will primarily be developed by TRL Space engineers based in Rwanda.
My intention is not just to deliver these technologies to Rwanda. I want to bring added value to the region. Our goal is to introduce new space technologies that increase the economic and living standards of the entire region.
I want to make Rwanda a small satellite and constellation centre for Africa.
From left: Petr Kočnar from Talking Through Art NGO, President Petr Pavel, Petr Kapoun, and Petr Boháček from TRL Space during the President ́s visit to Rwanda
Is achieving the proper education important in your field?
The education and attraction of talents is everything. It is worth the time and investment. If we want the industry to grow, and if we want to make companies sustainable, we need to nurture amazing young brains, and make sure that there are plenty of enthusiastic engineers looking for a job in the near future. And that is why, without any hesitation, I dedicate a big portion of my time, energy, and effort to this purpose.
Besides leading your company, you hold several more positions in different organisations. Do you have any free time left?
Space is hard. Especially when you are trying to introduce new technologies in Europe, prove that countries like the Czech Republic can lead a mission to the Moon, and are attempting to disrupt the traditional space industry, all while you are also introducing new technologies in Africa. It would be silly to say that my family, friends, and free time do not suffer from what I do. They do. But I believe in what we do, in our vision, in our purpose, and I do care about the environment around us, and about our region, where I live and work. I hope it is a sacrifice worth making.
Petr Kapoun has been working in the space sector since 2014, managing over 12 space missions. He is the CEO at TRL Space, a Czech private company founded with the sole purpose of bringing together the best experts, engineers, and scientists in the Czech Republic in order to be able to deliver complete space missions and provide products and services worldwide. He is the Chairman of the Brno Space Cluster and Deputy Chairman at the Brno Regional Chamber of Commerce. Petr believes in the power of education and is involved in supporting educational activities for elementary and high schools, while having also participated in creating the first space master program at Brno University of Technology – Space Applications.
I identify as a EUropean
Andrea Ferjenčíková, EIB Group Representative in the Czech Republic
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
“Being Slovak, working for an EU institution, and being assigned to Prague feels like simultaneously being both at home and abroad. But, above all, I identify myself as a “EUropean”, declares Andrea Ferjenčíková, European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) Representative in the Czech Republic. The EIB is the lending arm of the EU.The Bank is owned by EU countries, and the Czech Minister of Finance is one of its 27 Governors. “Our mission is to finance sound investments that can contribute to EU policy,” says the representative.”
Can you tell us about yourself?
Being Slovak, working for an EU institution – the Bank of the European Union – and being assigned to Prague feels like simultaneously being both at home and abroad. But, above all, I identify myself as a “EUropean”.
I consider myself a dynamic and result-driven professional who has spent the last 16 years in public affairs, economic diplomacy, business, and investments, both at the national and EU levels. I have worked as an advisor to EIB Vice Presidents, headed the Minister of Economy’s cabinet, and worked at the Finance Ministry during the Slovak EU Presidency.
I spent several years leading a Slovak NGO, focused on EU economic affairs and policies. In the early stages of my career, I held consulting positions and junior roles at the European Parliament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent Representation of my country to the EU. I have studied in London, Warsaw, Bratislava, and Banská Bystrica in Slovakia, and hold degrees and certificates in law, international relations, diplomacy, and finance. In my activities, I strongly advocate for sustainability and the field of sustainable finance.
Besides my everyday tasks, you may find me as a member of businesswomen empowerment organisations, advocating for diversity and inclusion, serving as a member of an investment awards jury, or organising the donation of used computers to children / students facing financial hardships.
You have been in the Czech Republic for nearly five years. Can you share some of your highlights?
In my current role as the EIB Group’s Representative, I serve as the official representative and the head of the diplomatic mission of the EIB Group in Czechia.
When I arrived in the winter of 2019/2020, I encountered strong opposition from political leaders, businesses, and people regarding the ‘green deal’, as many considered it a threat. This was particularly challenging as our bank had just adopted a new energy and climate policy framework, recognising the need to increase support for green investments. I am now proud to see how quickly Czechia understood the potential and opportunities brought about through the green transition, and how this has led to enhanced collaboration on various fronts. The goal is to accelerate the decarbonisation, modernisation, and resilience of the Czech economy, and to improve everyday life for everybody in the country. Today, Czechs are much more open to discussing, and, more importantly, implementing various innovative financial instruments, as well as exploring modern models of investment governance in the country.
Andrea Ferjenčíková, EIB Group Representative in the Czech Republic with the former EIB President Werner Hoyer during the informal ECOFIN in Prague
What exactly is the EIB?
The EIB is the long-term lending institution of the EU owned by its member states, including Czechia. The Czech Minister of Finance is one of our 27 Governors. Our mission is to finance sound investments that can contribute to EU policy. EIB-backed projects strengthen competitiveness, foster innovation, promote sustainable development, and improve social and territorial cohesion while supporting a fair and rapid transition towards climate neutrality.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed a total of €88 billion in new financing for over 900 projects in 2023. Thanks to these commitments, around €320 billion of investment is expected to be unlocked, supporting 400,000 businesses and 5.4 million jobs. In addition to financing, we provide advisory services, which include technical assistance to support project development, as well as financial advisory to design the most suitable financial instruments for any specific investment project.
The EIB closely collaborates with other EU institutions to foster European integration, promote the development of the EU, and support EU policies in over 160 countries around the world. As of this summer, the Czech EIB office will move to the joint seat of EU institutions at the Palác Dunaj. We can’t wait to be closer to our European Parliament and European Commission colleagues!
How important is the EIB to the Czech Republic’s economy?
I can confidently say that we are creating an impact. Supporting the Czech economy for over three decades, we have financed projects worth close to €30 billion. Our investments have backed almost all key sectors of the Czech economy, including transport, energy, urban development, and climate action innovation projects. From the outset, we have supported all sectors of the local economy, i.e. the state, regions, municipalities, but also private companies, banks, investment funds, smaller businesses, and start-ups.
Last year, the EIB Group injected a total of €1.88 billion into the country. Three quarters of these investments not only contribute to regional development, but also prioritise environmental sustainability.
Among the recent projects we have financed you can count the modernisation of railway tracks all over the country, the backing of green energy for households and businesses, a push for startups that deal with digitalisation, AI and fintech, and, last but not least, the installation of solar roofs at industrial buildings. In addition, our advisory services have agreed to help the Czech government in developing innovative investment models, which will attract private funds to affordable housing projects.
Generally, our aim is to bring additional value to all our financing operations, and I am positive that we succeed in doing so.
Can you compare the situation today to the one of the 2007– 2008 financial crisis?
Today, we are living in an era of multiple crises (“polycrises”), and must respond to emergency calls. Institutions like the EIB are part of the EU toolbox for crises. More than once, we were asked to find investment solutions to complex problems. Our pioneer instrument following the 2007/8 financial crisis was the Juncker plan, which allowed us to take on considerably more risk in a project than previously possible.
Recently, we have introduced several ambitious schemes for financing and advisory services under our Climate Bank roadmap, hoping to accelerate the urgently needed green transition. During COVID-19, the Group has responded with the pan-European guarantee fund to support the banking sector. This helped thousands of companies across the EU to survive. As a reaction to the unprecedented aggression against Ukraine, we have established a special facility to protect critical infrastructure in the country. To ensure energy resilience, reduce the EU’s dependence on fossil-fuel imports, and accelerate the energy transition, we are increasing our financing through the Repower EU initiative.
What are the main areas and priorities of the EIB?
Our new President, Nadia Calviño, who assumed office in January this year, has presented eight strategic priorities built on the strengths of the EIB Group. These include strengthening the climate bank, accelerating technological innovation and digitalisation, stepping up investment in security and defence, modernising cohesion policy, agriculture, and the bioeconomy, as well as investing in social infrastructure such as affordable housing. Finally, the bank will continue its activities outside the European Union, notably in the water and energy sector, and to empower vulnerable groups and communities.
Andrea Ferjenčíková, EIB Group Representative in the Czech Republic with President Petr Pavel
You hold the status of the head of a diplomatic mission. What has led you to this position?
I do hope it is a combination of my stamina, my passion for the European project, and my active local engagement. In my opinion, institutions like ours should have a strong connection to national and regional governments and organisations in order to best address the needs of the ‘market’. Conversely, they should also have the ability to advocate for and promote policies, and identify business opportunities.
What do you feel is the best adventure you have experienced during your career?
Arrivals. These are the moments that leave lasting impression, and I believe the combination of two different ‘arrivals’ has created a strong footprint in my memories. My first arrival was for an official audience with the Czech President, where I entered via the majestic courtyards of the Prague Castle, surrounded by presidential guards. Another arrival I vividly remember is to Karviná, an old mining city in Moravia. The dust turns white cars into black, abandoned mining towers lined the road, and, driving there, I realised just how urgent our ‘transition’ and decarbonisation programmes are. This is the sort of adventure that brings even more joy and dedication to my job.
What do you consider the weirdest thing you have ever dealt with?
It should not come as a surprise that we constantly receive requests for financing of various projects, from wind turbines to egg farms. However, most strikingly for me, people associate EU institutions almost exclusively with subsidies and grants. Well, as our name indicates, we are a bank, and our role is to lend and borrow money.
Do you have time for some hobbies?
I am a design and architecture enthusiast, with a love for exploring new cultures through travel. For years, I have been known as an avid baker, which I believe hones my precision and creativity. Lately, I have (re)discovered my passion for plants and drawings. I am curious what will come next!
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Surrounded by a safe and inspiring working environment, leading yet another initiative, and working towards creating a real impact. My ultimate goal would be to leave a meaningful, sustainable footprint on our society, for a better Europe.
Text: M.Zisso; Photo: Václav Pavlas
In 2023, the Czech-German cross-border campaign Ahoj Nachbarn! – Hallo sousede! was created thanks to the cooperation of the CzechTourism office in Berlin and the German Tourist Board office in Prague. Residents of both cities also joined in, often posting on social networks and giving their neighbours tips on what to visit in their home countries. In order to be excellent neighbours, we decided to repeat last year’s successful trip and travel to Germany once again – since we believe that it is necessary to keep up our good habits.
Sustainable tourism
Germany has long held the first place for the number of foreign tourists visiting the Czech Republic. “A total of 178,891 Germans arrived at domestic hotels in August 2023, which was 9% more than the year before, and even 13% more than in August 2019, before the Coronavirus pandemic. Among the foreigners who visited the Czech Republic, guests from Germany won an imaginary gold medal, they were the most,“ says František Reismüller, director of the Czech Tourism Center – CzechTourism.
“We focused primarily on sustainable tourism. Cross-border travel concerns not only attractive border areas, but also other regions of both countries,“ described Jan Pohaněl, head of the German Tourist Office for the Czech Republic, speaking about last year’s Czech-German cross-border campaign Ahoj Nachbarn! – Hallo sousede!.
To be not only good but excellent neighbours, we decided to keep up with our good habits and take yet another trip to Germany this year. This time to the north part, to the Bonn area. We loaded the car for a weekend trip with our two lovely dogs, who are happy to travel around, and set off.
On the road
This time, it was a long drive – over 700km. With a few stops, it took us about eight hours.
The first stop was at Burg Heimerzheim, a historical landmark in Swisttal. This lovely historical castle offers nice hotel rooms, as well as facilities for major events. We appreciated the large parking lot, and noticed a few places for recharging electric cars. www.wasserburg-heimerzheim.de
Swisttal is a small, beautiful city with some good dog-friendly restaurants. In this part of Germany, asparagus season has just started, so we could enjoy a wonderful dinner made from local ingredients.
The next morning, after a delicious breakfast, we left for Brühl, North Rhine-Westphalia (about 25 km away), with our first destination for the day being Schlosskirche Sankt Maria von den Engeln. Built in 1491 and remodelled in the Baroque style in 1735, this church was almost destroyed during World War II. Luckily, they managed to reconstruct it in 1945, and re-open in 1953.
Our next stop was the UNESCO heritage complex of Augustusburg and Falkenlust Castles, the former residence of the prince bishop of Cologne. Built between 1729 and 1737, they represent the first Rococo style in Germany. Again, during World War II, this historical site was badly damaged, followed by a massive and lengthy restoration taking place from 1946 until 1996.
A large, beautiful Baroque Park surrounds the castles.
After finishing our guided tour, we drove to Hünzingen (365 km away, which took about 4 hours) to our next destination, the Ringhotel Forellenhof, which also offered a nice dog-friendly restaurant.
The next morning was the last of this German adventure. We decided to visit the Walsrode World Bird Park, or, as the Germans themselves call it, Weltvogelpark Walsrode. This time, our dogs were not allowed in, but were offered a nice safe place where we could leave them for a while.
Established over 25 years ago, this park is really unique – it is the largest bird park in the world in terms of species and land area. It covers 24 hectares, and houses about 4,000 birds of 600 species from every continent and climate zone in the world.
We can confirm that the way home is always shorter, so after 550 km (and about 6 hours of driving) we were happily back home in Prague.
Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939), a South Moravian native, is renowned as a famous painter, and an icon who has inspired generations of artists worldwide. While in Prague in 1929, he wrote the following words about his work, the Slav Epic.
Text: M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
“It was as early as 1900, that I decided to devote the second half of my life to work that would help to build up and strengthen the sense of national identity in our country.
I am convinced that every nation can only continue to develop successfully if its growth is incessantly and organically connected to its roots and that the knowledge of one’s history is essential for maintaining this connection.
Our literature offers us beautiful works that present the course of our history – sometimes glorious, sometimes sad – to the inner sight of our people.
Even music, symphonies and cycles connected to our history awaken the love for our homeland through art. I wanted to speak to the nation’s soul in my own manner, through the bodily miracle that carries the impressions to consciousness the fastest.
I would say that the image works forcefully: it can penetrate the soul through the window of an open eye.
It is up to the observer to deal with the perception as they wish. They can dismiss it, not fully acknowledging its existence, or they can get seduced by its alluring exterior, stop in front of the sight and perhaps even search for its meaning and significance, eventually finding the core from which it arose, be it beauty or truth.
I considered this, now completed, work to be my duty. However, it would be impossible to carry out such an enormous endeavour without material support.
My friend, Mr Charles R. Crane, who, although American, harbours a great love for Pan-Slavism, understood my efforts and helped me realise my dream. In 1910 in Chicago, we agreed that he would help carry the costs associated with my work, which would then be given as a gift to the city of Prague.
In all the paintings, I steered clear of everything that could resemble harsh quarrels and the blood spilt during such altercations.
The purpose of my work has never been to destroy but to create constantly, to build bridges because we must all seek solace in the hope that all of humanity will become closer, all the easier, if they know each other well.
I will be happy if I am allowed to contribute to spreading this knowledge with my modest share – at least for now among us, in our Slavic family.”
From right: John Mucha, Alphonse Mucha ́s grandson; Markéta Vaňková, Mayor of Brno; and Jan Grolich, Governor of the South Moravian Region
On 10th May 2024, a memorandum regarding the joined cooperation between the city of Brno and the Mucha Foundation was signed, relating to the presentation of the artistic estate of Alphonse Mucha, as well as all the places connected with him. This was signed by his grandson, John Mucha, and the Mayor of Brno, Mrs. JUDr. Markéta Vaňková, at Moravský Krumlov Castle.
This ceremony was also attended by the Governor of South Moravia, Mgr. Jan Grolich, Senator and Mayor of Moravský Krumlov, M.Sc. Tomáš Třetina, Alphonse Mucha’s great grandson, Marcus Mucha, and many ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Corps. The ceremony was followed by a remarkable tour of the Slav Epic led by John Mucha, Alphonse Mucha’s grandson.
John Mucha, Alphonse Mucha ́s grandson
John Mucha guided the guests
In 2024, the Mucha Foundation will present the five-part exhibition “Mucha and Photography: Personal Vision”, the third part of the Mucha Trail series.
The Mucha Trail 2024 exhibition will showcase Alphonse Mucha as a brilliant photographer, and will be a compelling record of the personal life visions of the artist, a true and genuine master of the camera.
In the 1880s, the introduction of technological advances such as lightweight hand-held cameras and gelatine silver made photography a much more accessible medium for amateur photographers. Among the first generation to be inspired by this development was the young Alphonse Mucha. At the time, Mucha was a student at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts and used a borrowed camera to take his first photographs. These include landscapes, street scenes from his apartment window, and portraits of friends.
These photographs demonstrate Mucha’s interest in capturing the busy life that surrounded him. Mucha’s photographic output grew dramatically in Paris, especially in the period after he purchased his first camera in the early 1890s. Photography became an everyday affair for him, not only to document his studio models and to supplement his preliminary sketches, but also to experiment with light and shadow and to explore new ways of looking at the world. During this period, Mucha also began to create staged photographs for his book illustrations, with his friends and models posing as characters in stories. This section of his photographs forms an important part of his artistic legacy and demonstrates his theatrical approach to his work, which culminated in his late masterpiece, The Slav Epic.
Today, the Mucha Foundation holds approximately 2,500 of his photographs. They have survived as period prints or as negatives on glass plates/celluloid, and cover an extremely wide range of subjects: not only studio models, images of his family and friends, portraits, landscapes, and nature and architectural studies, but also documentary and staged photographs (mise-en-scène).
The curator of the five-part exhibition is Tomoko Sato, who is responsible for all of the Mucha Foundation’s major exhibitions and projects over the past 30 years – not only in the Czech Republic but also worldwide.
Ambassadors to the Czech Republic with John Mucha as their guide
In the opinion of John Mucha’s family, she is the most important expert on the life and work of Alphonse Mucha in the world. Tomoko Sato graduated from the University of Manchester, and is based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
It was an unforgettable event.
Text: H.E. Ms. Martina Mlinarević; Edit: Martina Hošková; Photo: H.E. Mr. Bijan Sabet
They grew up in different parts of the world, in different circumstances, languages, and cultures, but what they have in common is being an incredible inspiration to others. These women ambassadors use their strength to advocate for positive changes in their communities. This is why this series of portraits and stories was created, in a project called H.E.r Story.
This inspiring exhibition was opened at the Prague Embassy of Romania, symbolically on this year’s International Women’s Day. H.E. Ms. Antoaneta Barta, Ambassador of Romania, hosted the inauguration event in the presence of the authors and her fellow women ambassadors, to whom she expressed many thanks, saying that without their support this project would never have been accomplished. “The exhibition creates a sense of community of the strong, successful, and inspiring women. This artistic project wants to highlight the stories behind our official role, the stories that made us what we are today,” said H.E. Barta in her welcome speech.
The idea of creating a series of photo portraits and stories of all 17 women ambassadors in Prague came from H.E. Ms. Martina Mlinarević, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina. “I wanted to write about my friends in a special way. To write about the women ambassadors’ upbringing, about growing up of the girls in different parts of the world, about experiences that made them the strong and extraordinary women they are today,” she said at the opening.
The author of the portraits is H.E. Mr. Bijan Sabet, Ambassador of the USA and a photographer, whom Ms. Mlinarević described as a person of exceptional artistic talent with a special fondness for photography. “Usually, when I am asked to do something, I am kind of trained to think about it for a second – when Martina asked me to do this, it was the fastest yes I have ever come up with,” he shared his feelings in his brief speech.
The exhibition is meant to inspire and encourage women to follow their dreams. The authors (two of them ambassadors themselves, plus Ms. Amila Hrustić, a designer from Bosnia and Herzegovina living in Prague) hope that, as you read the stories and see the faces of the women ambassadors, you will be inspired to achieve everything you have ever dreamed of. That is also why a group of young Ukrainian girl refugees were invited to the inauguration – to hopefully find a ray of sunshine and hope in the exhibition. H.E.r Story will be now on display in public spaces, to encourage and give examples in order to help all young girls fulfil their dreams.
Read about the different extraordinary women that were part of this exhibition:
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Itay Benit, Noam Preisman and archive
They say if you want to walk far, walk with friends. In iota, people of goodwill from around the world can find a safe space to be valuable and earn an honest living while creating together luxury decorations and accessories of unexpected designs. Alongside the managing team, there are many other talented women who knit, weave and join together the elements from which the products are finally made. The majority of profits from iota’s product sales will be invested in welfare and educational programs worldwide.
From a single stitch to a final product
iota is a social project striving to design beautiful handmade objects for our homes while creating jobs for otherwise unemployed women worldwide. The vision behind iota is to establish a movement that allows different women from around the world to learn a technique of traditional handcraftsmanship, by providing them employment and allowing them to work from home and earn an honest living. Behind the idea, there is also the belief that regardless of the infinite possibilities that technology offers, there is still a search for a personal and unique handprint.
The name iota has a meaning. It stands for “a bit” in Latin and as it is, little by little, from a single stitch to the final product, from the individual to the global, the project aspires to make an impact on the lives of everybody involved – the clients, the employees and the community. iota aims to work within communities with high rates of unemployment and provide mentoring and training programs for both men and women. iota teaches methods of re-appropriating traditional craft techniques and as a result, the apprentices create handmade elements which then turn into the final design and earn their living.
iota – making tradition contemporary
Craftsmanship leads to emotional products
The main concept in iota’s design is creating innovative products from a traditional starting point, and changing the perception of what can be done using hand techniques. The motto followed here is “We make tradition contemporary”. First, old techniques are learnt and when combined with modern knowledge it is possible to come up with new unique and innovative design. Luxurious bespoke yarns are used in the process and collaboration is going on with various designers and craftspeople, as well as manufacturers. All this creates a new textile language that combines various materials into unlimited products.
The process of hand craftsmanship, which necessarily requires time and attention from the crafts-woman, creates an emotional connection between her and the final product she created. This connection creates emotional products. The products embody the craftswoman’s unique fingerprint thus making her an inseparable part of the final product. As opposed to a machine which creates anonymous products, such handmade products have a past, a background and a memory.
A skill, if utilized, can have rewarding qualities; rewarding to the product that is created as a one-of-a-kind element; and rewarding to the craftsperson, whose skill makes him an expert, and therefore meaningful. This empowerment, deriving from owning a skill, is what iota strives to preserve and enhance.
Knitting is an international language
In iota, they use different traditional techniques and different fibers: wool, polyester, cotton, acrylic and leather. Most of the threads are made especially for iota and are unique in their shape, construction or coloring. By combining different materials to create the fibers, they are able to preserve the strong qualities of each of the components and to create the precise assembled thread combining both fine texture and construction strength. Along with the fibers which draw together the textiles, iota products are composed of additional materials such as timber, metal and leather. These answer constructive and design requirements and create smart and complex objects.
iota’s collections are dedicated to crochet knitting (knitting with one needle). This technique, originally from northern Europe, allows the creation of both planar and three-dimensional shapes by making knots in different spacing and thus represents endless configurations. Knitting is an international language, with global terms and signs, thus overcoming distance, culture and language difficulties, and permitting iota to create an equal identical starting point for their team. The women who knitted the elements for the collection needed no prior knowledge of knitting but were rather taught the technique in a short course given by iota which allowed them to specialize in it.
In addition, numerous knitting tutorial videos are available online, allowing the apprentices to magnify their knowledge and refine their skills individually.
The brand is built on people
They say, if you want to walk far, walk with friends – and this is exactly what iota is doing. The brand is built on people, and they are the ones creating the products and the company’s vision. Speaking about iota wouldn ́t be complete if we didn ́t mention a few names behind the project.
Shula Mozes is a social entrepreneur and founder of LAMERHAV. LAMERHAV seeks social change through in-depth intervention in the lives of highly motivated Israeli youngsters who lack the family backing necessary to realize their potential as adults. Shula presents social motivation by backing the iota brand and working to push it forward.
iota team
The connection between Shula and Tal Zur, an Industrial Designer, who is responsible for the design vision, is what created the brand and brought it into development. Tal, an alum of the HIT Design Academy and today a junior professor at the school is also an alum of the Museology and Curator program at Tel Aviv University. Tal works a great deal with crafts and combining industrial and textile designs. She serves as the brand’s CEO.
Dorit Chesler is the Commercial Manager. Dorit is an Architect, a graduate of Tel Aviv University, and has an advanced master ́s in historical construction. She is an organically raised manager who believes in the integration of creativity and management. Her role in iota is managing of all the brand ́s day-to-day operations and leading all chief processes within the brand and with its partners.
Noa Curiel, Product Designer, is an industrial designer, an alum of HIT Design Academy and L’ecole Lesage for embroidery in Paris. In iota, Noa is the lead designer of product development in all stages, from the drawing table to the final production, and leads the processes of the creative team.
Tami Eilat, Project & Visual Manager, is a graphic designer, alum of Shenkar design academy. She plays two roles in iota, integrating her skills and abilities. Tami manages all the brands day to day and operations, being the one who sees all the small things that no one ever sees and making sure that everything is as it should in every scale. She is also the brands visual manager, bringing her unique visual point of view and defining how the brand presents itself in all aspects, online and around the globe.
Fancy a swing?
From right: Shula Mozes and Tal Zur
Chen Bogin, Head of Marketing & Customer Relations, is a product designer, alum of HIT design academy. In her final project she was trying to bring together plant seeds with textile, realizing that sustainability could come alive in different ways. In iota Chen takes care of telling iota’s story, creating new business, partners and contacts.
Lena Wolchok, Hand Work and Product Development, learned to knit at age five in her hometown of Novosibirsk, Russia. She did not pick up a needle again for 25 years, until she realized her talent for knitting could save her from a frustrating career as a math teacher. She began applying her mathematical mind to the counting of stitches and became an expert knitter. In iota she is responsible for the translation of ideas into tangible items.
iota handmade luxury products can be purchased at: www.iotaproject.com/shop
NEW – iota handmade luxury products can be purchased now in the Czech Republic: https://perdonahome.cz/
Award ceremony
Text: Jindřich Fryč, Chief State Secretary for the Civil Service; Edit: Martina Hošková; Photo: Archive
In the labyrinth of bureaucratic structures, there exist unsung heroes — individuals and teams, working tirelessly within the Czech state and municipalities. Their exceptional efforts often go unnoticed, overshadowed by the complexities of public administration. Yet, their impact is profound, shaping the quality of life for citizens and improving the efficiency of government operations.
The Administrative Achievement of the Year initiative is a commendation and celebration of those individuals and teams contributing to the improvement of governmental work and the quality of life in the Czech Republic. It gathers successful examples of projects that have led to enhancements in public services, and which promoted innovative ideas and teamwork within the public sector. This project, created by the Ministry of the Interior’s Section for Civil Service, in collaboration with the Byro platform (a non-governmental organization), emphasizes overcoming obstacles and advocating for new ideas despite challenges. Its goal is not only to celebrate the successes of workers in the public sector, but also to inspire others to know that there are alternative approaches.
Mgr. Bc. Vít Rakušan, Minister of the Interior and First Deputy Prime Minister
The Administrative Achievement of the Year 2023 is not a competition with winners and losers, but rather a celebration of boldness, determination, and openness.
It is an acknowledgement of those who have gone the extra mile, fostering better collaboration, leveraging data for informed decision-making, embracing digital innovation, and, ultimately, serving the public interest with excellence.
Award-winning finalists
The call for nominations for the prestigious awards was open to the public, colleagues, and superiors across six distinct categories: Innovation in Public Services, Digital Transformation, Outstanding Collaboration, Team Support, Analytical Work, and Public Administration Hope. In the inaugural edition, a remarkable 136 nominations flooded in from various offices and municipalities across the entirety of the Czech Republic.
Among the nominees were regional initiatives, such as the restoration of the Imperial Baths in Karlovy Vary, as well as national initiatives, such as the Strategy for Supporting Czechs in EU Institutions (outlining how to prepare future 21st-century teachers who are preparing for their profession at university) and a strategic collaboration in handling the large number of refugees from Ukraine (with focus on their integration into primary and secondary schools). Eleven remarkable projects were awarded across various categories, showcasing exemplary efforts from governmental offices and regional authorities. A list of awarded projects is available on: www.cinroku.cz.
The organizational team from the Ministry of the Interior, the non-profit organization Bureau, and the Minister of the Interior
Award-winning team from the Ministry of Regional Development for the project National Public Procurement Strategy
The award went to representatives from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Pardubice Regional Office, Vysočina Regional Office, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Regional Development, Karlovy Vary Regional Office, Central Bohemian Regional Office, National Pedagogical Institute of the Czech Republic, Government Office, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Culture.
PhDr. Jindřich Fryč, Chief State Secretary
These exemplary projects underscore the dedication and ingenuity of public servants across the Czech Republic, highlighting their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for citizens, and fostering positive change in governance.
Jindřich Fryč is a senior civil servant, who has held the top position since November 2022. The Chief State Secretary is the head of the Civil Service in the entire Czech Republic. This is the top position within the entire civil service. For his work, he also received The Order of Academic Palms from France, the Grand Federal Cross of Merit from Germany and the First-Degree Medal of the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports.
Canadian Medical Waltrovka Clinic in Prague
Text: Martina Hošková, M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
Life is getting faster, our to-do lists are getting longer, and now, more than ever, time is money.
No wonder we are witnessing the growing popularity of the new trend of one-day surgeries. It deals with planned surgical procedures, and allows for treatment with a minimally invasive approach, eliminating the need for long-term hospitalization. Let’s have a look at the Canadian Medical Waltrovka Clinic in Prague, a facility offering a wide range of procedures. Among the fields where one-day surgery is applicable are general surgery, gynecology, orthopedics, urology, and pediatric surgery.
Quick and minimally invasive
The client comes in for surgery in the morning, and leaves to go home, all within 24 hours. For some types of surgeries, patients can leave immediately after local anesthesia, or after a short rest following general anesthesia. This is possible thanks to the use of modern and minimally invasive procedures, as well as gentle anesthesia that do not burden the body.
“The main advantage of a one-day surgery is a quick return to normal life, including work. At the Waltrovka Clinic, a team of experienced professionals with years of practice take care of the clients. Highly qualified nurses are part of the team, and, together with the doctors, they form a well-coordinated team from which the patient benefits the most. We value a professional and human approach. Discretion and language proficiency of the entire staff are also par for the course,” explains Radim Stein, the manager of operations at the Canadian Medical Waltrovka Clinic.
Waltrovka offers modern operating rooms
Suitable for planned surgeries
A one-day surgery is suitable for patients undergoing planned operations. The most common medical fields include:
General Surgery: hernia surgery, gallbladder, appendix, hemorrhoids, removal of tumors
Orthopedics: joint arthroscopy, reconstructive joint arthroscopy, carpal tunnel, forefoot surgery Vascular Surgery: varicose vein surgery
Gynecology: surgery of female organs, not only plastic and aesthetic gynecology, but also diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, surgical treatment of fertility disorders, removal and insertion of IUD, Hysteroscopy, cervical conization, polyps removal, laparoscopic sterilization
Urology: foreskin preservation procedures, circumcisions, vasectomy, frenuloplasty, water hernia plastic surgery, varicocele, spermatocele
Pediatric Surgery: surgery of pediatric patients – hernia plastic surgery, water hernia, varicocele, undescended testicles, foreskin preservation procedures, circumcisions, removal of tumors
A modern trend is laparoscopy. Currently, most organs in the abdominal cavity, such as the gallbladder, hernia, and appendix, are commonly operated on laparoscopically. It is considered a very gentle and safe diagnostic and therapeutic surgical method. A laparoscopic procedure means less stress to the client, shorter recovery and work disability, less post-operative pain, and, last but not least, a smaller scar. The minimally invasive procedure and short hospital stay eliminate the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Canadian Medical Waltrovka Clinic in Prague
Above-standard care at the Canadian Medical Waltrovka Clinic
At Waltrovka Clinic, one-day surgical procedures are performed by experienced specialists in two modern and state-of-the-art multi-disciplinary operating rooms. In the inpatient section, they offer hotel-type single rooms that are above standard, as well as one double room. Patients have privacy in their rooms, with standard amenities including Wi-Fi, as well as their own bathroom, shower, and TV.
Pediatric surgery is also a specialization of Canadian Medical’s Waltrovka facility, and children are a very important group for the clinic. Such surgeries are only allowed to take place in facilities that are appropriately equipped (both technically and in terms of personnel) – conditions which the clinic at Waltrovka meets. Care for children requires perfect coordination between the surgeon and the parents. The operation is performed by a pediatric surgeon, in collaboration with a pediatric anesthesiologist. For pediatric patients, their hospitalization is a greater burden than the actual surgical procedure. They stay in a foreign environment, must adhere to hospital routines, and often get bored. An experienced and empathetic team, as well as a pleasant environment tailored for children, helps them better cope with the operation and stay. At Waltrovka, they approach children with great caution and care. During treatment, modern and age-appropriate educational tools are used. Among other things, each pediatric patient is greeted with a teddy bear on their bed, on which the doctor then explains what the little patient can expect. The presence of parents throughout the treatment is standard practice.
Making an appointment, and after
How do you make an appointment? And what should you, as a patient, expect? “After showing interest in a non-urgent procedure, the client is first scheduled for a consultation with a doctor, who will choose the most suitable method of operation based on their current health condition. Together, they will decide on a tailored treatment plan. We put emphasis on an individual approach and the patient’s current health condition, including long-term monitoring with the ‘Quality of life after surgery’ protocol,” explains Stein. “All our care is in line with the international IAAS criteria for day care.”
Subsequently, the operation date is planned together with the coordinator, and the client then undergoes all necessary pre-operative examinations. The client arrives on the day of the operation in the morning, and is accommodated in a premium room. After the operation and an assessment of the patient’s overall health condition, they are discharged to their home environment as soon as possible. Throughout the recovery period, the client stays in touch with the doctor for planned check-ups, as well as any needed health-related consultations.
The Canadian Medical Waltrovka Clinic has contracts with all Czech health insurance companies, and surgical care is available to all clients with Czech health insurance. Clients with foreign insurance are also accepted on a direct billing and self-pay basis.
From right: First Lady Eva Pavlová, President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel, Ambassador of Poland H.E. Mr. Mateusz Gniazdowski, and his spouse Ms. Laura Kinga Trebel-Gniazdowska
Text: M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
On the occasion of Poland’s National Day, and the anniversary of 90 years of relations between the Republic of Poland and the Czech Republic, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, H.E. Mr. Mateusz Gniazdowski, hosted a special reception at the beautiful garden in Fürstenberg Palace (The Embassy of Poland in Prague), with a great view of Prague Castle.
The President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel, First Lady Eva Pavlová, President of the Senate Miloš Vystrčil, and many other politicians, ambassadors, and distinguished guests attended the event.
Speech of the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Mateusz Gniazdowski:
Dear Mr. President of the Czech Republic, Dear Mrs. Pavlová, Dear President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Dear Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends, Dear Guests.
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the gardens of Fürstenberg Palace, the seat of the Polish diplomatic mission in Prague for 90 years. Thank you, Mr. President, for accepting this invitation. We find ourselves at a time that is favourable for reflecting on our cooperation – just now we heard Ode to Joy, and recently we celebrated 20 years of EU membership together. While we have been co-creating Europe together for more than a thousand years – in Poland, Christianity arrived from Bohemia – our membership of the European Union is a historic opportunity to influence the fate of the continent. Today we commemorate the Constitution of 1791, one of the first in Europe, adopted by the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: a modern constitution with the principle of the separation of powers, natural liberty and the sovereignty of the people, based on the common political values of a civil society and a will to reform the state.
The protection of democracy and these values marks another important anniversary for us: we have been NATO allies for 25 years and have valiantly co-created a third of the Alliance‘s history. As tangible proof of this, we are already looking forward to the meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Prague.
The last two years have demonstrated how close Poland and Czechia are to each other: how similarly they perceive the issues of freedom, independence and democracy, and how they oppose revisionism and imperialism. This is reflected in practical cooperation on behalf of Ukraine suffering a barbaric invasion, and includes the supply of arms and ammunition. It is good to have allies like the Czech Republic in these efforts. We are also bound by our interest in close transatlantic cooperation.
Recently, MFA Radosław Sikorski mentioned in the Sejm that Poland‘s most important partners in the EU are Germany and France, while the Nordic countries and the Baltic states, as well as Romania and Czechia, were highlighted as „our closest allies and friends“. The Minister added at the time that „these are countries with whom we understand each other without words“, but that doesn‘t mean we do not talk to each other!
Let us remind ourselves that President Petr Pavel, after his election and after his traditional first visit to Bratislava, went to Poland. This year, PM Tusk and Mr. Sikorski have also visited Prague as well as the Speakers of both chambers of the Polish Parliament on the occasion of the V4 Summit. Furthermore, intergovernmental consultations will take place this autumn. Polish-Czech cooperation is intense and completely amicable. Given the crisis of V4, in which we intend to remain, we observe the will for closer bilateral political consultations. This was illustrated by the meeting of PMs before the V4 meeting and a similar bilateral meeting of FMs.
Polish-Czech contacts are more intense than ever before – including cross-border ties, trade (€33 billion/year), tourism – with growing understanding, mutual learning, and affection. Czechs are traditionally listed in surveys among the nations that Poles like best, while recent surveys show that Poland is among the top three countries liked most by Czechs. We are becoming a reference point for each other, we understand each other more and more which allows us to deal with our differences.
The citizens of our countries wish for good Czech-Polish relations.
Our good cooperation is reflected in the wider region and is appreciated by our allies.
I would like to thank the Representative Band of the Land Army from Wroclaw for honouring our celebration. Seeing the Polish uniforms, I would also like to draw attention to an important element of the cooperation of the Polish and the Czech armed forces. Our officers and soldiers, as always in the most difficult times, understand each other very well.
I would like to thank the sponsor, PKO BP, and the whole Embassy team for cooperation. Thank you all for being here with us today.
President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel and Ambassador of the Republic of Poland, H.E. Mr. Mateusz Gniazdowski
Speech of the President of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Petr Pavel:
Your Excellency, friends of Poland and the Czech Republic, Ladies and Gentlemen.
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to speak here today. I accepted the Ambassador’s invitation with true pleasure.
I perceive the relationship between Czechs and Poles as a source of inspiration. We have been living side by side for many centuries and our nations are deeply intertwined. We are linked by a history of great changes and twists, as well as by the everyday history of cross-border destinies, accompanied by friendships and quarrels.
Nevertheless, we are friends first and foremost! However, our friendship is not a mutual uncritical admiration. It is a dynamic of goodwill.
A book by a Polish bohemist Aleksander Kaczorowski is titled: „Czechia. You can’t make this up“. I could have not said that better! We look at each other with kindness and lasting awe – and yet we understand each other.
Today we gather here to commemorate Constitution Day. Your Constitution of 3 May, born 233 years ago, is a symbol of modern Europeanism. It foreshadowed the long struggle for Polish sovereignty and real control over its own destiny; a control that is impossible without freedom, equality and justice.
I am pleased that these are the values that our countries stand on even today; and I firmly believe that they will continue to do so in the future.
Allow me to add a personal memory from 1981, when I was on vacation on the Hel Peninsula. The Solidarity movement was at its peak, social dynamics were galloping and the price of petrol suddenly rose by perhaps 1000%. When I asked a petrol vendor to sell it to me for some reasonable money, he uttered a memorable phrase: „We have freedom, which also means free prices“.
The wild capitalism is behind us, but a piece of logic from the petrol vendor words is permanent. Freedom is not free. If we do not want to live in a totalitarian state and controlled poverty, we must stay responsible, tolerant, just, and uphold the principles of a free economy and social sensitivity at the same time. We must honour democracy.
We are trying to do it separately and we are trying to do it together. We are active players in the EU. We are responsible allies in the NATO. We are leaders in supporting Ukraine.
Our historical experience has provided us with a better understanding of what is at stake if we do not consistently concern ourselves with what is happening beyond our borders, and not just to our east. Let’s persevere!
Dear friends, dear guests, I wish you and us all the best.
I wish Poland a successful presidency in the EU Council in the first half of the upcoming year. I wish everyone as many gatherings as possible where we can celebrate true democracy. I wish us many more decades of freedom and great partnership.
In other words: “Czechia and Poland. You can’t make this up!“
President Petr Pavel
First Lady Eva Pavlová
Both speeches were given in Czech and translated into English
Text: Ian Bogle, Bogle Architects; Edit: Martina Hošková; Photo: Filip Slapal and Bogle Architects Archive
Duga in Belgrade
“Biophilia isn’t just about access to greenery – it is really about being close to nature in all its forms. I believe that the office is alive, and can’t be fully replaced by the ‘work from home’ concept – however, we are just using the space in a slightly different way these days. Outside space is key to this. You can see the drive towards more biophilic design and wellbeing for occupants ever more often now, not only on residential properties but in office design too.”
Wellbeing becomes the norm
2024 marks our 12-year anniversary as Bogle Architects, and, since the pandemic, there has been a lot of debate about the future of ‘the office’ with the luxury of ‘work from home’ pervading in the workplace.
My personal view is that ‘work from home’ is career-limiting – for example, if you work two days a week over a 40-year career then that is 16 years without proper career interaction. I believe that the office is alive – however, we are just using the space in a slightly different way these days. Outside space is key to this, and while it is the norm on residential properties, it is also becoming more prevalent in office design – all part of the drive towards more biophilic design, as well as wellbeing for occupants.
Dolní Břežany, Czech Republic
Hagibor terrace in Prague
Projects as biophilic oases
This can be seen in our recently completed office buildings at Hagibor, with Crestyl, the first phase of a 100,000sqm office campus. The setting is described as an urban park, which creates an oasis for the overall occupants while the upper floors have continuous balconies for access to outside space.
Similarly, in Belgrade, we have just completed designs for another large-scale, mixed-use regeneration masterplan. Project Duga, just east of the old town, boasts a hotel, residential, retail, and offices adjacent to a new public park, which again highlights the desire to be close to outside space.
Biophilia isn’t just about access to greenery – it is really about being close to nature in all its forms. In Bratislava, we recently received the planning permit for a residential project on the north bank of the River Danube, with the developer Cresco. The design is predicated on every apartment having a view of the river; maximizing the wellbeing for the residents and creating pockets of greenery between the blocks.
Spa in Croatia
In Croatia, we have just begun groundwork on a private spa, which, while primarily an indoor space, is secluded in greenery on three sides. Its main view looks out towards the Adriatic Sea, once more expounding the health benefits of both outdoor space and the quality of views.
Back in the Czech Republic, we have completed a prototyping facility (Brain 4 Industry) for the Physics Institute next to our ELI Beamlines laser research project in Dolní Břežany, and also recently had the founding stone ceremony, attended by the Prime Minister, for our Mephared II project in Hradec Králové. This building for Charles University is the new Medicine and Pharmaceutical Faculty and is a staggering 65,000sqm in size, with atria arranged to have quality daylight penetrate each of the laboratories and write-up spaces. Thankfully for us all, I don’t think scientists work from home.
Ian Bogle is an acclaimed architect working across several locations, sectors, and typologies, and is recognised internationally for his original thought, creativity, and pragmatism. After a successful career at Foster and Partners, Ian founded Bogle Architects in 2012, and the award-winning studio is now active across a number of sectors from their London and Prague studios, covering over 30 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and South America.An example of the practice’s work includes the facility that houses the most powerful lasers in the world (ELI Beamlines in Prague), the largest kindergarten in the world (The Early Learning Village) in Singapore for over 2,100 early years aged children, and the most significant regeneration project in Porto, Portugal, a 70,000sqm mixed-use masterplan.Ian believes in education through encouragement and opportunity, and is frequently invited to lecture on Architecture and Design across the international conference circuit. Beyond the studio, he is a Trustee of the Jubilee Gardens Trust on London’s South Bank, Chair of Governors at More House School in Knightsbridge, and a visiting professional examiner at London South Bank University.
We are making the civil service more attractive
Jindřich Fryč, Chief State Secretary for the Civil Service
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
“Jindřich Fryč became the Chief State Secretary for the Civil Service in November 2022. The first year of his work in the position was marked (among other things) by the preparation of the government’s amendment to the Civil Service Act. It was passed by the Czech government in April this year, and is now awaiting discussion in the Parliament. Will the amendment create better conditions for the functioning of the authorities, and make the civil service more attractive to the younger generation?”
What will the amendment bring?
The Czech Republic (as well as all EU countries) faces low interest in working for state institutions, especially among the younger generation. We cannot wait for a miracle; we must create better conditions for the functioning of the authorities, and make the civil service more attractive in the labour market. This is our greatest challenge today. That is why the amendment to the Civil Service Act brings mainly a reduction in bureaucracy, and creates conditions for more modern and efficient functioning of state authorities. We want the civil service to be a high-quality service to the public, and for service authorities to be modern employers, capable of attracting quality employees, as well as being able to respond flexibly to current trends on the labour market, the challenges of the 21st century, and crisis situations. We are creating space for effective management of authorities, but also for the professional and personal development of civil servants. The proposed changes will allow authorities to function more openly and competently.
Let’s pause at recruitment to civil service. The possibility of exceptions to the education requirements sounds intriguing. How will this work?
We are coming up with a major conceptual change that may alter the applicant’s perception of the civil service. Although we are not completely abandoning the requirement for prior formal education, we are emphasizing that in the future, in selected positions, we will be more interested in what the applicant actually knows, what skills and knowledge he or she possesses in the particular field, and what competencies he or she has. We are reacting to the dynamic development in the labour market, where it is increasingly common that experts in certain fields (e.g. ICT, economics, data analysis, etc.) do not have formal university education, but instead prove their expertise and quality during the selection process. It is in the interest of the civil service that these professionals should also be able to work in the civil service. I believe that this change is one of the tools to open up the civil service to them.
What about the graduates from prestigious foreign universities? Will they still have to go through the lengthy process of receiving a formal recognition of their education?
We facilitate the entry into the civil service of graduates with a university degree, higher vocational education, and secondary education with a school-leaving certificate, which they have obtained by studying at schools in the Member States of the European Union, in a country being a party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), and in Switzerland and the United Kingdom. For the purpose of entry into the civil service the formal recognition of education will no longer be required, and the education will be considered equivalent to education obtained in the Czech Republic. Graduates of these foreign schools will thus be able to enter the civil service more easily. In addition, the government may determine other universities in which the education obtained through studies will be recognised without the need for the formal recognition.
Jindřich Fryč, Chief State Secretary for the Civil Service
Does the amendment bring any other changes in the area of recruitment?
We are further simplifying the overall recruitment process. We are following the trends in the private sector, for example by allowing to submit the application and all accompanying documents fully electronically. We will put more emphasis on communication with candidates during the selection process, and before the appointment of the selected candidate.
We will also be able to consider other successful candidates in the selection processes. Currently, the selection committee chooses the three most suitable candidates. One of them will be selected for appointment, while the other two must reapply for another selection procedure if they are interested in working in the civil service. With the amendment, we want to allow the authorities to also recruit the candidates who were not selected, for a period of one year, to a similar position, without necessitating a further selection procedure. We will thus take advantage of the previously lost potential of very suitable candidates – who were not selected for a particular position because another candidate was preferred.
At the beginning of the interview, you mentioned more effective management. What is the amendment supposed to bring, in this respect?
In the area of management, the amendment will bring changes in the regulation of service discipline and performance appraisal.
Violations of service discipline will no longer be dealt with by the disciplinary committee in disciplinary proceedings, but by the state secretary in the ministry or the head of the service authority. They will issue a warning for minor breaches of service discipline, a decision on termination of service in the case of a serious breach, or a decision on immediate termination of service in the case of a particularly serious breach.
We want to move away from an over-formalised system of performance appraisal, and towards a tool for modern personnel management. We will reduce the number of areas to be evaluated, and place primary emphasis on the evaluation of service performance.
The general obligation to carry out regular performance appraisals will be removed because of the unnecessary administrative burden. We will retain the first performance appraisal, and link it to the adaptation process. We will also retain the possibility to carry out the appraisal according to the needs of the authority, or at the request of the civil servant.
Performance appraisals are one tool. Another one is the development of human capital. Does the amendment bring anything new in this regard as well?
In this respect, the amendment introduces the basis for a career system for civil servants. It should also be mentioned that the civil service differs from the private sector, among other things, in terms of compulsory civil service examinations, whose legal regulation has been completely reformulated and will be now clearer and more precise. The amended Civil Service Act will also guarantee entitlement to preparation for the civil service examination, and to compulsory study texts.
We consider it crucial to support newly appointed civil servants in their first months in the office. They will undergo a compulsory adaptation process, which will, in principle, be mandatory both on the first appointment to the civil service and also in the event of a significant change of a position – typically when a civil servant moves to another service authority. The adaptation process will serve to facilitate the entry to civil service and settling in. We are also introducing the institution of a mentor, i.e. an experienced civil servant who will guide the new civil servant through the adaptation process.
Moreover, we are putting more emphasis on the training and further development of civil servants. So far, the various areas of training have not been defined in any detail in the legislation. We are, therefore, laying down basic parameters for the training, its division into particular areas, and its framework content, directly in the Civil Service Act.
Jindřich Fryč, Chief State Secretary for the Civil Service
Can you elaborate a bit on the idea of the career system for civil servants? How should we understand this term?
The career system opens the way for better motivation and recognition of a high-quality performance by civil servants who are not in managerial positions. Since high professional standards are placed on them, our aim is to enable them to ‘advance their career’ within the area of their expertise, taking into account their skills, knowledge, and performance. We hope to achieve an improvement in the performance of the authority towards the public, as well as an increased attractiveness of civil service to new and existing civil servants. The career system will also bring new formal designations for civil servants. Our aim is therefore to strengthen the career status of civil servants, and also to make greater use than before of HR elements such as talent management.
The thing often criticized in connection with the Civil Service Act is its high financial demands. Is this issue also targeted in the amendment?
The saving of public funds will be achieved by modifying or introducing certain operations, in particular by shortening the period of the non-active status of civil servants from 6 to 3 months, and by tightening the conditions related to severance pay upon termination of service (e.g. reduction of the amount of severance pay, or extension of the duration of service for entitlement to severance pay). Savings will also be achieved in the activities of the HR departments by streamlining their processes – in many cases it will no longer be necessary to issue decisions, and instead more efficient ways of delivery will be introduced (such as possibly delivering those via e-mail, etc).
The Civil Service Section led by you will be transferred from the Ministry of the Interior to the Office of the Government. Will that help?
The position of the Civil Service Section will change to some extent with the relocation to the Office of the Government. Its role in the civil service system, which exceeds the scope of any particular ministry, will become more apparent. The aim is to remove a form of ‘resortism’, and thus to emphasise the coordinating role of the Civil Service Section in relation to other service authorities.
The civil service in the Czech Republic will soon ”celebrate” its 10th anniversary. This amendment to the Civil Service Act brings about a significant simplification and transformation of selected attributes of the civil service, which have proven over the years to be insufficiently efficient or administratively demanding in practice. But it is also an amendment modernising the civil service environment, and bringing it closer to the private sector.
I see this as an essential prerequisite for increasing the attractiveness of civil service in the labour market, and attracting new civil servants, as well as motivating existing ones.
I believe in the power of dialogue and collaboration
H.E. Ms. Mosa Ditty Sejosingoe, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
“The Czech Republic is the first country in which I serve as an ambassador”, says H.E. Ms. Mosa Ditty Sejosingoe, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa. “While I may not have an extensive list of countries under my belt, I bring a wealth of experience from my previous roles in senior management within the public service. I have had the privilege of working closely with international partners, understanding complex issues, and fostering collaboration. Being allowed to serve my country at this level is the greatest honour I gladly accepted.”
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, please?
Thank you for the opportunity. My name is Mosa Sejosingoe, and I am a mother blessed with three children – a daughter and two sons. I grew up in the village of Zingonyameni, in the Eastern Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), where I lived with my maternal grandmother. Later, I joined my parents in Thaba ‘Nchu, the town in the Free State Province, where I continued my primary and secondary studies.
In 1985, my quest for knowledge led me to Mahikeng, the capital city of the North West Province of South Africa, where I enrolled with the University of North West (then UNIBO). In 1991, I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree; this was to be a stepping stone towards shaping my destiny. I started working in the public service even before completing my junior degree. I continued to study, and obtained a B.A. Honours in Public Management and Governance (2001), and a Masters (M.A.) in Development and Management (2004).
Have you worked in the public service ever since?
My career of 35 years has been in the public and private sectors, with 30 of those being in the public sector. I have worked as both a career public servant – occupying the ranks of junior, middle, and senior management positions – and as an elected and political representative of the government of the RSA.
In addition to the positions I held in government, I had an opportunity to serve as an Executive Mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality, the capital city of the North West Province (2006-2010). I became a Special Advisor to the President of the Republic of South Africa, and was later appointed Head of the Presidential Hotline (2010-2012), which is in the Frontline Service Delivery Unit of the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DPME), in the Presidency. The Presidential Hotline is one of the tools used to monitor service delivery across all nine Provinces of South Africa. I also served as a Commissioner of the Public Service Commission (PSC), which plays an oversight role over the implementation of government policies in all spheres of government of the Republic (2012-2017).
At the beginning of 2022, I was invited to serve as an Ambassador by the President of the Republic of South Africa. Being allowed to serve my country at this level is the greatest honour I gladly accepted.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Thank you for asking. Becoming an ambassador is both an honour and a responsibility. I have always been passionate about international relations and diplomacy. The opportunity to foster dialogue, build bridges, and promote understanding between nations is deeply meaningful to me. Serving as an ambassador allows me to represent our country’s values, culture, and interests on the international stage. I believe in the power of dialogue and collaboration to address shared issues such as economic development, climate change, security, etc. As an ambassador, I play a pivotal role in advocating for my country’s policies, as well as negotiating agreements. Being an ambassador provides me with a unique opportunity to engage with people from different backgrounds, learn from their experiences, and promote cultural exchanges. As an ambassador, one of my responsibilities is to build a strong relationship with my counterparts by enhancing mutual trust and cooperation through cultural events, official meetings, and other interactions as a way of fostering goodwill.
Being an ambassador is not just a job; it is a calling, a calling to serve our nation with integrity, professionalism, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of our people. It is a privilege that allows me to contribute to a more harmonious and interconnected world.
It has been over a year since you arrived in the Czech Republic. Do you remember your first impressions?
This is an interesting question. I arrived in Prague in November 2022, as autumn was ending and winter was starting. The temperatures were already dropping so much that the officials had to take me shopping for winter coats in the first week of my arrival. As you know, South Africa is warm, with very mild winter temperatures. It has been such a pleasure to wake up in Prague when it is snowing, I love to see that white blanket which Prague wears when it is winter, it simply takes my breath away.
I arrived immediately after the political consultations between the Czech Republic and the Republic of South Africa had taken place, towards the end of October 2022. I spent most of the first year following up on the resolutions flowing from these consultations. I visited most of the Universities in Prague and other regions, met the stakeholders who have invested in South Africa and those interested in doing so, and paid many courtesy visits to my counterparts based in Prague. As a result, I was spending most of the time focusing on office administrative issues.
My initial impressions of the Czech Republic were shaped by its rich history, vibrant culture, and distinctive architectural heritage. The Czech Republic is a captivating blend of history, culture, and architectural splendour. It boasts a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, and its people love arts and literature. It is a country that values its people and their well-being. It is a country with a high standard of living, a strong social welfare system, and a stable democracy
Which countries did you serve in before?
Thank you for asking. The Czech Republic is the first country in which I serve as an ambassador. While I may not have an extensive list of countries under my belt, I bring a wealth of experience from my previous roles in senior management within the public service. I have not served in multiple countries, but I have had the privilege of working closely with international partners, understanding complex issues, and fostering collaboration.
I am focusing on building meaningful relationships, promoting diplomacy, and representing our nation with integrity. Each posting is a chance to learn, adapt, and contribute positively. I look forward to making a difference in this new chapter of my diplomatic journey.
Does being an ambassador fit into your lifestyle?
The lifestyle of an ambassador is multifaceted, blending professional responsibilities with personal wellbeing. As for me, being an ambassador fits perfectly into my lifestyle because it allows me to bridge cultures, foster diplomatic relations, and represent my country on a global stage. As I represent my country’s values, from formal state functions to cultural exchanges, I find immense fulfilment in contributing to international cooperation and understanding.
On a personal level, I have been to a few regions of the Czech Republic beyond Prague already. I visited some historical sites, and have been to see some natural wonders, for instance, the many thermal springs in the Spa City of Karlovy Vary. I have visited several local markets in a few regions of the Czech Republic. This is a beautiful country, which is a real pleasure to explore.
H.E. Ms. Mosa Ditty Sejosingoe, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa
What do you consider the hardest part of the ambassadorial role?
Thank you for that question. Being an ambassador is a prestigious honour that a country can bestow on a person, but it comes with its share of challenges. As an ambassador, one is consistently under public scrutiny and subject to media attention. This exposure requires high levels of diplomacy, patience, and resilience because the slightest miscommunication can escalate into a diplomatic issue, straining relationships between countries.
Personally, I find spending significant time away from my family and loved ones to be one of the biggest challenges I must face.
I believe most Czech people have yet to discover the Republic of South Africa as a great holiday destination. How do you promote your country’s beauty here?
Thank you for that question. Indeed, South Africa is a great holiday destination because it offers a treasure trove of unique experiences. Its magic lies not only in its landscapes, but also in the remarkable encounters one can only experience in this vibrant country, ranging from the stargaze at the South African Astronomical Observatory – a celestial wonderland along the Cape of Good Hope, which was established to prevent shipwrecks – to embarking on safari adventures in South Africa’s renowned game reserves or national parks, where one can spot the Big Five: the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros, in their natural habitat. The South African cuisine is unparalleled too!
We lure Czech tourists to South Africa by participating in the International and Regional World Tourism fairs, usually held in Prague in March. We also participate in other activities, such as the Festival of Embassies, hosted by the Mayor of Prague 6. We visit the regions and partner with South Africans there – for instance, we participate in the Expats Festival in Brno in April, which is hosted by the local municipality. That is where we promote South African wines and cuisines. We also share information about tourist attractions. We embrace any opportunity that is presented to us by Czechia to promote South Africa to the Czech people.
What do you do in your free time?
Prague has breathtaking beautiful parks and tourist attractions. It is always a pleasure to take those leisurely walks in the morning or towards sunset. Sometimes, I just get on a tram or a bus and get lost in the city, taking a different line each time. This allows me to explore the host country, and fall in love with it even more. I also read a lot, and watch documentaries to keep myself informed about global affairs and regional dynamics.
What is the status of Czechia – South Africa relations?
The relations between the Czech Republic and the Republic of South Africa are cordial, and have evolved to a level of maturity. The Bilateral Consultations at the level of Deputy Ministers take place annually in alternative capitals, namely Prague and Pretoria. The last bilateral political consultations were held in Pretoria on 5th March 2024, between Mr Alvin Botes, the Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, and Mr Jiří Kozák, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. These consultations afford the two countries a platform to engage on bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues.
The Czech Republic regards South Africa as an important role player on the African Continent, and as a gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa, given its world-class legal framework, sophisticated transport and logistics infrastructure, and first-world financial services and banking sector. These contribute to South Africa’s reputation as a leading country in terms of doing business.
The South Africa and the Czech Republic economic relations are mutually beneficial, and have promising opportunities. The Czech Republic companies’ investment in South Africa spans six sectors: Business Services, Communications, Electronic Components, Hotels and Tourism, Software and IT Services, and Textiles. South Africa is ready to attract and retain Foreign Direct Investment, and has various initiatives in place to support the Czech Republic’s investors.
This interview is done on the occasion of your Republic’s national day. Let us conclude with your wishes on this special day.
This day, now known as Freedom Day, is commemorated every year to honour those unsung heroes and heroines who fought for our freedom and paved the way for an equal, representative, and non-racial nation. This year marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections. My wish for the South Africans is that they continue to stand tall as a rainbow nation, woven together by resilience, diversity, and shared aspirations. Our democracy is a beacon of hope for the world, reminding us that transformation is possible even in the face of adversity.
This year 2024 is also an election year for the South Africans, and the 29th May 2024 has been declared as the date on which elections will take place. I encourage all South Africans to go and cast their vote and exercise their democratic right.
As we celebrate our freedom, we also extend our gratitude to the Czech Republic for welcoming us with open arms. We thank the Czechs for embracing us. May our friendship and partnership continue to flourish, transcending borders and enriching both our nations.
Meeting of the President of the Senate of Romania, Nicolae Ciucă with the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel
Text: H.E. Ms. Antoaneta Barta, Ambassador of Romania to the Czech Republic, Edit: Martina Hošková, Photo: Ștefan Ristache, official photographer of the Senate of Romania
The official visit of the President of the Senate of Romania, Nicolae Ciucă, at the invitation of his Czech counterpart, Miloš Vystrčil, took place between 3rd-4th April 2024, and was an important landmark in the bilateral dialogue between Romania and Czechia.
The visit took place shortly after the official visit of the President of the Czech Senate, Miloš Vystrčil, to Romania (in November 2023), signalling the new dynamics of the Romanian-Czech bilateral relations and the common desire to further enhance our partnership, based on the traditional relations, common history, shared values, and joint objectives in the current geopolitical context.
Official meeting of the President of the Senate of Romania, Nicolae Ciucă with the President of the Czech Senate, Miloš Vystrčil and their delegations
Besides the excellent and extensive talks with the President of the Czech Senate, Miloš Vystrčil, the President of the Senate of Romania had a dense program of high-level meetings in Prague – with the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, the Czech Prime Minister, Petr Fiala, the Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies, Věra Kovářová, the Minister of Defence, Jana Černochová, and the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Senate, Pavel Fischer.
The meetings reconfirmed the ascending course of our bilateral relations, with a focus on the great potential of our cooperation in the fields of defence industry, nuclear energy, trade and investment, and tourism. Enhancing the cooperation of the two countries on NATO’s Eastern Flank and the need to increase support for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova were also discussed in the official talks.
Meeting of the President of the Senate of Romania, Nicolae Ciucă with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Petr Fiala
The President of the Senate of Romania, Nicolae Ciucă with
the Ambassador of Romania to the Czech Republic, Antoaneta Barta, during the official talks
All interlocutors expressed support for Romania’s full accession to Schengen space as soon as possible, as well as for our country’s accession to OECD. The crucial role of Romania in support of Ukraine, and in ensuring the transit of Ukrainian grains, was welcomed and praised by all Czech officials.
Taking into account the long-standing bilateral cooperation, the similarity of views on current topics, and the shared objectives in the EU and NATO, it was agreed to further enhance the partnership between Romania and Czechia as pillars of stability in our region, and to explore the potential of our cooperation in the economic and sectoral fields, as well as the defence cooperation.
The Presidents of the Romanian and Czech Senates honoured the memory of the fallen in the World Wars at the Vítkov Memorial, and, together with the Minister of Defence Jana Černochová, visited the Military Museum.
The President of the Senate of Romania, Nicolae Ciucă at the business event “Connect & Grow: Business opportunities in Romania”, hosted by the Embassy of Romania to the Czech Republic
The program also included a meeting with business representatives, hosted by the Embassy of Romania in Prague, with the title “Connect & Grow: Business opportunities in Romania”. The meeting revealed the business and investment opportunities of Romania, the advantages of its strategic location, as well as the increasing bilateral trade, with a record level of 6.7 billion Euros in 2023.
Afterwards, they symbolically planted a linden tree and unveiled a memorial plaque in honour of the Romanian national poet Mihai Eminescu in Náměstí Míru / Peace Square, in the proximity of the Rumunská street. This project was initiated by the Embassy of Romania in Prague, in cooperation with Prague 2 City Council and Iași County Council, as a symbol of Romanian-Czech friendship and ever-growing partnership.
Like the Olympic Games without sports
Ondřej Soška, Czech Commissioner General at World EXPO 2025
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
“161 countries and 9 international organisations will take part in EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan. World EXPOs are the largest social, business, and cultural events in the world,” describes Ondřej Soška, Czech Commissioner General at World EXPO 2025. “The organizers anticipate an exceptionally high number of visitors – up to 30 million. The central theme is ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’, and we want to showcase that Czechia is the home of a creative nation.”
Can you explain what makes a person take on such a difficult role?
I hold a special place in my heart for Japan, its culture, and its way of doing business. The one semester I spent in Japan had a significant impact on my life and way of thinking. Besides, I believe the World EXPOs offer a unique opportunity to strengthen the national brand, and provide international exposure for innovative and promising companies. Therefore, I wanted to make use of my international experience in order to fully utilize the potential of the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, for our country and businesses.
How important is it for a country to participate in an international event like EXPO?
World EXPOs are the largest social, business, and cultural events in the world. Held every five years, they last six months and regularly attract tens of millions of visitors. They provide a unique global platform for nations, major companies, and organisations to showcase their latest ideas, solutions, and technological innovations. They can be seen as the non-sporting equivalent of the Olympic Games, and as an excellent platform for building a national brand.
The next EXPO will take place from 13th April to 13th October 2025 in Osaka, Japan, in the Kansai region, home to over 20 million people. The organizers anticipate an exceptionally high number of visitors — up to 30 million. For Czechia, this event presents a unique opportunity to showcase itself not only to professionals but also to the general public, fostering the development of both business and political relationships with one of the world’s strongest and most stable economies.
Ondřej Soška and Jan Lipavský, Minister of the Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
What are you aiming for, in terms of the Czech participation?
We have several goals. Firstly, it’s to support Czech exporters in their business efforts – not only in Japan but throughout the entire Asia-Pacific region. Many studies have proven the effectiveness of the return on state investments in export support. In addition, we want to help attract new investors and expand existing investments in Czechia. Incidentally, Japan is the second largest foreign investor here, employing over 50,000 people. We also aim to further expand scientific research cooperation between Japanese and Czech research institutions, and help attract Japanese tourists to regions beyond Prague.
Above all, participation in EXPO 2025 will be an excellent opportunity for companies to expand not only in Japan but also in the wider Asia-Pacific region, where access is not always easy. In Asia, the perception of a state is much stronger than in Europe, and if a company works with the state and participates in the national pavilion then it carries much more weight and relevance in the eyes of local partners. Of course, some companies may not have ambitions to expand into Asia but still perceive EXPO as a prestigious event, as well as a great reference project for domestic and international partners. Ultimately, this could lead to expansion into new markets or increased order volumes. This idea is supported by the experiences of companies such as Koma Modular, GreenTech, and the Czech Mint, who took part in the Czech pavilion at World EXPOs in the past. For regions and cities, the focus is mainly on attracting tourists and investors.
How will the Czech Republic contribute to the central theme of the EXPO 2025?
The central theme chosen by the organizers is ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’. They aim to inspire visitors to contemplate how they want to live, and how they can maximize their personal potential. The Japanese recognize that we live in challenging times, with emerging social issues. On one hand, economic inequality is increasing, and new armed and social conflicts are emerging. On the other hand, the incredible pace of innovation and development is bringing revolutionary technologies, including artificial intelligence and biotechnologies, which are and will continue to bring unprecedented changes to human life. The EXPO site will be conceptually divided into three parts, with participants highlighting one of the three sub-themes in each section: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives.
Czechia, with its national theme of ‘Talent and Creativity for Life’, will be part of the ‘Empowering Lives’ section. We aim to present Czechia as a confident and competitive country, emphasizing sustainability, safety, education, and innovative potential. We want to showcase that Czechia is the home of a creative nation, and that Czech ideas have transcended national and continental borders. We have a lot to offer to the world. Thanks to Czech talent and creativity, we are capable of offering solutions to some of the challenges that contemporary society and the world are facing. We want to be part of the discussion through our business program, which is open not only to Czech and Japanese companies but also to leaders in selected discussions.
Recently, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský signed the Japanese-Czech Air Service Agreement, planning on establishing direct flights between the two countries. Do you therefore expect many Czechs to visit EXPO 2025?
The signing of the Japan-Czechia Air Service Agreement is a necessary step forward in establishing direct flights. I fly to Japan every 6 to 8 weeks, and although I’m used to travelling extensively, I must say it’s challenging. Direct flights will significantly ease many things. I’m pleased that the current Czech Ministers of Foreign Affairs and for Local Development are intensely focused on this issue. If we manage to establish direct flights, it will be excellent news for Czech tourists and Czech companies. The Yen has weakened considerably, making Japan more affordable for us. Moreover, for those considering a visit to Japan, next year will be the best and most ideal time. Besides experiencing the beauty of Japan, people will be able to see the whole world in one place, and take away unique experiences from the World EXPO 2025. Business representatives will be able to make contacts and potential contracts, and will be able to establish new collaborations. Such opportunities don’t come along every day.
Ondřej Soška and H.E. Mr. Kansuke Nagaoka, Ambassador of Japan to the Czech Republic
Tell us about the Czech Pavilion – will it be in one of the best locations on the EXPO site?
That is correct. The Czech National Pavilion will be located in Osaka, Japan, almost at the intersection of the coastal promenade and the main boulevard. I believe the pavilion will offer a dignified backdrop for Czech participation in EXPO 2025, which will take place from April to October 2025 on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay. The pavilion will feature a permanent exhibition, a multifunctional auditorium, facilities for business meetings, a restaurant, a VIP lounge, and, in front of the pavilion, there will be a relaxation area with a view of the sea.
International architecture magazines and websites are already discussing national pavilions, especially those of Switzerland, China, Japan, and Czechia. However, many countries have, for various reasons, decided not to build their own pavilion design. To put this in perspective, 161 countries and 9 international organisations will take part in EXPO 2025, and around 60 countries had originally planned to build their own architecturally unique pavilion. Although many countries are still undecided, looking for a construction company, or waiting for building permits, the most critical and as yet unconfirmed reports suggest that only about 40 countries will build their own pavilions (so-called Type A).
The design of the Czech National Pavilion by Apropos Architects – architects Tomáš Beránek, Michal Gabaš, Nikoleta Slováková, and Tereza Šváchová – has mainly been discussed due to its crystal spiral shape, with a facade made of Czech artistic glass. Less talked about, however, is the fact that the entire supporting structure will be made of wood, specifically a system based on cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. It is expected that up to 15,000 visitors will pass through it daily, but many more people will see it from the outside. The spiral should be clearly visible from about one-third of the wooden ring. Therefore, the Czech National Pavilion will be our largest exhibit, and a jewel on its own.
H.E. Mr. Martin Klučar, Czech Ambassador in Tokyo Yokoyama Hideoyuki, Mayor of Osaka City Haneda Koji, Commissioner General of the 2025 World Exposition in Japan Ondřej Soška, Czech Commissioner General at EXPO 2025 Murao Kazunori, President of Daisue Construction Co., LTD Yoshimura Hirofumi, Governor of Osaka Prefecture Ichinoki Manatsu, Deputy Secretary General of the Japan ́s Association of EXPO 2025
How far along are you with the construction of the pavilion?
In mid-April, we introduced the Czech National Pavilion in virtual reality at the headquarters of Virtuplex.The virtual model at a scale of 1:1 helped us and the architects to perceive all distances, views of the interior and exterior, and catch all sorts of defects. On this occasion, we signed a contract with the general contractor, the Japanese construction company Daisue. I’m delighted that we are finally building the pavilion with a company that has been in the Japanese construction market since 1937, is based in Osaka, and has almost 600 employees. They’re also known for their dynamic approach to innovation and sustainability, which is great because our pavilion will be innovative in many ways.
But let’s get back to the construction. Preparatory work began almost immediately after the contract was signed, and a month later, on 15th May 2024, a ground- breaking ceremony was held in Japan on the site on which the Czech National Pavilion will be built in the coming months. We are aware that the construction schedule is tight, but it’s a matter of national prestige. We are working day and night, both in Czechia and in Japan, to make it happen. We have verified delivery deadlines with all subcontractors, so unless some truly catastrophic scenario occurs, we will meet everything.
EXPO 2025 Czech Pavilion, Apropos Architects
Which Czech companies are going to exhibit at the EXPO?
I would like to emphasize that World EXPOs are not traditional trade fairs where companies exhibit their products. It is a unique global platform for building a national brand, and the most powerful tool of economic diplomacy. They are held every five years, last for six months, and are visited by tens of millions of people. In Osaka, for the first time in modern history, we will divide the pavilion into sections for the public and for professionals. Companies will be able to participate in thematic conferences, effectively present themselves to potential customers, and develop their existing business relationships. For these purposes, the pavilion will have a multifunctional auditorium, a lounge, and a meeting room. For the 26 weeks of the EXPO, we are preparing a variety of interesting business themes that will allow Czech companies to present themselves in Japan in the best light. These include, for example, nanotechnology, fintech, space technology, cybersecurity, and the circular economy. Those interested in cooperation can contact partnership@expo2025czechia.com or fill out the questionnaire on the website www.expo2025czechia.com. Companies such as Elmarco, a leading supplier of technology for the industrial production of nanofibres, and AtomTrace, which uses technology to provide in-depth understanding through the analysis of materials, are preparing for the EXPO.
We have a year to go until the opening of EXPO 2025. Are you looking forward to it?
Of course, I’m very much looking forward to the World EXPO. However, we still have a lot of work ahead of us. We need to build the pavilion, complete the visitor path, announce and finalize several public tenders, and secure relevant partnerships. All of this is for an event that will take place on the other side of the world. I often say that diamonds are formed under pressure, and I believe that the Czech National Pavilion will be such a diamond. My entire team, which is not particularly large, is putting an enormous amount of time and effort into the project. I usually compare this situation to running a marathon at a sprint’s pace. Due to the pandemic and the postponement of the previous EXPO by a year and a half, we have less time for preparations, and, frankly, it’s a challenge. But I welcome challenges.
Ondřej Soška was appointed by the Government of the Czech Republic as the Commissioner General at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan on August 24th, 2022. He is a manager, with over 20 years of experience in both the private and public sectors. He gained experience in Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and the Far East. He is a founding member of an association of Czech companies, entrepreneurs, and managers in the Middle East – Czech Business Council in Dubai – where he worked as Vice President between 2014 and 2020. Mr Soška holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Coventry University (UK), and a Master’s degree in Economics and Management from the Silesian University (Czechia). He also studied at the J. F. Oberlin University in Tokyo, Japan. He is fluent in Czech and English, and speaks basic Japanese.
“We became acutely aware of how close we are”
H.E. Mr. Mateusz Gniazdowski, Ambassador of Poland
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
H.E. Mr. Mateusz Gniazdowski, Ambassador of Poland, has always paid attention to Czechia, be it in his analytical work, academic work, or as a practitioner. “I was able to treat my mission as a more intensive continuation of my previous activities,” he confirms. “Poland takes over the presidency of the V4 from the Czechs in mid-2024, which further prompted our two countries to coordinate more closely. In these extremely difficult times for Europe and our region, Polish-Czech cooperation is intense and friendly.”
Can you tell us about yourself?
I have the honour to have served as Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Czech Republic from September 2022. I have been professionally involved in Polish foreign policy since 2004. In the year of Poland’s accession to the European Union, I started working at the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM), later working at the Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) – a state analytical institution subordinate to the Prime Minister’s Office.
I headed OSW’s Central European Department, and in 2016 became OSW’s deputy director. Before that, I defended my doctoral thesis on the history of Polish- Czechoslovak relations at Komenský University in Bratislava, which I wrote at the Institute of Political Science of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.
My wife is a professional diplomat, who has worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2006 and was deputy director of the Polish Institute in Prague from 2017 to 2020. It is also for this reason that we have been connected to the Czech Republic for years. Our two teenage daughters have spent a large part of their childhood and education in Prague.
How did you become an ambassador?
While working at PISM and later at OSW, and dealing with Central Europe, I paid a lot of attention to Czechia. This went beyond analytical work – in my academic work, I dealt with Polish-Czech relations, as well as with public diplomacy as a practitioner. In 2013, Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski appointed me chairman of the Programme Board of the Polish-Czech Forum – a bilateral grant and advisory instrument affiliated with the Foreign Affairs Ministries of both countries, supporting Polish-Czech cooperation.
Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau offered me the ambassadorial post in Prague in February 2022, when Polish-Czech relations were in crisis over a dispute over the cross-border effects of mining at the Turów lignite mine. My nomination presented me as an expert, which was demonstrated in a hearing before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Polish Sejm and the acceptance of my candidature by acclamation by all members of the Committee, regardless of party affiliation.
H.E. Mr. Mateusz Gniazdowski, Ambassador of Poland
Did you have to change your lifestyle after assuming the ambassadorial post?
I took up the post fully aware that I would no longer be the master of my own time – it is a most important lifestyle change. However, my previous work in analytical positions included a number of aspects that allowed me to enter the world of diplomacy without major problems. The international contacts to date, the many friends in Prague, the constant networking, the advisory work and promotion of Polish analytical thought, as well as the public diplomacy carried out in the Polish-Czech Forum, meant that I was able to treat my mission as a more intensive continuation of my previous activities. One change I did have to get used to was the large amount of time-consuming traditional rituals that still characterise this rather conservative profession: the work of an ambassador.
You have been in the Czech Republic for a year and a half. Can you share your impressions?
My first impressions were very good – I encountered friendliness and openness. After several years of vacancy or staffing problems for the head of the Polish diplomatic mission in Prague, I heard the word ‘finally’ more or less clearly everywhere.
I arrived in September 2022, when the Turów agreement was already being implemented. There was a general expectation in Prague that this impetus should be used for a ‘new opening’ in Polish-Czech relations. And, even more importantly, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was underway, bringing our countries together in support of the invaded country. Poland and the Czech Republic cooperated closely from the first hours of the invasion. We became acutely aware of how close we were, and how similar our threat perception and common values were.
From the beginning, the friendly contacts in the diplomatic corps were a huge support for me. I am very grateful to my colleagues for their kind reception. My first two courtesy visits – to the Lithuanian ambassador and the German ambassador – were particularly memorable.
What is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?
A difficult question. In a position like this, sometimes you have to be able to say ́no comment ́, although the nature of an expert and advisor who has had no problem with being candid over the years may suggest otherwise…
You mentioned not being the master of your own time anymore. Do you have any free time at all then?
Working as an analyst, I did not break with historical research, and published at least one academic article every year. Paradoxically, I wrote one of my last research papers before coming to Prague (not knowing about the appointment yet) about the work of the Polish embassy in Prague in the early 1990s. I no longer have time to write historical studies, but I sometimes try to find a moment to read a history book. I am often away from Prague on business, especially in the Polish-Czech border regions, and I like to return there sometimes in my free time too.
You are an expert on the internal and foreign policy and regional cooperation of the Central European countries, especially the Visegrad countries. How do you see the situation now and in the future?
I came to Prague during a crisis in Visegrad cooperation. At that time, differences in attitudes towards Russia’s revisionist policy were already affecting the intensity of this cooperation. The Slovak presidency of the V4 was characterised by restraint, which was also assumed by the Czech side. Complications were already demonstrated at the planning level by the fact that the programme of the Czech V4 presidency was, for the first time, not agreed and accepted as a joint document, but only acknowledged as a Czech proposal. The change of government in Slovakia and the perplexities in Czech-Slovak relations further complicated this cooperation.
Poland takes over the presidency of the V4 from the Czechs in mid- 2024, which further prompted our two countries to coordinate more closely. It was possible to introduce the custom of Polish-Czech meetings ahead of some V4 meetings – thus Prime Ministers Donald Tusk and Petr Fiala met in Prague, and a bilateral visit by Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski preceded a meeting of V4 ministers. The Prague meetings of the V4, including the heads of states and presidents of Parliaments, were frank discussions that con- firmed differences in views on security issues and values, but also showed the need for continued cooperation, as well as a certain scope of common interests.
The V4 has its achievements and potential, but, as Mr Sikorski recently mentioned in the Sejm, it has changed its nature and “using an instrument inappropriately could damage it”. The V4 will therefore be useful for sectoral cooperation on infrastructure issues, or for efforts to protect the external borders of the Schengen area. Infrastructural cooperation in our part of the EU is also supported by the Three Seas Initiative. This is a further format that provides an opportunity for the Czechs to cooperate in the Baltic Sea region. For the security issues of NATO’s eastern flank, especially concerning improving coordination between the allies from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, the Bucharest Nine (B9) format also serves a useful function.
H.E. Mr. Mateusz Gniazdowski, Ambassador of Poland
Poland is perceived as a pleasant holiday destination by a growing number of Czech people. How do you promote your country?
I have been dealing with Czechia and Polish-Czech relations for over two decades, and there has never been such a good situation for the promotion of Poland in Czechia as at present. Poland has become a positive reference point in many areas, such as the development of transport infrastructure, digitalisation, defence, and the use of EU funds. Due to price differences, many Czechs come to Poland to go shopping, and have started to appreciate Polish products. And yes, in recent years, an increasing numbers of Czechs have also been coming to Poland for holidays.
We are trying to promote what Poland can offer to Czechs more actively; an office of the Polish Tourist Organisation has been operating in Prague for a year now. Our priority is to invite people to Poland. It is not just about business – a trip to Poland is the best possible promotion of our country, a panacea for all stereotypes and prejudices, which are slowly becoming obsolete. Sociological studies show that sympathies for Poland are steadily growing. We started at the beginning of the 1990s from a very low level, and Poland is now among the countries most liked by Czechs. If I might add, we are beaten only by countries very much historically close to the Czechs such as Slovakia and Austria, which provides a reason for satisfaction.
Can you evaluate the current status of Czechia-Poland relations in more detail?
As I mentioned, in these extremely difficult times for Europe and our region, we have good momentum in our bilateral relations. This applies to political, as well as economic and social, issues. Our trade volumes are impressive (reaching €33 billion in 2023). After Germany, Czechia is the second destination of Polish exports (€22 billion). Foreign Minister Sikorski, speaking in the Sejm about Polish foreign policy priorities, mentioned that Poland’s most important partners in the EU are Germany and France, while, at the same time, Czechia was identified – along with the Nordic countries, Baltic states, and Romania – as “our very valuable and future-oriented allies”. The minister added that “these are countries with whom we understand each other without speaking” – but this does not mean that we do not talk!
President Petr Pavel followed his election with a visit to Poland after his traditional first visit to Slovakia. This year, Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Foreign Minister Sikorski have already been in Prague, and, on the occasion of the V4 summit, the presidents of both chambers of the Polish parliament also visited Prague. Intergovernmental consultations are to take place in the autumn. Polish-Czech cooperation is intense and friendly.
This interview is done on the occasion of Poland’s national day. What do you wish for your country? And for the Czech Republic?
Our countries and nations have passed a tough test with flying colours – supporting the invaded Ukraine, welcoming refugees, and correctly diagnosing the dangers of Russian imperialism and revisionism. I would like us to better realise that we are passing the test exemplarily. This not only gives us legitimate moral credit, but will also strengthen our security in the long term and translate into economic strength for our region. We have been co-creating Europe for over a thousand years. Let us today have the courage to co-create the European Union on a fully-fledged basis and to clearly articulate our interests and expectations.
My wish for all of us is that Central Europe will emerge from this time of war and crisis stronger, making the entire European Union stronger and more resilient. Our national holiday on the third of May commemorates one of the first constitutions in the world – the Constitution of the Polish–Lithuanian Common- wealth (1791), which remains to this day a source of inspiration as an example of cooperation for state reform in the spirit of freedom and independence.
To the readers of Czech & Slovak Leaders magazine, I wish you all the best, and I would like to thank the editorial team for your activities supporting the integration of the diplomatic corps in an atmosphere of understanding and cooperation.
Living and Working Among Friends
From right: H.E. Mr. Petr Kubernát, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Georgia; H.E. Ms. Tea Maisuradze, Ambassador of Georgia to the Czech Republic; Ms. Nino Kochorashvili, Senior Counsellor at the Embassy of Georgia; Ms. Julieta Svanidze, Consul at the Embassy of Georgia; Colonel Vepkhvia Chalabashvili, Defense Attaché of Georgia to the Czech Republic; Cpt. Giorgi Alavidze, Police Attaché of Georgia to the Czech Republic; Ms. Mariam Orjonikidze, First Secretary at the Embassy of Georgia (Photos by Adam & Costey Studio)
Text: Martina Hošková and M.Zisso; Photo: Adam & Costey Studio
“Georgia is the land of the first Europeans, where Europe’s highest settlement, Ushguli village, is located,” says H.E. Ms. Tea Maisuradze, Ambassador of Georgia. “We are glad that a new direct connection between Tbilisi and Prague will be resumed from May 2024. Last year, Georgia welcomed nearly 14,000 visitors from Czechia, and we hope that this number will increase. As one of the oldest Christian countries, Georgia offers a wealth of magnificent experiences.”
Who is Tea Maisuradze, in one sentence?
I am a career diplomat, and a fervent advocate for women’s rights, equality, and equity.
How did you become an ambassador?
My journey towards becoming an ambassador was fuelled by a lifelong aspiration to enter the diplomatic field, a dream that took root in my early childhood. My academic pursuits in International Relations naturally led me to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia upon my graduation in 2006. Serving my country as an ambassador is a privilege, an honour, and a profound responsibility. My motivation stems from a desire to contribute to Georgia’s security, stability, and its path towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
It has been about a year since you arrived in Prague. Can you share your impressions?
It has been a profound honour to serve as a Georgian Ambassador in Czechia, marking my second ambassadorial assignment.
I enjoy living in one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. The enduring beauty and architectural magnificence of this capital city continue to captivate me daily.
The shared values for freedom and democracy, as well as the common history of Soviet occupation, lay a strong foundation for mutual understanding and collaboration between our countries. Moreover, it is always an advantage to represent your country in a partner country, and to live and work among friends.
Which countries have you served in before?
Before coming to the Czech Republic, I had the honour to work in Georgian Embassies in Austria and Latvia. These postings afforded me invaluable experiences and fond memories, enriching my diplomatic career.
H.E. Ms. Tea Maisuradze, Ambassador of Georgia
How do you perceive the role of ambassador?
The role of an ambassador, while rewarding, demands that personal life often must be scheduled around professional duties. The diplomatic profession requires constant commitment, but it is a commitment I embrace whole- heartedly, living by the maxim “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”.
Does the constant commitment allow you to relax in your free time?
I find relaxation in music, drawing, and spending free time with my two Jack Russell terriers. Cooking and reading historical and scientific literature are also among my favourite ways to relax.
It is not new to say that Georgia wants to join the EU and NATO. Have you seen any development in this regard?
Becoming a member of the EU and NATO is a top priority of Georgia’s foreign policy. This is a value-based historical choice of the Georgian people, supported by more than 80% of the population, and enshrined in our constitution.
My country has been defending the European choice, at the expense of existential risks, throughout its history. Still struggling against the Russian military occupation, Georgia has been strengthening its democracy, and is pursuing the goal of full-fledged EU and NATO membership.
We are happy that last year, due to our dedication towards European integration and the support of our partners, the EU made a wise decision to grant the candidate status to Georgia.
At the Bucharest Summit in 2008, the Allies decided that Georgia would become a member of NATO. Since then, with the help and support of the Allies, we have significantly developed our defence and deterrence capabilities, now having all practical tools to prepare for membership.
For two decades, Georgia has been actively contributing to the common Euro-Atlantic security through its participation in NATO-led operations, being the largest per-capita contributor in Afghanistan. In many ways, aspirant Georgia is already acting as an Ally, and we have proved on multiple occasions that we are willing and able to assume the responsibility of collective defence.
Achieving membership in the EU and NATO not only aligns with our historical aspirations but essentially contributes to Regional and European Security architecture.
In light of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, our partners and allies are more united on the enlargement policy.
H.E. Ms. Tea Maisuradze, Ambassador of Georgia
For many Czech people, Georgia has great potential to become an excellent holiday destination. How do you promote your country?
Located on the crossroads of East and West, Georgia is famous for its oldest civilization, ancient history, and unique culture. The mix of two continents creates Georgia’s distinctive identity.
As one of the oldest Christian countries, Georgia offers a wealth of magnificent experiences. The Caucasus Mountains, the Black Sea coastline, and the vineyards of Kakheti, together with the world-famous Georgian hospitality, make Georgia a four-season destination and inspire all types of travellers. The uninterrupted winemaking tradition in Georgia stretches back over 8,000 years, and represents the central element of not only Georgian cuisine but culture as well. The ancient Georgian traditional Qvevri winemaking method is inscribed on the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Georgia is the land of the first Europeans, where Europe’s highest settlement, Ushguli village, is located. Today, many of the cultural and architectural heritage of Georgia represent UNESCO sites.
We are glad that the direct connection between Tbilisi and Prague will be resumed from May 2024. “Georgian Wings” will operate flights twice a week, which will create the second direct link between Georgia and Czechia, along with the already existing Kutaisi-Prague flights. Increased air connection will be beneficial not solely for tourism purposes, but will also further tighten people-to-people connections, promote business ties, and deepen economic cooperation in many aspects. Last year, Georgia welcomed nearly 14,000 visitors from Czechia, which is approximately a 60% increase. We do hope that this number will increase even further, and that more visitors from Czechia will discover and explore Georgia.
What is the status of Czechia – Georgia relations?
We enjoy a good relationship, friendship, and partnership with the Czech Republic. Czechia is a strong supporter of Georgia’s foreign policy priorities, and, first and foremost, Georgia’s integration into NATO and the EU. Czechia has always rendered its firm and vocal support towards the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia, against the Russian aggression and the ongoing occupation of Georgia’s territories by Russia.
Last year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Georgia and the Czech Republic. Our bilateral relations are intense, and continue to develop dynamically. The frequency of visits and meetings is proof of the excellent cooperation our two countries enjoy.
In recent years, Czechia has become a significant development cooperation partner, and is one of the top investor countries in Georgia.
This year, the Czech Republic marks 25 years of membership in NATO, and 20 years of EU membership. Seizing the opportunity, I congratulate Czechia on this milestone and emphasize the importance of cooperation regarding European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Czech devoted advocacy on the way to Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, as well as experience-sharing in the process of accomplishing our goals, is highly valuable for us.
This interview is done on the occasion of your national day. Let us use this opportunity to make a wish for our countries, will you?
Indeed, Georgia celebrates its Independence Day on May 26th. On this day, in 1918, the first Democratic Republic of Georgia was established. With this, the statehood, which dates back to ancient times, was restored after the annexation by the Russian Empire in the 19th century.
The values of European Democracy laid the foundation for the Constitution of the First Democratic Republic, which, due to the progressive ideas it embraced, was remarkable even in Europe of that time. Regretfully, the short-lived democracy fell victim to the invasion of the Red Army in 1921. Regaining freedom after seventy years of Soviet occupation did not come effortlessly, but with the enormous sacrifice of our heroes that we honour today.
My wishes for Georgia encompass full reintegration within its internationally recognized borders, and its membership in the EU and NATO.
To the Czech Republic, I extend my best wishes for continued prosperity and success, in solidarity with our shared aspirations and values.
A FAREWELL MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR OF SPAIN, H.E. MR. ALBERTO MORENO HUMET
H.E. Mr. Alberto Moreno Humet and his spouse
On 29th September 2022, I arrived in Prague, knowing that it would not be a long stay and that it was my last posting as a diplomat and as Ambassador.
I knew Prague from a previous visit I had made years ago, and I remember that the Embassy had taken us to dinner at a restaurant that I have been unable to find the entire time I have been here, and I must say that I have looked for it.
I arrived with great enthusiasm, but without knowing what I would find here, and what my life in Prague would be like. It has to be said that Prague is trendy in Spain, and that it is a popular tourist destination. The challenge is that this creates very high expectations, and sometimes the reality is not what we imagine it to be.
So, I landed in Prague with previous impressions and with high expectations, and, now I can say it – not only did Prague not disappoint me, but it has surpassed the high expectations I had formed of it. I fell in love with the city a few days after arriving, and if I ever disappear, look for me in Prague.
I am aware that the Czech Republic is much more than just Prague, so I have taken every opportunity to visit the country, and today I can proudly say that I have been to every region of the Czech Republic – from Ústí nad Labem to Ostrava, and from Bohemia to Moravia / Silesia. I have visited the second oldest university located in Olomouc, and the wonder of Český Krumlov. I have strolled through the functionalist city of Zlín, and attended the film festival in Karlovy Vary. However, I have been to Pilsen three times and have not been able to visit the brewery. Obviously, I will have to come back.
During this time, I have met many people, and I have always tried to learn and understand the Czech character and culture – it is the product of a rich, sometimes challenging, history, but one whose upheavals have shaped the personality of the Czech people.
As Europeans, we have many things in common, including history, and it is with a sense of pride and satisfaction that I attend the important official events taking place in the Spanish Hall of the Castle.
Nevertheless, I would like to think that as Europeans we have learned something from our common history. I would also like to think that, through this collective project called the European Union, we are building a future in which we will banish negative values such as hatred, violence, and racism, in order to create a new Europe based on solidarity, tolerance, and respect for human rights and democracy.
I am happy to think that Czechs and Spaniards (and many more) share these values, and are building a better future together.
Mobi clings to the rope in the exhibition and observes visitors to the Dja Reserve pavilion. Photo by Oliver Le Que, Prague Zoo
Female gorilla Mobi, born in January at the Prague Zoo, is the current star of the Reserve Dja pavilion. She is learning to walk and hang on a rope, while her mother Duni allows her to go on increasingly daring expeditions around the area. The almost six-month-old cub is also trying to communicate with the cloaked gueres that inhabit the same exhibit, and through the glass with the visitors as well. Mobi also started looking for contact with the second cub, the two-and-a-half-month-old Gaia.
“The period that we have all been looking forward to here is coming. Baby gorillas are finally starting to interact,” says the director of the Prague Zoo, Miroslav Bobek. “As beautiful as it is to see the two cubs together, perhaps even more impressive is tiny Mobi playing with her father, the mighty Kisum. A male silverback allows his firstborn daughter to touch his face and rummage through his fur. It never ceases to amaze me how strong the bonds these primates form with each other.”
Baby gorillas already know about each other and spend time together more and more often. From left, Gaia, Mobi and her mother Duni. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
The female Mobi, whose half-year birthday awaits on July 2, is already trying to swallow the food of adult gorillas – vegetables, leaves or a bite from branches, in addition to sucking mother’s milk. So far she just chewed it up and spit it out.
“Mobi waddles around the exhibit and when a gorilla drops a bite from its mouth, she tries to chew it herself. She also swallows and digests the new solid food – the change in color of her droppings is proof for us,” explains Martin Vojáček, chief primate keeper of the Prague Zoo. “Gaia is only sucking milk so far, but we just found out that her two lower incisors have already cut through. Both cubs are developing completely healthily and the situation in the whole troop is very calm. It’s still true that eight-year-old Ajabu is the biggest provocateur, and it’s nice that his wish to play with the cubs is slowly coming true,” he adds.
It is best for visitors to the Prague Zoo to come to the Dja Reserve around 10 am or 3 pm. Gorillas are active feeding at that time. During the current summer temperatures, a family of lowland gorillas can also be found in a large outdoor enclosure. The whole group prefers to go there after 4 p.m. With the exception of the indoor pavilions, the Prague Zoo is currently open until 9 p.m.
At the age of less than half a year, Mobi is very inquisitive and under the increasingly benevolent supervision of her mother Duni (right) shows an interest in her surroundings. The female Kijivu (and also Moba’s great-grandmother, left) lends her daughter Gaia a careful touch without any problems. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Ondřej Soška, general commissioner of the Czech participation in the world exhibition EXPO 2025, was elected to the so-called Steering Committee. He thus became one of the six representatives of the European Union, who will have greater influence in negotiations with the Japanese organizers and will be able to better promote Czech and European interests
“I greatly value being elected to the steering committee, and at the same time, I feel a great obligation to those who have placed their trust in me. I know from my predecessors that the Steering Committee is a key body in the preparatory phase of the World Exhibition and during it. At the beginning of June, we organized a successful coordination meeting of the participating states of the European Union at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Prague. We wanted to show on the one hand that we take the Czech participation in the world exhibition in Osaka, Japan extremely seriously, but also that we are able to organize a high-quality and interesting event in the way we plan to do it in the Czech national pavilion next year,” explains the general commissioner of the Czech participation in the world exhibition Ondřej Soška and adds: “Representatives of European countries also noticed this fact and suggested me as a nominee for the steering committee.”
Commissioner-General Soška was elected to the Steering Committee during the International Meeting of Participating Countries, which took place this week in Nara, Japan, a regional business center and tourist town about 30 kilometers from Osaka. They will be among the representatives from France, Italy, Holland, Romania, and Slovenia (for the EU), but also for example the USA, Great Britain, Switzerland or Brazil.
The Steering Committee is a management committee composed exclusively of commissioners general of the participating countries, who are elected from among the member states of the International Bureau for Exhibitions (BIE). It currently has 26 members. The committee represents the interests of the member countries, manages the discussion with the host country, and is also supposed to be the closest partner of the Japan Association for EXPO 2025. Its goal is to make daily operations as easy as possible and make preparations for the world exhibition more efficient.
At the beginning of the first meeting of the Steering Committee, its members elected the chairman, the Swiss Commissioner General Manuel Salchli. He has been involved in world exhibitions for almost 20 years and is one of the most experienced members of the committee. Vice-chairmen became commissioners general from China, Mali, and Peru. However, the first meeting was not only a protocol meeting, but given that there are only 290 days left until the start of EXPO 2025, the committee discussed with representatives of the organizers a whole range of issues that arose from the meeting within the framework of the two-day International Meeting of Participating Countries. Among the topics discussed were operational issues of national pavilions, opportunities for international cooperation at business conferences or rules for the operation of commercial spaces.
About the Czech pavilion at EXPO 2025
In December 2022, after more than twenty years, the Office of the Commissioner General announced an open anonymous architectural competition for the design of the national pavilion for EXPO 2025. 38 competition teams applied for it, from which an expert jury led by the world-renowned architect Eva Jiřična selected the winning design in March 2023 in the shape of a glass spiral by Apropos Architects. The supporting structure of the building will be made up of modern wooden panels, while the facade will be made of art glass, which has a centuries-old tradition in the Czech Republic. The national pavilion will offer a worthy background for the Czech participation in EXPO 2025, which will be held from April to October 2025 on the artificial island of Yumeshima in the Osaka Bay. The pavilion will have a permanent exhibition, a multifunctional auditorium, facilities for business meetings, a restaurant, a VIP lounge, and in front of the pavilion there will be a relaxation area with a view of the sea for visitors.
About Czech participation in EXPO 2025
The Czech Republic will participate as an independent state in the EXPO world exhibition for the sixth time. Ondřej Soška, who won the selection procedure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with his concept and theme “Talent and creativity for life”, holds the position of general commissioner from September 2022. The Czech Republic should be presented in Osaka not only with what the Japanese know very well and have admired for a long time, for example Czech glass and classical music, but especially with Czech innovations, nanotechnologies, promising startups, and regional talent.
You can find more information on the website of the Czech participation in the world exhibition EXPO 2025. You can also follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
From January 2023, the Office of the General Commissioner is part of the network of Czech Centers.
On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Czech Republic, The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand H.E. Mr. Suwat Kaewsook and Mrs. Patcharin Naewsook host a Thai cultural event in the beautiful garden of the Thai Ambassador’s Resident.
H.E Mr. Václav Klaus Former President of the Czech Republic, his spouse Mrs. Livia Klausová, and Mr. Jiří Kozák – Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic were the honored guests.
The guests enjoyed Traditional Thai Music, Dance, and Khon masked dance as part of exploring the charm of Thailand from a very talented young Thai band.
Watch the Video from the event:
On the occasion of the Statehood Day of the Republic of Slovenia and the end of the Ambassador duty in the Czech Republic, H.E. Mrs. Tanja Strniša and Mr. Toni Strniša host a reception at the Embassy’s beautiful garden.
Mr. Eduard Hulicius – Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic was the honored guest.
Watch the video with the speech of H.E. Mr. H.E. Mrs. Tanja Strniša – Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia and Mr. Eduard Hulicius – Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic.
We will miss the Ambassador and Toni.
We walked through the large acclimatization enclosure in Kazakhstan’s Golden Steppe and looked around in vain for the three Przewalski’s horses that we released here. Finally, we noticed a movement in the distance. But it was only a solitary saiga.
I was beginning to worry about what could have happened. David flew the drone to check the parts of the enclosure that were out of our sight. Again nothing. And then, to my delight, three horses’ heads emerged from the tall reeds at the watering hole. Zorro, Ypsilonka and “my” Zeta II. All three Przewalski’s horses looked at us, they came closer as if they wanted to get a better look at us, and measuredly ran away. After two days and three nights they were at home in the enclosure.
Zorro in the acclimatization enclosure in Alibi last Friday morning. Photo Miroslav Bobek.
But the four “Berlin“ mares, which we had released to the second enclosure the previous evening, were still very restless and kept to the fence. We left them alone and went to load our luggage to move to Arkalyk and from there to return to Prague. However, three of our staff – including Ganbaatar, who has tremendous experience from Gobi – remained in the reintroduction centre together with our colleagues from Kazakhstan to monitor the acclimatization of the horses.
Despite the glory that accompanied the arrival of our first plane a few days ago, only the return to Arkalyk made us feel how local people appreciate our project. When I went out to have an espresso, guests in the coffee shop recognized me, started asking me questions and taking photos with me. When one of the soldiers went to have a haircut, he didn’t have to pay anything because he brought wild horses. And when my colleagues visited a local museum, they got free entry as well as the guide.
The return of the wild horses aroused enormous interest in Kazakhstan, and it gradually began to spill over the world. It is written about almost everywhere, which creates an interesting contrast to the lack of interest of part of the media in our country. On the other hand, the Instagram reel capturing releasing of Zeta II has already received 6 million of views.
It took us the whole of Sunday to return home by the military plane with two stopovers. Still on the way I received an unexpected message from the acclimatization centre in Alibi: “We went to see Zorro and the others in the afternoon,” the researches Martina and Anna wrote. “After barely a half-an-hour of recording we saw the first mating attempt with Zeta II. According to all indications she is already in heat the fifth day after arrival, and she is receptive to the stallion.”
After my return, in between taking care for backlogs and writing thank you messages to all who helped us, more and more news is coming about our horses in Kazakhstan. Shortly: also “Berlin” mares started looking better and a camera trap captured them going to drink as well. And Zorro repeatedly mated Zeta II.
“Berlin” mares at the watering hole. Photo from camera trap.
By: Miroslav Bobek
To mark the end of our Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024, The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium H.E. Mr. Jurgen Van Meirvenne organize a Belgian Carillon Concert in front of the Rudolfinum (Namesti Jana Palacha), Prague 1.
Watch the Video from the event:
Photo: Czech Television
US chip maker Onsemi is planning to invest $2 billion in its production facility in Rožnov pod Radhoštem–the biggest single foreign investment in Czechia’s modern history. The company’s chip production in Czechia would shoot up by hundreds of percent, boosting value-added production, creating thousands of new jobs and contributing more than CZK 6 billion annually to the country’s GDP.
Onsemi considered three possible locations for its planned 2 billion dollar investment –the US, South Korea and its existing production facility in the eastern Czech town of Rožnov pod Radhoštem. Czechia won out largely thanks to its automotive industry. The company’s intelligent power semiconductors are essential for improving the energy efficiency of applications in electric vehicles, renewable energy and AI data centres. Forty percent of its production goes into the car industry and Germany’s Volkswagen, which owns Skoda Auto, is a strategic partner for Onsemi.
Prime Minister Petr Fiala said the expansion of chip production in Rožnov would be a significant boost for the Czech industry.
See the rest here.
Daniela Lazarová, Sources: Český rozhlas, Česká televize
The third part of our video series on Czech Music Greats is devoted to the work of Jan Dismas Zelenka, known as the “Czech Bach”.
Zelenka, who was born in Lounovice pod Blaníkem in 1679, is considered on one of the most significant Baroque composers, yet his music was largely forgotten after his death and was only rediscovered more than a century later. Today all his works are available in digitized form and have become increasingly popular with the public.
Photo: Jaroslav Kafíčko Petráň, archiv Ptačího parku Josefovské louky
The diversity of plants in Europe’s forests, wetlands and meadows is rapidly declining. This long-term trend has been confirmed by data collected by botanists from Masaryk University in Brno in collaboration with their European colleagues. To assess the changes in flora, vegetation and habitats, they created the largest database to date. I asked Milan Chytrý from the university’s department of zoology and botany how they collected the data:
“We simply sent invitations to our colleagues from across Europe asking them to take their data and enter them into a single database.
“The thing is that many botanists and plant ecologists across Europe collect data on species composition of flora in specific locations and many of these observations are repeated in time on the same location.
“They are usually used for analysis of species change in a small region, maybe in a specific habitat like in a single forest or single grassland, but they have never been integrated into one database, so that was our aim.
See the rest here.
Photo: Michael Džindžichašvili, Czech Radio
Róza Andělová is a budding young Czech actress who studied French and English literature at Charles University. Magdalena Kadula invited her to Radio Prague’s studio to talk about her work, the opportunities for English-speaking actors and actresses in Prague and how she happened to get into acting in the first place.
“That’s a very short story I’m afraid. I think it was, kind of, by accident. I’ve always loved all things, film and theatre. I started from theory, basically. I took a few courses at Charles University while I was doing my BA. From then it kind of spiralled into this wonderful thing.
“I actually saw an ad on Facebook. Now people joke about it because that’s how I get most of the casting calls – it’s through Facebook out of all things. It was this open call for a FAMU-New York University collaboration, and I ended up getting the part. It was, as I say, kind of by accident, but it was a wonderful experience.
See the rest here.
Magdalena Kadula
Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International
Czechast from and about Mikulčice-Valy, an archaeological site that preserves the remnants of a significant Slavic settlement from the times of the Great Moravian Empire.
After stopping at the Monument of Great Moravia in Staré Město near Uherské Hradiště, Don Sparling traveled with Czechast some 60 kilometers south to Mikulčice-Valy. It is an archaeological site that preserves the remnants of a significant Slavic settlement from the times of the Great Moravian Empire.
“You can still see the traces of the original terrain. It shows, ehere the fortifications and the various buildings stood. It is actually quite impressive,”.
See the rest here.
Source: 87 Abbildungen Böhmischer und Mährischer Gelehrten und Künstler, in Kupfer gestochen und verlegt von Johann Balzer, Prag 1772/Wikimedia Commons, public domain
The discovery was made in the garden in Přímětice near Znojmo, where Diviš worked as a parish priest and conducted scientific experiments. The main function of the “weather machine” was to permanently balance the tension between the sky and the ground and avert the discharge itself.
The base of the machine was a horizontal iron cross mounted on a forty meter post. The arms of the cross were supplemented by additional poles with 12 metal boxes containing layers of iron filings and 400 metal spikes. The entire structure was connected conductively to the ground by three chains. The erection of the device took place on 15 June 1754 with it functioning as a lightning rod. Diviš made observations of the self-assembled device during every storm and wrote the results in a large treatise “On the Nature of Atmospheric Electricity,” which he dedicated to Empress Maria Theresa.
See the rest here.
Photo: David Sedlecký, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The era of the rise of hip hop, the growing popularity of music videos, and the influx of boy bands and girl groups – all of this describes the early 2000s perfectly. While the world was ruled by Backstreet Boys, ‘N Sync or Spice Girls, Czechia was dominated by Lunetic and Holki.
The year was 1999 and four girls emerged as winners from an audition organised by Petr Fider. Two blondes, a redhead, and a black-haired girl are a perfect match vocally with a powerful presence on stage. Klára, Kateřina, Radana, and Nikola took off to almost instant success and rocked the Czech charts and discos.
With their first song, Už mi nevolej (Don’t call me again), they rocketed off to their most famous years. With this hit, they got into the consciousness of the listeners, and clearly defined their target group. Holki have always been oriented towards teenagers, especially girls. In 1999, they released their first album S láskou (With love), and burst onto the Czech music scene with an album full of catchy dance tunes. Apart from Už mi nevolej, the song Můj kluk (My boy) became an instant hit.
See the rest here.
Bětka Horáková
Photo: Pavel Novak, Czech Radio
The Czech-Canadian émigré author and publisher Josef Škvorecký wrote his novels and stories on reams of paper. After his death in 2012, he left behind over 140 boxes of documents, manuscripts and personal correspondence, which he donated to the university library in Toronto. These are rarely shown to the public – but recently they were put on display during a conference for Czech teachers in North America.
The original writings and manuscripts of Josef Škvorecký are nowadays kept mostly in the library archives of the University of Toronto. John Shoesmith works at the university’s Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library.
“This is the largest rare book library in Canada. We have somewhere along the lines of 800,000 volumes of books, 5,000 linear metres of manuscript material. The Škvorecký material is part of a large collection of archival material we have here of various Canadian writers – Margaret Atwood, Leonard Cohen, Sheila Heti.”
Shoesmith’s description of Škvorecký points to the fact that in Canada, he is largely considered to be a Canadian author, despite the fact that he is mostly published in Czech. Škvorecký spent half of his life in Canada, publishing Czech and Slovak books that were banned in Czechoslovakia during the communist era. He also taught literature, creative writing and film at the University of Toronto from 1971 until his retirement in 1990.
See the rest here.
Anna Fodor, Pavel Novák, Source:Czech Radio
Avoidance of the news is at a record high, according to the Oxford-based Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, which produced the 168-page Digital News Report 2024 analysis. Nearly 39 percent of people worldwide said they sometimes or often actively avoid the news, up 10 percent from 2017. So how are Czechs doing in this respect?
Czechs are reading less news than ever before in Czechia’s modern history. That is largely because in Czechia trust in the news media is at 31 percent, below the EU average, down eight per cent since 2015. Other trends reveal that powerlessness and media negativity contribute to this downward spiral. At the same time, negative polarizing content and fake news are on an upward trajectory.
See the rest here.
Photo: Radio Prague International
The Mayors party, who have a say in the matter under the coalition deal, have announced they will put forward both Danuše Nerudová and Jozef Síkela for next Czech European commissioner – with the government to decide on a candidate by August. I discussed the pair’s chances, and other aspects of the process, with Klára Votavová of the think tank Europeum.
The government will decide soon on their candidate for next European commissioner. Already we’ve seen Prime Minister Fiala saying that Czechia would like an economic portfolio. But can countries, especially smaller ones like Czechia, actually influence this?
“I think it’s fair to say that not being a country that’s in the Eurozone can be somewhat limiting in these ambitions.
“The Czech Republic has pretty much always wanted to get a strong economic portfolio. This is not a new ambition.
“Maybe the closest we have ever got to that was Social Affairs, with Vladimír Špidla, 15 or 20 years ago.
“The Czech Republic has always been very keen on the single market – that’s really one of the key tenets of Czech EU policy – and in that sense it makes sense that the country wants it.
“But at the same time maybe if we shift our focus to other issues, such as security or energy, then I think that we have a better chance than in the single market, for example.”
See the rest here.
Photo: Ondřej Tomšů, Radio Prague International
The west Bohemian city of Plzeň is without doubt synonymous with beer. It was here that the world’s first-ever Pilsner lager was brewed in 1842. But Plzeň, which has a population of around 170,000 people, has much more to offer than just the golden brew, for instance, the second largest synagogue in Europe or striking interiors designed by the world-renowned architect Adolf Loos.
The city of Plzeň, which lies on the confluence of the Mže and Radbuza rivers, was founded in 1295 by a decree issued by the Czech king Wenceslas II. Located on the intersection of important trade routes linking the Czech lands with Germany, it soon became a busy trade centre and by the 14th century, it was third largest town after Prague and Kutná Hora.
See the rest here.
Photo: Film Servis Festival Karlovy Vary
The star guests for this year’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival – which gets underway in nine days – have just been revealed. Audiences can look forward to Hollywood stars such as Viggo Mortensen, while Oscar-winner Steven Soderberg will be the most successful director in attendance. I discussed the big guests, and more, with the festival’s artistic director, Karel Och.
You’ve just announced the star name actors coming to this year’s Karlovy Vary: Viggo Mortensen, Daniel Brühl and Clive Owen. How exciting is it for you to be bringing those names to this year’s festival?
“It’s extremely exciting and it’s been extremely exciting for a while now, ever since we got the confirmation, for many reasons.
See the rest here.
Photo: David Taneček, ČTK
Dogstar pulled the crowds at the Rock for People festival in Hradec Kralove. They appeared at the festival within their 2024 summer tour to support their latest album Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees.
Photo: Zuzana Bönisch, Office of the President
The two-day peace summit on Ukraine held in Switzerland over the weekend was attended by 93 countries from around the world. Russia and China were notably absent. And the BRICS member states present failed to sign the joint declaration on the agreement reached. So how effective will it be in paving the ground for peace-talks and what was the Czech contribution to the debate?
The joint declaration, signed by 80 countries, reflected the basic agreements reached in the course of the two-day debate. Most importantly, it stated that the “territorial integrity” of Ukraine must be the basis for any future peace agreement. It called for the release of war prisoners and the return of all deported and displaced Ukrainian children, and further stressed that nuclear energy installations in Ukraine must be kept safe.
See the rest here.
Daniela Lazarová, Sources:Český rozhlas, Česká televize
Photo: Kateřina Šulová, ČTK
Czech President Petr Pavel and his wife Eva received the outgoing Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová and her partner Juraj Rizman at Prague Castle on Thursday. With the trip, Čaputová has concluded her farewell foreign visits before the end of her five-year mandate.
“The Order of the White Lion of the Civil Group, First Class, presented to Zuzana Čaputová, President of the Slovak Republic, for outstanding merit to the benefit of the Czech Republic.”
On Thursday, President Petr Pavel presented the highest decoration of the Czech state, the Order of the White Lion, First Class, to the outgoing Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová for her contribution to the development of relations between the two states. In return, she awarded him with the highest Slovak state decoration, the Order of the White Double Cross, First Class.
See the rest here.
Under the auspices of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Prague and the Ambassador H.E. Ms. Tanja STRNIŠA, an event dedicated to the tasting of Slovenian wines and the presentation of the main tourist regions of the country took place at Kaiserštejnský palace, Malostranské nám Prague.
In the program:
Tasting of selected wines
Meeting with more than 60 Slovenian winemakers
Presentation of traditional winemaking procedures and technologies
Meeting with representatives of Slovenia and the Queen of Wine 2024
Presentation of regions of tourist interest, including tasting of local products
The Place was full of members of the media who were able to taste more than 20 different wines.
The first part of the event was instructed by Valentin Bufolin – the best Sommelier in Slovenia and Rolanda Vitkoba – Editor in Chief of the Vino & Styl magazine.
You can watch selected parts of this event.
The second part took place in the evening with Ambassadors, distinguished guests, and members of the Slovenia community in the Czech Republic.
The guests were welcomed by H.E. Ms. Tanja STRNIŠA, Ambassador of Slovenia in the Czech Republic – You can watch her speech and taste wine and delicious food from Slovenia.
Since the 1920s April 24th is the day Armenians commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide, the most tragic element of Armenian history.
On April 24, 1915 hundreds of Armenian Intellectuals: poets, musicians, publicists, editors, lawyers, doctors, and deputies, were arrested in Constantinople under warrants issued by the Turkish authorities. They were all sent into exile and were horrifically slaughtered. The annihilation of the Armenian Intellectuals was part of a systematic, fiendish plan to exterminate the Armenian people in their homeland. It was the first state-planned Genocide of the 20th century.
On April 24, 1965, Soviet Armenians organized rallies to demand the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, thus, breaking an era of silence that was created during the Soviet rule regarding this issue.
A mourning procession of hundreds thousands of Armenians, which includes local Armenians as well as Diasporans, begins in a silent march that moves to the Armenian Genocide Memorial every year on April 24. As each mourner brings flowers to place around the eternal fire, a sea of flowers can be seen encircling the area creating a solemn visual impact.
In Prague H.E. Mr. Ashot HOVAKIMIAN, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia together with many other ambassadors and members of the Armenia community, got together to remember and honor the victims.
Watch the Speech of H.E. Mr. Ashot HOVAKIMIAN, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia
On the occasion of King’s Day, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Mr Daan Huisinga, and Mrs Anne Huisinga-Paret host a reception at the Ambassador’s Residence garden
Mr. Jozef Síkela Minister of Industry and Trade was the honor guest for the 3rd year.
Watch the Video with the speech of H.E. Mr Daan Huisinga – Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Mr. Jozef Síkela Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.
Happy Orange King’s day!
H.E. Ms. Suzilah Mohd Sidek, Ambassador of Malaysia, hosted a Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House at her beautiful residence.
Hari Raya open houses are the ultimate celebration of Malaysian hospitality, where family, friends, and even strangers gather to share mouth-watering traditional food and good company.
It’s a cultural event where doors are kept wide open, and everyone is welcome to join in the festivities
At its core, the Hari Raya open house symbolizes unity’ generosity and communal harmony. It reflects the Malaysian ethos of “Muhibbah” – the spirit of tolerance and understanding across different ethnic and religious boundaries, making it an exemplary practice of Malaysia’s multiculturalism.
According to Eurostat, women in the Czech Republic earn on average 17.9% less than men, which means that they work 65 days longer on average to reach the same remuneration as men. This is the third worst result among EU countries. The goal of the Equal Pay Day conference is to draw attention to this issue, open public discussion, and help find solutions to make pay fair. At the same time, it also significantly contributes to strengthening the position of women in society and on the labor market by presenting female role models, sharing experiences, education, and mentoring.
“The issue of equal opportunities is a societal issue, and for it to be successful, men must be involved in its solution. The difference in wages between men and women is unfair not only to women but above all to entire families,” says Lenka Šťastná, founder and president of the non-profit organization Business & Professional Women CR, which organizes EPD. “The Czech Republic is moving forward very slowly. We keep coming up against the prejudices we are brought up with. There are preconceived notions of what is a typically female and typically male profession.”
According to Frederik Jorgensen, the ambassador of Sweden, which traditionally ranks first in the Gender pay gap index, “the Czech Republic should arm itself with patience, as quick successes in this area cannot be expected.” In Sweden, the representation of women in influential positions is exceptionally high in private companies even in politics, yet it is “only 36% of women on the boards of large companies and 12.1% of women in the position of general directors. “There’s no reason why the number shouldn’t be higher,” he added during the ambassadors’ panel discussion, where he spoke alongside the ambassadors of South Africa, Malaysia, Denmark and a representative of the Central European Initiative (CEI).
The opportunity for change is still here
That is why this year’s conference was subtitled Opportunity. The opportunity that equality means for companies, households, women themselves and for the Czech economy. As it turns out, there are already a number of companies whose example shows the way. Representatives of such companies as Philip Morris, Danone, Mars, GasNet, Lego, VML, ČEPs, Skupina Nova or Pestle & Mortar shared their inspiring strategies.
“At Philip Morris, we purposefully focus on a sufficiently high representation of women in management. In practice, we often encounter a lack of women interested in growing into these positions,” says Andrea Gontkovičová, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Philip Morris for the Czech Republic, Slovakia and HU, which was the general partner of the conference. “For us, it is important that women’s interest in career growth is authentic, so that women do not seek to obtain an influential position just because they are forced into this situation. They can then draw strength from their own decision in moments when they encounter a barrier in their career or find themselves at some of the crossroads in life.”
The expert partner of the conference this year was the Equal Remuneration project of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. In her presentation, Lenka Simerská, the main manager of the project, dispelled disinformation spreading around the legislation requiring transparency in remuneration. “Transparency means the right to information: how much is earned for a given position in the company where you work, plus the possibility to ask why I am where I am. And this information should already be heard during the interview,” said Lenka Simerská. And finally, she advised women: “Act as if the legislation already applies, ask about money. Let’s turn it into an opportunity!”
Record attendance
This year’s jubilee year saw record participation, including a record number of foreign performers from 15 countries around the world, as well as the number of mentees, which exceeded two thousand.
The international reputation of the Equal Pay Day conference is underlined by the support of leading international institutions such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and CEI, which designated it as a flagship event this year. According to Lenka Šťastná, their cooperation is not only a recognition of the efforts made so far, but also the key to expanding the reach and influence of the conference. It is precisely thanks to the support of CEI that this year’s edition can rightfully bear the designation of international.
In a speech for EPD, Ulrik Vestergaard Knudsen, OECD Deputy Secretary General, emphasized that the promotion of gender equality is a strategic policy of the OECD and listed three key measures that are necessary to change the current situation. “First, it is necessary to continue to support the more equal use of parental leave by fathers and mothers. Second, it is very important to ensure continuous and affordable formal childcare and out-of-school services for all young children. And third, policymakers can reduce the fiscal disincentive to work, ie. to ensure that the tax and benefit system does not favor single or main earner families,” he said.
The European Commission includes the EPD campaign and conference among the important measures of the EU and its member states to support equal pay. This topic is gaining importance together with the newly created obligation to implement ESG sustainable business principles and related non-financial reporting (CSRD). Among the metrics that must be monitored and reported under the “S” pillar are, among others, the gender pay gap, the level of representation of women in top management and equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. And that’s exactly what the Equal Pay Day conference is dedicated to.
The next edition of the conference will take place on 25-26 March 2025 again at the Clarion Congress Hotel in Prague.
Equal Pay Day 2024 in numbers:
16 nationalities
36 speakers at the conference
812 participants
78 female mentors
2,180 mentees
On Thursday, April 11, 2024, the President of the Republic, Petr Pavel, went on a one-day working trip to Vilnius for the summit of the Three Seas Initiative, which unites thirteen countries from Central and Eastern Europe.
The summit aimed to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the region through deepening cooperation in the energy, transport, or digital economy sectors. For example, a concrete project is to connect the transport infrastructure using high-speed lines, which could connect the Czech Republic and Poland via the Baltic states in the future.
“The main goal of this summit of the Three Seas countries was, on the one hand, to express continued support for Ukraine, with absolutely specific promises, agreements and at the same time with specific projects. And the second was to emphasize cooperation between member countries and partner countries in the three key areas, that is primarily energy, transport infrastructure, and digital technology,” said President Pavel.
The representatives of the states also confirmed their unequivocal support for Ukraine and their readiness to participate in its reconstruction. President Pavel was among the main speakers of the plenary session.
At the same time, the President used his business trips to attend several bilateral meetings with international partners. Among them with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Sesto head of state Alar Karis.
Photo author: Tomáš Fongus, CPR.
Ambassador Bijan Sabet and the Commercial Service of the U.S. Embassy in cooperation with the Czech Franchising Association (ČAF) are organizing a presentation of American franchise brands that are looking for partners/master franchisees in the Czech Republic. This was the 4th presentation and more to come.
Ambassador Bijan Sabet hosted the presentation of Mobile Outfitters, RAVE Restaurant Group/Pizza Inn, The Wendy’s Company, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts at the Beautiful Ambassador residence
Mr. Jamal Suboh – Director of Development and support at Mobile Outfitters, shows the best way to protect your mobile
Veronika ( Lukesova) Novakova – present the Pizza Inn
Ms. Meg Tagodzinska – Developer Manager – Central & Eastern Europe at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts – the biggest Hotel chain worldwide, presents this biggest company and what kind of partners they are looking in the Czech Market
Wendy’s International – the 3rd biggest burger chain worldwide, presents its company and the opportunities in the Czech Market.
The young fish-eating owl Ketupa Pelova can be easily observed at the age of three months in the aviary near the Penguin Pavilion. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
The Prague Zoo is currently rearing a young fish-eating owl Ketupa Pelova. It was hatched here at the beginning of this year and after initial fluctuations in weight and occasional reluctance to eat, the bird is now vital and thriving. The Prague Zoo is therefore well on its way to breeding one of the largest living owls ever, as the first zoo in the world. In addition, the little “fish owl” is now back with its parents in the aviary next to the Penguin Pavilion. Visitors can thus see the extremely rare cub with their own eyes.
“In the fall, we kept both of our pairs of ketup Pels in indoor quarters so they could concentrate on nesting. Our efforts were rewarded by the nesting of one of the pairs. At the beginning of the year, we observed changes in the behavior of both adults, and we soon discovered a young one under them,” says bird curator Antonín Vaidl.
At first, the mother warmed and fed the young, so the parents were left with peace and also plenty of food. But just a few days later, the situation changed. “A week passed and unfortunately we found out that the chick had been kicked out of the nest. We also found him hypothermic, which is why we placed him in an incubator and proceeded to rear him in breeding care,” adds Vaidl. According to him, returning to the nest would be too risky.
Prague’s young ketupa Pelova is a significant addition on a global scale: the Prague Zoo is the only zoo that has managed to breed this rare species. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
The cub was subsequently fed by hand with young mice and rats, and later with fish. Pelova’s ketupas belong to the so-called “fish” or “fishing owls”, whose food in the wild is almost 100% fish. The ketupa look out for their prey from perches low above the surface or search for it while wading through shallow water. They will not disdain even frogs, crustaceans, or a small crocodile.
At the end of winter, the Prague chick continued to willingly accept food and thrive, so at the end of March it was returned to the parents’ improvised nest cavity, where they could gradually get to know each other through the grate in the inlet opening. So far, it cannot be said that it was a complete “adoption by their own parents”, as was the case in the past at the Prague Zoo, for example, with the breeding of Javan grebes or last year with kea nesters, but a large dose of tolerance of the cub on the part of the parents is evident. This step is important for his socialization. Thanks to the return to the aviary, the cub is also easily visible from the visitor areas.
Pelovy’s ketupa chick (on the right in the photo) is characterized by light coloration and remnants of down feathers. Visitors can easily recognize him alongside his parents. Photo by Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Prague Zoo has been breeding Pelovy ketups since 2019, when it acquired the two mentioned pairs from a specialized owl breeding center in Monticello, Italy. It thus became the only public institution in the world where this species can be seen. In nature, ketupa Pelovy inhabit sub-Saharan Africa. These are some of the largest owls in the world – in adulthood they can weigh up to two kilograms and have a wingspan of one and a half meters.
Affordable housing has the green light from the European Commission. Twenty years after joining the Union, the Czech Republic can finance affordable apartments from public sources for the first time.
Minister for Regional Development Ivan Bartoš and the State Investment Support Fund negotiated with the European Commission the support of affordable housing in the Czech Republic from public funds. Thanks to this, the state can finance the creation of rental apartments with a lower than market rent, for example for young people under 35 or beneficial professions in the regions. Subsidies and favorable loans for affordable housing projects will be available to municipalities and private entities – already this year it will amount to approximately two billion crowns.
Until now, the state has financially supported the creation of social housing, which roughly 130,000 people in the Czech Republic can afford. Support for affordable housing, i.e. standard rental apartments even for the middle class, has not yet been possible. This was hindered by the lack of approval from the European Commission that it was in line with public aid rules. “Abroad, the affordable housing sector plays a key role in managing the housing crisis, but in our country, none of the previous governments even tried to negotiate it with the European Commission. In about a year, we managed to agree on everything necessary, and in the second half of the year, we launched the first program. About two million people in the Czech Republic meet the conditions for the target group,” said Deputy Prime Minister for Digitization and Minister for Regional Development Ivan Bartoš.
As part of the so-called notification, the twenty-seven countries notify the European Commission of their intentions to support certain areas from public resources. They must prove that they will not disrupt the free market, or prove that the social benefit of public support outweighs the risks. Only then can the European Commission confirm that the specific plan complies with the rules and is compatible with the internal market. “The decision of the European Commission allows us to provide support to the affordable rental housing sector in the amount of twelve billion until 2030. For the first three years, we have secured funding from the National Recovery Plan. Municipalities and other legal entities can apply for the program. It will be a combination of subsidies and favorable loans, so the invested funds will be returned to the state and will support other housing projects in the future,” adds Daniel Ryšávka, director of the State Investment Support Fund (SFPI).
The costs of construction, renovation or purchase of available rental apartments will gradually be recovered from the rent. In the long term, this will remain below the market level of rental housing in the given location and of comparable quality. “We want there to be a decent alternative for people who, for various reasons, cannot afford or do not want their own housing. We will be happy if as many municipalities as possible apply for support – according to the survey, most of them are dissatisfied with their housing stock. At the same time, we tried to set everything up so that affordable housing is also interesting for the private sector,” Bartoš declared. Subsidized apartments will be, for example, for young families, teachers, health professionals and people who do not own real estate and do not belong to the top 20% of the population with the highest incomes.
The European Commission has previously approved the notification of affordable housing programs for example in Ireland or Sweden. “The example of Ireland shows that promoting affordable housing has positive effects on the market. At a time of high mortgage rates and falling demand for real estate, construction companies can focus more on affordable rental apartments. Thanks to this, there is no such sharp decline in overall construction during crises,” added Bartoš.
The support for affordable rental apartments is part of the broader reform of Housing for Life implemented by the MMR. Among other things, it also includes a new construction law or a draft law on support in housing. The department cooperates with the European Investment Bank and other institutions to find suitable affordable housing projects and sources of financing. It also offers municipalities financial support for the preparation of housing projects and related expertise directly in the regions.
CAMBODIA’S 8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD
Text: M.Zisso; Photo: Václav Pavlas
One of the benefits of being a frequent flyer is collecting miles that will let you get an upgrade or free tickets. Who hasn’t dreamt of flying around the world “for free”? I decided to fulfil that dream. For several years, I have been accumulating miles, and was now starting to finally realize my dream. This time, it was a short three-day trip to Cambodia.
Angkor Wat Temple – the 8th Wonder of the World
The temple was built by King Suryavarman II at the beginning of the 12th century. Unlike other temples, Angkor Wat is facing west. First, it was a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, but at the end of the 14th century it transformed into the current form of a Buddhist temple. During its existence, it was destroyed in the regional wars, but has always been renovated by the rulers of the country.
One of the first Westerners who visited the site (in 1586) was Antonio da Magdalena – a Portuguese monk who was astonished by the temple and its unique shape, unparalleled in the world. Gradually, the temple has become the symbol of Cambodia, and a source of national pride. It has appeared on the Cambodian flag (in various forms) since 1863, being the only structure that appears on a national flag worldwide.
Day 1 – The Beginning
Before our trip could even take off, we had to make a few arrangements. First, we found reliable “babysitting” for our sweet dogs, then packed light, and finally we selected a flight to Cambodia. There are no direct flights to Cambodia from Prague. Instead, you can fly via Bangkok (one of my preferred cities anyway) and then take a Bangkok Airways short one-hour flight to Siem Reap, Angkor airport, which is small but also cozy and modern. On the Cambodia Visas Travel Requirements website, you will find all the legal information necessary. Read it before departure.
Upon our arrival, we were instantly greeted by hot and humid weather that felt like a Mediterranean summer. We were staying at the Angkor Village Hotel, at Wat Bo Road, not far from the local market. The central hotel location was really important, especially for those of us who want to enjoy some independent activity in addition to guided tours. You can go shopping around and enjoy the local bars and restaurants in the evening. Our hotel was beautiful, with 50 rooms in a traditional style, a personal service, and reasonable prices.
Since we arrived earlier than expected, we went to check the local market. It was full of colors and exotic fruits. We were feeling at home… Back in our hotel, we managed to take a swim at their small but very romantic pool, which was followed by a traditional dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 2 – Temples and More Temples
The next day, at 5am, we went to explore the place. We wanted to arrive in time to see the sunrise at the Royal Angkor Wat temple. With a local tour leader, and in an air-conditioned car (compulsory in such wet weather), we reached the entrance to the temple to purchase the tickets. You can find out more about the tickets at: www.angkorenterprise.gov.kh/.
The night before, the first rain fell, heralding the end of the dry season. In the morning, the sky was still overcast, and we did not see the sunrise in all its glory. However, that couldn’t spoil the greatness of the experience. Slowly, the dawn light revealed the temple to us in all its glory. When you see it, you cannot help but ponder how they built this wonder hundreds of years ago, and realize the trueness of Antonio da Magdalena’s statement, dating back nearly 500 years, that it is impossible to describe this unique structure and beauty in words.
We were planning on returning to the Angkor Wat main temple again later on. However, to take advantage of the relatively mild weather in the morning, we went to visit a few other temples of the royal complex: Sra Srang, South Gate, Bayon, Baphuon, Phimeanakas, Leper King Terrace, and Elephant Terrace. And then – to feel like Angelina Jolie playing Lara Croft – we headed to the Ta Prohm temple. Here it was, incredibly beautiful, with trees growing wild and huge roots, just like in the movies…
After a short break, we returned to the Angkor Wat main temple to explore it and see the sunset. The temple’s stunning beauty covers a vast area, and is divided into three floors. Our local guide directed us to the depths of the place, explaining that the wall engravings there have been kept intact for hundreds of years, and finally let us climb to the top floor overlooking the temple in all its glory. Going up was relatively easy, although at about a 50-degree angle, dropping to the lower level was a bit more complicated.
We took our last glance at this wonder, which of course looks much more impressive from a distance, in part because it’s not that obvious how the ravages of time gradually take their toll. As a traveler, I always feel it is a must to see a bit more of the local culture and people. So, we didn’t hesitate, and, in the evening, enjoyed a traditional Cambodian dinner, alongside a two-hour show (with a traditional dance performance) at Apsara Theatre, located opposite our hotel.
Day 3 – Village Life is Different
On the third day, we went to see a different aspect of Cambodian life – the Tonle Sap Lake area, and the fishing village of Chong Khneas. An experience not to be missed. The houses are built on stilts, and you can see the houseboats move with the flow of water from place to place when the rainy season starts. The Cambodians living here are “real” – there are authentic fishing river guides who wear farm clothes and offer caged alligators as pets or for the leather industry. You can see the poverty of the people living here – there are sheds, without running water, but with a TV, and a generator that provides electricity.
It was a short trip, just a quick colorful glimpse of Cambodia. If you love Thailand, you will fall in love with Cambodia too. And remember, we were only 40 minutes from Bangkok, and were able to see the world a little bit differently, in a way that was much more authentic and less commercialized.
PRACTICAL TIPS
- The visa system at the airport – you will need a passport photo and cash.
- Choose a small and exotic hotel with a central location. Every major hotel chain already has a hotel in the area too.
- Organize the tours in advance or on the spot: through a travel agent, directly with the hotel, or online.
- Remember to bring a hat with a brim, and preferably bottled water that you’ll finish quickly. Do not worry, though – you can get a soft drink everywhere.
- Ask the hotel to arrange a transfer from the airport and back – almost the same price as a taxi, but much more efficient.
- Do not get fooled by tuk-tuk drivers’ offers to show you the place.
- Bargain in the market, be polite but quite decisive.
- Bring cash, it’s much easier. No need to convert to local money though – everybody prefers dollars.
- Remember to tip your guide, driver, etc. depending on the quality of the service you received.
- Departure tax is now included in the price of your flight ticket.
“Obesity, poor lifestyle, and stress – avoid these and you’ll also avoid chronic illness”
Canadian Medical / Waltrovka, Prague 5
Text: Martina Hošková, M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
“The Czech population is facing a number of chronic diseases, the cause of which, in addition to heredity or age, is mainly poor lifestyle and obesity. That’s why I put prevention first, and recommend regular preventive check-ups with your general practitioner,” explains Dr. Dalibor Stoszek, Head Physician at AFI Clinic. Every year, his clients undergo a much broader examination, which is the basis for possible diagnosis and subsequent specialized treatment. Digitization of patient information and its secure sharing among practitioners, specialists, and nurses not only within Canadian Medical clinics is extremely helpful in this continuous complex care.
Which chronic diseases are most commonly diagnosed in your practice?
Without relying on statistics, I am quite sure it is a trio of high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. In this regard, we probably won’t differ from other facilities or practices. In our clinics specifically, we are also seeing an increasing incidence of mental health issues, particularly anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. A large number of people also suffer from back pain.
Do we know the main causes of the most common chronic diseases?
The former, in addition to age and genetics, are clearly associated with poor lifestyle and obesity. The latter, along with generally higher societal stress, are influenced by the spectrum of our clients, who are often performance-oriented and under a lot of pressure. And back pain is a combination of both. To illustrate with an example, many clients come in with a “slipped disk”, but that’s just a marginal cause of their back pain. Most back problems result from faulty posture or working position.
What is the influence of genetic factors on the predisposition to chronic diseases, and how does it affect diagnosis and treatment?
The inquiry about the occurrence of monitored diseases (especially tumors, high blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes) is part of the initial examination conducted by a general practitioner, and is updated at each preventive check-up. Hereditary cancer diseases are relatively rare, accounting for about 5-10%. In women, it typically includes breast and gynecological tumors, and in both genders, colorectal tumors. In such cases, we recommend genetic testing at a specialized clinic, along with additional steps such as breast ultrasound or stool examination for hidden bleeding, or even preventive colonoscopy at a younger age than recommended for the non-risk population. Strong genetic predisposition is also observed in type 2 diabetes, which typically develops at an older age and is associated with obesity. If we have this information, we actively focus on addressing overweight or obesity. If both parents have diabetes, there is a high likelihood that you will have it too. However, the age at which it develops makes a significant difference, and that difference is influenced by lifestyle choices, particularly diet and weight management. In families with frequent early-onset cardiovascular events (heart attack or stroke), it is necessary to investigate inherited disorders of cholesterol metabolism.
Does it make sense to undergo genetic testing in case of a family burden?
As I mentioned above, patients suspected of cancer, especially breast, ovarian, and colon cancers, are referred to genetic counseling or oncology centers where genetic consultations are conducted. Individuals suspected of having genetically determined high cholesterol levels are referred to preventive cardiology centers or lipid centers for detailed analysis, and, if necessary, an examination of the extended family is recommended.
And what is your view on commercial genetic testing?
I would be cautious about extensive commercial genetic testing for otherwise healthy people. Everyone naturally faces some level of risk for certain diseases, we are not robots. Unfortunately, I have also had a patient who, based on a thick book of his risk analysis, kept demanding more and more tests, and basically lived in constant fear of some disease. It is simply a matter of setting a reasonable limit. This is primarily the role of the general practitioner, who knows the patient best.
What impact can lifestyle and dietary habits have on the development and progression of chronic diseases?
An absolutely crucial one. However, proper lifestyle management is a topic that would require several hours or books to fully describe, and I am afraid I am not capable of doing it justice here. Nevertheless, the most important thing is to find the courage to make changes in your lifestyle. My fellow practitioners are well educated in this area, and know where to refer the patient if necessary. Our team includes professionals such as a nutritionist and a psychologist, among others.
“At Canadian Medical, we offer annual check-ups to all clients.”
Can you describe how chronic diseases can influence each other, and how it affects the patient’s overall health?
I would like to take obesity as an example. This is by no means just a cosmetic problem, let alone an isolated one. Obesity leads to increased blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Each of these three diseases individually, and much less in combination (which is basically the rule), leads to an extreme risk of heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. Obese people have joint and back problems that make it difficult to lose weight to some degree. Immunity declines, infections become more severe, recovery takes longer, and the consequences of conditions like COVID or the flu are more severe. The constant feel of illness leads to problems with mental health and sleep, which in itself is another independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. And that is “just” obesity. And given the obesity pandemic, we are facing an unimaginably serious problem.
What prevention and screening methods do you recommend for reducing the risk of the most common chronic diseases?
The basic recommendation is to attend preventive check-ups with your primary care physician. By law, they are recommended at two-year intervals, which should be sufficient in most cases. However, at Canadian Medical, we offer annual check-ups to all clients, because we prioritize preventive medicine. These check-ups include updating all the important information about the patient, the so-called medical history or anamnesis, as well as additional examinations according to age and risk factors. For example, blood tests for sugar and cholesterol levels, urine analysis, referral to mammography for women over 45, stool tests for hidden bleeding from the age of 50, and many others. The basic set of examinations is determined by law for everyone. Our clients undergo a much broader scope of examination so that we can gather as much information as possible while avoiding unnecessary burdens on the patient.
How do you deal with comorbidities in patients suffering from more than one chronic disease?
That is a daily bread for practitioners, and their most important role in patient care. As life expectancy increases, the number of these so-called polymorbid patients also goes up. All information should be gathered by the practitioner, sorted, put into context, and monitored, for example medications that should not be taken together. The Czech system is characterized by the fact that patients can visit as many specialists as they want without restriction or control. And since we don’t have digitized documentation, as a practitioner, I often have no idea about it.
What do you think the solution is?
At Canadian Medical, we have practitioners who avoid unnecessary referrals to specialists, but, more importantly, we share all data within one system. This significantly reduces the risk of adverse drug interactions and repeated examinations.
What are the current trends in the treatment of chronic diseases?
In treatment, for example, applications are used to monitor and evaluate certain bodily functions. There is a huge expectation for the rise of artificial intelligence, which is a topic that could fill an entire article. This question cannot be fully answered in one response, but as an example, I can mention smartwatches. There are a considerable number of patients we examine for what’s called palpitations, which are sensations of rapid or irregular heartbeat. The problem is that these sensations are often fleeting, lasting seconds or minutes, and by the time emergency services arrive or the patient is examined in the clinic, they are symptom-free, and their electrocardiogram (EKG) appears normal. Even 24-hour monitoring may not capture the moment of symptoms, leaving uncertainty about whether this is a rhythm disorder that requires treatment. Here, smartwatches with EKG monitoring can be of great service, as they can record the EKG waveform at the moment of symptoms with sufficient quality to evaluate the severity of the finding. Thus, they can help with proper treatment or (mostly) reassure the patient that it is a completely harmless sensation.
What about your devices and digitization? Do your patients have to go from doctor to doctor with a folder of printed medical records?
Canadian Medical has the vast majority of specialties in our clinics. All examinations conducted by our practitioners or specialists are shared in digital form, and are available to doctors and nurses for follow-up care. Most examinations conducted in surrounding facilities, such as university hospitals, are also available in our system. A huge advantage is our myCANADIAN application, where clients can browse their results, findings, medical reports, and also prescriptions.
How do you support patients in their efforts for self-control and self-management of their health while living with a chronic illness?
One of the great advantages of our doctors is the sufficient amount of time allocated to each patient. In most cases, we have the time to properly explain everything the patient needs to know about both treatment and prevention. We strive for an Anglo-Saxon approach to patient care. This means that the patient should receive maximum information from his doctor, have the opportunity to ask questions, actively participate in their treatment, and have the right to make informed decisions. Foreign clients are accustomed to and expect this approach, and undoubtedly, Czech clients appreciate it as well.
As part of your practice, you worked in the UK and Saudi Arabia. Are they very different worlds in terms of prevention and healthcare compared to the Czech Republic?
Saudi Arabia is a completely different world. On one hand, you have extremely wealthy patients who are cared for by the best specialists in the West, in facilities with no limits. On the other hand, there are people who don’t even have basic healthcare. Not to mention the workers from Bangladesh or the Philippines. The healthcare system in the United Kingdom has its fair share of problems, but the reason I went there to learn and work is the significantly different primary care provided in outpatient settings. In comparison to our system, English practitioners have unimaginably greater authority and fewer restrictions. However, they also have more responsibilities and must care for children, pregnant women, contraception, hormonal treatment, and so on.
Referring a patient to a specialist requires careful consideration and justification, ensuring that as a practitioner, you have done everything you could. Specialists are scarce and extremely expensive for the system. That’s why the demands on British practitioners are very high, and many competencies (which Czech practitioners may not even think about) are transferred to nurses.
Working in healthcare is generally demanding. How do you relax, and what do you like to do in your free time?
It may sound cliché, but my family is my biggest anchor. I have a seven-year-old daughter, and since I am away from home four days a week, I try to spend as much of my remaining time with her and my wife as possible.
In the winter, we spend a lot of time skiing, and in the summer, we enjoy the mountains together. And thanks to my fantastic wife, I can also travel and ride my motorcycle, which helps me clear my mind wonderfully.
Dr. Dalibor Stoszek is a Head Physician at AFI Canadian Medical Clinic. He is an experienced doctor, with international experience and a diverse professional history. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at Palacký University in Olomouc and subsequently obtained certifications in internal medicine, emergency medicine, general practice, and family medicine in England. In addition to his work as a general practitioner, he also maintains a practice in emergency services. He has further developed his professional skills abroad, in Saudi Arabia and England, and through volunteer work in several sub-Saharan African countries. His work experience as a general practitioner in England has been most beneficial for his current career. The role of a general practitioner there encompasses all fields in great depth, and he strives to apply this concept at Canadian Medical as well.
Text: Martina Hošková, M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
You might know the Lego 3-in-1 building kit, which, thanks to its clever design, offers the possibility to build three different models from a single set of pieces. A similar project is being intensively prepared by the South Korean carmaker Kia, titled Platform Beyond Vehicle cars, or PBV for short. PBVs are scheduled to be launched in the domestic Korean market in the second half of 2025, after which they will enter markets around the world, including Europe with the Czech Republic and North America, in the first quarter of 2026.
How does the several-in-1 concept work?
Modular technology offers the possibility of the basic platform of the car, with the driver’s compartment remaining the same while the rear section can be changed according to the current needs. Specifically, you can look forward to a new product called Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), which Kia unveiled at the CES advanced technology trade show in Las Vegas, USA.
Kia demonstrated the functioning of the system using three different concepts: the PV5 – in three all-purpose variants, the PV7 – offering the largest interior space and longest range, and the PV1 – the smallest car for short-distance transport. This clearly shows that we really are talking about several cars in one here. They will all use electric drive, as well as Level 4 autonomous driving and advanced Artificial Intelligence technology.
With this concept, Kia explains, you can enjoy driving a van during the week, a family minivan on weekends, and perhaps a small camper for a vacation.
It is expected to be appreciated mainly by companies that do not plan to purchase multiple cars for their fleet, but will instead use a single car with a cleverly thought-out concept.
A competitive price in the Czech market
“The design strategy is to allow the use of a single chassis to meet different mobility needs. Behind the fixed cab, otherwise known as the ‘driver’s zone’, various interchangeable super-structures or ‘life modules’ can be attached to the base vehicle via hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology, turning the PBV into a taxi during the day, a delivery van at night, and a personal recreational vehicle on weekends,” explains Ho Sung Song, president and CEO of Kia Corporation, adding: “It is still too early for specific information on prices, given the launch date of these cars on the Czech market. However, we recognize that it is important to develop a range of affordable PBVs to meet different customer needs and maintain a strong market position. We will ensure that our offering is price competitive.”
According to Kia, the range of applications will be very broad. The hybrid mechanical and electromagnetic principle will ensure simple and fast conversion. With regards to the actual swapping process, the carmaker says there will be no complications thanks to the modular Easy Swap technology. The PBV design requires no welding, which allows for considerable flexibility. All PBVs are equipped with a modular rail system in the ceiling, floor, and side panels for easy adaptation between different vehicles. In addition, thanks to automation, the “conversion” can be easily controlled using a smartphone or tablet.
Kia’s confidence in the whole concept is evident by the fact that it plans to open a factory in South Korea – specifically at Autoland Hwaseong, near the capital Seoul – with an annual capacity of up to 150,000 such vehicles in 2025. The construction costs will reach USD 758 million. PBVs are scheduled to be launched in the domestic Korean market in the second half of 2025, after which PBVs will enter markets around the world, including Europe with the Czech Republic and North America, in the first quarter of 2026. Intensive negotiations are currently underway with partners such as Uber, Coupang, CJ Logistics and Kakao Mobility in connection with the transport of people and goods, including robotaxi. This, to some extent, is also linked to Kia’s other plan to produce a total of 1.6 million electric vehicles per year by 2030.
Soprano Markéta Fassati with members of Fassati Ensemble – Adam Pechočiak, Kristýna Bělohlávková, Dana Truplová, Adéla Štajnochrová, David Pavelka, Václav Zajíc, and Anna Kostková (from the left).
Text: Martina Hošková, M.Zisso; Photo: Miroslav Lepeška
The main idea of this festival was designed by first-class soprano Markéta Fassati, who guarantees the uniqueness of your experience. Founded in 2018, the festival bid adieu to 2023 with its 10th jubilee gala evening in December. The event was held in the Advent spirit, and took place in the newly renovated historical premises of the Prague Clam-Gallas Palace. For 2024, two similarly exceptional gala evenings are planned.
The Fassati Art Festival was founded in 2018, and represents an artistic project full of extraordinary experiences and fascinating personalities. The main idea of the festival was designed by soprano Markéta Fassati, who guarantees its uniqueness. The Czech lands are historically renowned worldwide for their diverse artistic talents, and the Fassati Art Festival aims to continue this tradition. The entire festival also has a charitable mission. A long-term partner of the festival in this field is the Food Bank, with which it has been cooperating very successfully for many years.
Each gala evening is held in a unique – and always different – exclusive environment. Each concert features an exceptional programme of works performed by top artists, with each having its own original theme.
The 10th Gala Evening was held in the spirit of Advent, and took place on 7th December 2023 in the newly renovated premises of Clam-Gallas Palace, in the heart of Prague. It is a unique Baroque palace building in Prague’s Old Town, situated in an important central position on the so-called Royal Route. The palace has undergone a costly reconstruction, and we would like to thank the Mayor of Prague, doc. MUDr. Bohuslav Svoboda, CSc., for the patronage and lending of the palace.
Before the concert, Markéta Fassati’s new album, titled Ave Maria, was solemnly blessed. The godfathers were the Mayor of Prague 1 Terezie Radoměřská, Mons. Tomáš Halík, and the Director of the Municipal House Vlastimil Ježek.
The concert featured festive Advent melodies and compositions from the new album for soprano and orchestra, performed by Markéta Fassati and the Fassati Ensemble.
The experience of the gala evening was enhanced even further by several outstanding exhibitions. A unique private collection of graphic works by the world-famous artist Le Corbusier from the Palbric Art Foundation Gallery, designer coins by academic sculptor Michael Vitanovský from the collector’s edition of the BHS company, dazzling jewellery by the goldsmith family studio SALABA, as well as an exhibition of Czech brooches – these were handmade jewellery, made of minerals and the rejuvenating touch of Hydrafacial instrumental cosmetics.
For 2024, two more remarkable gala evenings are scheduled to take place. For more information, go to www.fassatiartfestival.com.
Mons. Tomáš Halík, Soprano Markéta Fassati, Mayor of Prague 1 Terezie Radoměřská, and Chairman of the Board of Municipal House in Prague Vlastimil Ježek (from the left).
Co.de co-owners Markéta and Lukáš with their assistant
Text: Martina Hošková, M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
Have you ever enjoyed the many relaxing walking trails and city views of Prague’s Vítkov Hill? This green area creates a natural borderline between two distinctive neighbourhoods: Karlín on one side, and Žižkov on the other. And it is in the latter neighbourhood, located right below the hill, that this original concept store and cosy café is – which we would like to draw your attention to, and suggest as a great spot to finish your next trip to the neighbourhood with. “We love to mix the old with the new because that is where the real home is,” says Markéta Rašková, co-owner of Co.de coffee and design shop on Husitská street. Why not try something new next time as well?
Drink. Eat. Shop. Relax.
The life paths of Markéta and Lukáš, the co-owners of Co.de, crossed in England, and it was also back then that they got the idea of a home design store combined with a café. After 12 years in England, the time was ripe for some major changes in their lives. They decided to move to Czechia, and together transform this nice dream into a reality. “Žižkov attracted us with its character, history, and special charm,” remembers Markéta. “A few days after finding our current location, we quit our jobs and started renovating the space ourselves. Within four months, we opened our dream!”
Inspired by the English approach to life and the character of Prague’s genius loci, Co.de wants to be a combination of both, and suit – as well as inspire – the taste of the locals. The primary concern is the quality, combined with a unique story behind each piece being offered here – both in home furniture and refreshments. In the shop, you can expect a fine selection of interior home pieces, especially from smaller manufacturers. Many of those manufacturers also pride themselves in their sustainable label. In the café, only quality and fresh ingredients are used in order to allow you to indulge in the honest taste of the drinks and food offered here.
“The mix of what we like, what we cherish, what reflects our personality – that should be our home.”
Making our homes bolder
“In the interior, we love to mix the old with the new because that is where the real home is. The mix of what we like, what we cherish, what reflects our personality – that should be our home. We hope to inspire people to make their homes bolder, more colourful, more unique, and different than what their neighbours next door have :). Our mission is to bring soul to your home,” describes Markéta in regards to Co.de’s vision.
In the shop, you can find modern, as well as vintage, decorations such as vases, candleholders, bowls, shelves, hangers, mirrors, and clocks, all of which can be easily combined together in modern, bohemian, scandi, or even traditional homes. A big portion of home textile is the pillows – cotton, wool, or velvet materials. In terms of lighting, there is a nice selection of hanging lights, floor and table lamps, and especially hanging rattan lights – hand-made very precisely, in a very high quality, beautiful, and modern design, so that people can easily include them in modern interiors as well.
Homemade desserts are made from quality ingredients
A notable part of the shop’s items is high-quality furniture. Many pieces they sell in Co.de are unique, whether they are original (vintage), newly made but looking ‘aged’, or are of a brand-new modern style. Original (vintage) furniture pieces such as cabinets, TV consoles, side tables, dining tables etc. are retouched and repaired as necessary – but the main point is that people can appreciate the history and feel of the piece, with its beautiful patina and marks of time. “We have pieces of furniture that are refurbished, with every little detail made to meet the needs of everyday use so that people should not be afraid to purchase such a piece – it’s not going to be just for décor, it’s fully functional!” ensures Markéta.
The second mentioned category of the new but ‘aged’-looking furniture includes pieces such as cabinets, dining chairs, dining tables, and chests of drawers made out of reclaimed wood, with their original patina and marks of the time – so they look old, but they are newly-made. These are also very original pieces of furniture; every piece could be slightly different. This furniture is made from FSC reclaimed recycled wood, which is the only globally recognisable certification for sustainability in this field.
The last category of new modern-style furniture offers items such as dining tables, chairs, cabinets, racks etc. made in modern and chic designs – a great quality for the price tag. As the owner concludes, “In terms of what sort of styles people can find at our place, it is rather wide as we bring to life bohemian and eclectic styles, which are rising in popularity everywhere (and especially outside of the Czech Republic), but are slowly gaining popularity here as well. However, we also love the modern urban style – where you can combine a bit of scandi, light industrial, and a more classic style, but with focus on quality, materials, and even sustainability.”
“We hope to inspire people.”
Co.de café is open every day
Serving honest food
Co.de café was inspired by similar places in England. Open every day, you can make it your “home office” Monday to Friday, as well as a chill stop on weekends – and feel free to bring your fur babies along, it’s no problem at all! Waiting for you are homemade carrot cake, lemon cheesecake, Pavlova roulade, chocolate brownie with salted caramel, granola, and nut cookies, to name a few currently on the menu. “We bake according to our tried and tested recipes that we have collected from our travels, or that we are currently inspired by,” says Markéta.
There’s something for those who don’t have a sweet tooth as well, of course – homemade sandwiches from local artisan bakeries pastries like paninis, bagels, and grilled sandwiches. Their coffee comes from a local coffee source roaster as well, and in summer, you can enjoy a cold brew, matcha latte, espresso tonic, and other iced coffees.
CZK 100,000 DONATED TO TEREZA MAXOVÁ FOUNDATION HELPING CHILDREN IN NEED
Charity Cheque hand over to Tereza Maxová Foundation
Text: M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
On Wednesday December 20, 2023 Hilton Prague and Hilton Prague Old Town organized the 25th edition of the annual Christmas Charity Concert featuring the Karlovy Vary Symphonic Orchestra and soloist Jiří Stivín, conducted by Maestro Debashish Chaudhuri.
The Christmas spirit was brought by the International Ladies Chamber Choir Viva Voce with a special guest, Charlottka Hrubá, a talented pianist from the Tereza Maxová Foundation.
The evening was presented by Michael Specking, General Manager of Hilton Prague together with Czech actress Markéta Hrubešová.
The event was held in support of the Tereza Maxová Foundation, adopce.com project, whose Marketing & Operations Manager Petra Zapletalová took over a cheque amounting to CZK 100,000 from Michael Specking, General Manager of Hilton Prague, Tanya Podgoretska, General Manager of Hilton Prague Old Town, David Lesch, CEO of AV Media, and Vlastimil Vyskočáni, Director of Business Segment at ČEZ ESCO, main partners of the concert.
Special thanks also go to the partners of the concert, especially the main partners – AV Media, ČEZ ESCO and Gesto Computers.
International Ladies Choir Viva Voce
Michael Specking, General Manager of Hilton Prague, Markéta Hrubešová, Presenter
Karlovy Vary Symphonic Orchestra
Jiří Stivín, Soloist
Festive Christmas Reception in the Atrium Lobby
Debashish Chaudhuri, Conductor
Helena Kroftová Leisztner, Mayor of Prague 1 Terezie Radoměřská, and Eliška Hašková Coolidge (from left)
Text: M.Zisso; Photo: Jaroslav Tatek
Renowned artist Helena Kroftová Leisztner is celebrating 35 years of her award-winning art collection – a milestone marked by a special exhibition event called “Colors of Woman”. The event took place at the luxurious Augustine Hotel in Prague.
The “Colors of Woman” exhibition was held under the auspices of the Municipality of the Capital City of Prague and the Prague 1 district under the leadership of the Mayor of Prague 1, Mrs. Terezie Radoměřská.
It was attended by approximately 160 VIP guests, including dignitaries, celebrities, and public figures from the spheres of diplomacy, politics, culture, and fashion, adding a layer of prestige to this unique celebration.
Helena Leisztner, an important painter, photographer, and clothing designer, is known for her unique fusion of artistic expressions. Her multimedia Art & Fashion shows appeal to audiences not only in the Czech Republic but also in the international scene. Ms. Leisztner’s motto, “Intuition is a goddess for all of us,” resonates throughout her work and seminars.
Ms. Leisztner’s artistic journey was strongly influenced by her travels – in her works, we can find cultural elements from Spain, Latin America, and Thailand. This exhibition presents her techniques – with an emphasis on lines emanating from the center, symbolizing infinity and harmonious energy – and explores the sensual and emotional aspects of the female body.
One of the highlights of Ms. Leisztner’s career was her participation in the International Exhibition of Modern Art in Paris, at La Coupole, with “Eden”, a magical 3D effect painting, accompanied by her poetry.
In addition to her artistic activities, Ms. Leisztner is actively involved in charitable activities. As a founding member and president of the Czech Association of Friends of the National Women’s Museum of Art in Washington, she supports various foundation projects, including young and disabled artists.
The Augustine Hotel hosting the event is a historical gem and a work of art in itself, combining elegance and modern luxury. This 13th century former monastery hotel provides a choice backdrop for cultural events and exhibitions, making it the perfect location for this exhibition.
Lucie Uxová, Jana Doleželová, Helena Leisztner, Terezie Radoměřská, Eliška Hašková Coolidge, Eva Čerešňáková, Štěpánka Pučálková, and Gabriela Dítětová (from left)
Olga Girstlová, Helena Leisztner, and Jadran Šetlík (from left)
Helena Leisztner with actress Bára Fišerová on her left with the partners of the event: Levandulové údolí, Ollies, Trebitsch whisky
“I stand by our election promises”
PRAGUE 10 GAINED 250 MILLION CZK THANKS TO PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURES.
Martin Valovič, Mayor of Prague 10
Text: Martina Hošková, M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
As a local patriot, I wanted to contribute my energy and ideas to improving the place where I have lived my whole life,” explains Martin Valovič, Mayor of Prague 10 district. “Being a mayor is a beautiful job, and I appreciate the trust that the citizens and neighbours of Prague 10 have placed in me. I want to complete projects such as the reconstruction of the surroundings of Strašnická metro station, in order to show people that they have put their trust in people who have energy and determination.”
What would you like to tell our readers about yourself?
I became Mayor of Prague 10 two years ago, and since then I, together with my colleagues and coalition partners, have been constantly working on improving our district to make it an even better place to live.
As a graduate in architecture and a local patriot, I am responsible for urban development and the revitalisation of public spaces. This year, we are restoring the vicinity of the Botič creek. The pedestrian promenade will get a new surface, and new concrete terraces will be built near the Botič. All this will extend the recreational purpose of this popular leisure area.
Before entering politics, I had been in business for many years.
I have built two successful project and production companies. Therefore, I have also included the support of local small businesses in my list of priorities.
You are a member of the ODS political party. Do you draw your inspiration from there?
I have joined the Civic Democrats mainly because of the values and ideas this party represents. Its DNA firmly encodes such values as individual freedom, free market, and personal responsibility. In this concept, the state is a guarantor of fair and understandable rules, still able to show solidarity and offer help to those in need. It was the ODS that helped with the transformation of the Czech economy after the Velvet Revolution in 1989, and who had assisted in putting our country back on the European map.
As you said, you became the Mayor of Prague 10 two years ago. What brought you into local politics in the first place?
As a local patriot, I wanted to contribute my energy and ideas to improving the place where I have lived my whole life. As an architect, I was troubled by the condition of some public spaces, and by the lack of a clear urban strategy. Thus, I have entered politics because actions are better than words.
What actions do the responsibilities of your current position allow you to perform?
Being a mayor is a beautiful but demanding job that has no office hours. You become the face of the place where you live, and which you of course care about. The representative role is only a small part of my daily agenda, particularly when we speak of such a diverse and large district as Prague 10. In terms of population, it is equivalent to a regional city such as Liberec or Olomouc.
In addition, the mayor has to be a good moderator of discussions, as well as a mediator of disputes. There are various groups and diverse interests in the public space. Finding a compromise is challenging on some topics, but it is important.
An informal competence of the mayor is the ability to set the agenda. I would like to use this ability to popularise the beautiful villas in Strašnice, or to bring back the name Jindřich Waldes. In the First Czechoslovak Republic, this businessman’s name was known worldwide. He was nicknamed the Baťa of Vršovice. His snap buttons were produced and sold all over the world. Then World War II, and the Nazi occupation, came. Waldes died on his way to America. This disaster was then completed by the Communists, after the coup. I think this is our debt to him, to bring his name back from obscurity. Our first foray is the “Prague 10 Entrepreneur of the Year” poll, which we launched last year. The main prize is named after Jindřich Waldes.
“In terms of population, Prague 10 is equivalent to a regional city such as Liberec or Olomouc.”
Of course, you were already active before becoming mayor. As deputy mayor, you were the first to publish a detailed list of investor requirements. Was it helpful?
Thanks to specific and understandable rules for investors, the district has already gained CZK 250 million, and more contracts are currently being prepared. We are using the funds to increase school capacities.
When we were preparing the methodology, titled “Private Sector Participation in Public Expenditures”, in cooperation with the Department of Spatial Planning at the Faculty of Architecture, Czech Technical University in Prague, I was sure of the benefit of such a document. However, reality has exceeded my expectations. This methodology is also appreciated by investors, as they can cooperate with the city transparently.
In return, they have the assurance that the financial resources will be fully used for prearranged public beneficial purposes. In our case, we are mainly talking about the growth of school capacities.
If you could highlight one single project that you have on your agenda as mayor, which one would that be?
Time flies by unbelievably fast. As I said earlier, being a mayor is a beautiful job, and I appreciate the trust that the citizens and neighbours of Prague 10 have placed in me.
A lot has happened in those two years. Yet, I would like to highlight the project that will run through these four years like an ongoing thread, and that is the reconstruction of the villa of Karel Čapek.
Together with colleagues, we have the ambition to make this exclusive space a house museum that will be as famous as the Tugendhat villa in Brno.
What are the most troublesome problems for Prague 10, in your opinion? Do you share them with other Prague districts?
One of the big problems that we identified last year with other Prague mayors is the underfunding of Prague’s education system. It’s not just about its capacities, but mainly about low contributions. Although all costs have skyrocketed in recent years, the contribution per pupil has not changed for many years.
A major local topic is the tug-of-war over the future of the Bohdalec-Slatiny brownfield site. A few years ago, we prepared a territorial study for this extensive area, which included the creation of a new green district. Last year, the designers from the Railway Administration showed interest in this site. They wanted a huge sorting station to be built there. Eventually, we managed to find a compromise, and a huge barrier will not be built in the heart of Prague 10.
What are the main challenges for you and your colleagues?
Together with my colleagues, we agree that it is necessary to heal the finances of the municipal district in the following years.
I would like to have a balanced budget at the end of the election period. However, this plan is being complicated by the current economic situation, rapidly rising inflation, and energy prices.
Instead of one-off cuts, we are focused on systematic savings and on reducing the energy performance of buildings. And, of course, we must figure out what to do with the old town hall building in Vršovická after our move to Strašnice. This building, from the second half of the 1970s, requires a complete reconstruction. The building’s shell is in a state of disrepair, and there is also a danger of the windows falling down.
The repair costs are astronomical, and Prague 10 cannot afford them. We are currently having an economic analysis prepared by an external company. The analysis will tell us how to proceed with this building.
I must also mention the revitalisation of parks, and the care of green vegetation. The successful revitalisation of the northern part of Solidarity Park has won the Municipal Project of the Year award, in the public green vegetation category.
A mayor’s job comes with a lot of criticism. How do you handle that?
I take constructive criticism as an essential part of the debate. No man is infallible. Life is not black and white, and the opinions, positions, and life experiences of each of us differ. Criticism is also the job description of the opposition. I respect that. What is not close to me, and I will not say that it does not bother me, are various false attacks and accusations that occasionally appear in the public space.
What are your strategy and plans for the next few years?
I want to complete projects such as the reconstruction of the surroundings of Strašnická metro station, in order to show people that they have put their trust in people who have energy and determination. My colleagues and I stand by our programme declaration and election promises, and I believe that we will manage to fulfil most of them. I want to continue meeting people and the business community, and talking to them about topics and things that interest them, and which I can help them with.
Two years from now, after four years of acting as mayor, will people say you were effective?
That will be shown by the elections. They are the ultimate litmus test.
“Many problems have solutions when you are tenacious and persistent”
Tomáš Portlík, Mayor of Prague 9 (Photo: Anna Vacková)
Text: Martina Hošková, M.Zisso
“I am old school. I believe that a politician should have a long-term vision, and well-thoughtout concrete steps to implement it,” says Tomáš Portlík, Mayor of Prague 9. “My mom would tell you that I got into politics when I was six years old, complaining about what I was missing at home. But seriously. Look at the map of Prague 9 today and compare it with a map that is ten or twelve years old. Look at today’s spatial plan, and you will see where our priorities are.”
Tell us about yourself, please.
What would you like to hear? I follow traditional values, but I’m not afraid of change. I bet on individualism, but I have a great team of colleagues around me at the town hall. I consider healthy self-confidence to be important… Or is it that I was born in Prague, still live here, I got married here, and have two children?
You joined ODS at the age of 18. Who is your inspiration in this regard?
Our family has always been right-wing. My parents – and also my grandfather, who emigrated and lived in exile – taught me that one is responsible for their own life. At the age of eighteen, the politics of the ODS appealed to me. It represented a realistic view of the world for me. In addition, I knew Mr. Jaroslav Kubera, a former senator who lived with us in Prosek. His specific, healthy approach to life and his work in politics influenced me a lot. I still try to follow what he taught me. In other words, the task of a politician is to develop society so that people, if possible, make their own decisions about their lives as much as possible. They should not feel that a politician is a messenger of truth who dictates their life. I want a functioning public administration that manages a debt-free budget and brings maximum benefit to citizens. Those who claim that they know how to spend our money better than us are wrong. Although lower taxes bring less to the state treasury, the state does not have to take care of all its citizens just to please them, but it has to take care of those who have found themselves in a difficult social situation through no fault of their own.
Before entering the world of active politics, you engaged in business. What made you change your life course?
My mom would tell you that I got into politics when I was six years old, complaining about what I was missing at home. Once, she couldn’t take it anymore, and advised me to complain to the local committee. So, I started sending letters to the town hall as a small child. But seriously.
I joined ODS in 1997, and didn’t want any party positions for a long time. This changed when I felt that healthy competition and support for individuality was disappearing from ODS, and I started to get involved in the party, and in municipal politics. In 2006, I successfully ran for the City Council of Prague 9. I realized that I could influence things in my place of residence from the position of a representative or councillor. At that time, like many of my friends, I was troubled by the state of green areas in Prague 9, the slow pace of regeneration of children’s playgrounds, and the lack of funds for investments.
I was also troubled by other related issues, such as lack of places in kindergartens, the housing policy, the non-progressing “privatization”, few cultural events in the district, and, above all, the desperate state of my childhood favourite Friendship Park in Prosek. Many of those problems had solutions, you just had to be tenacious and persistent.
How did you become Mayor of Prague 9?
That was a natural progression. For three electoral terms, I was the deputy mayor responsible for the finances of Prague 9. Pretty soon, we managed to achieve a balanced budget, and started fulfilling the plans with which I entered municipal politics. During all that time, Jan Jarolím was the mayor of the ninth city district and my mentor. Then, when he quit in March 2021 at his own request, he handed over the mayor role to me to continue fulfilling the long-term concept of the development of our district. The big tasks included, for example, the construction of a brand-new Elektra Primary and Kindergarten with 33 classrooms, as well as the expansion of Friendship Park, and the preservation of the relaxing part of Prosek and Střížkov, which I personally consider a significant achievement.
What are the duties of a mayor?
All duties of the mayor are governed by the Act on the Capital City of Prague. I see the role of mayor as a responsibility for the part of the city that I manage, and for the people who live in it. It’s not a job with typical office hours, but I knew that when I decided to do it. I like Prague, and I like the ninth district, so I enjoy improving the place where we live together.
You were elected the Mayor of Prague 9 more than two years ago. How do you remember that time?
I took over the position after a difficult COVID-19 period, at a time when we still had to deal with the consequences of the pandemic, and above all ensure the safe return of children to schools. We did our best for this, and were successful in implementing rational anti-epidemic measures. We were the first in the republic to start testing various methods of testing children for COVID-19, including the so-called “pooling method” – an evaluation using collective PCR testing, or testing from wastewater at schools. We were also successful with a lawsuit in the Supreme Administrative Court, which aimed to end the government’s record for the length of school closures and return pupils to face-to-face classes.
“I like Prague, and I like the ninth district, so I enjoy improving the place where we live together.” (Photo: Archive)
What do you see as the major problems in Prague right now, in both your district and in general?
All of Prague, in my opinion, most needs stability, vision, consolidated finances, a modern approach, and an open mind. I am a supporter of the fact that it does not have to be divided by some kind of ideological war, but its representatives should find a balance between different groups of voters. Take transportation for example. I myself ride a bicycle, scooter, motorscooter, or motorcycle, but I also drive a car. And I walk too. In Prague 9, I support all modes of transport, and it works. So why wouldn’t it be possible in the whole of Prague? There are areas, such as transport and education, which have an impact on all city districts. Back in 2015, I had already initiated the creation of the “Assembly of Mayors” of the city districts. Originally consisting of Districts 1-22, and now of all 57 districts, we are negotiating together with the Capital City Townhall on topics such as the fair distribution of money between city districts, parking in the capital, ensuring a sufficient number of places in schools, and so on.
What are the main challenges you and your colleagues face?
Challenges relating to the fact that, in recent years, the ninth district has been developing in the most dynamic way, compared to the whole of Prague. Over 30% of all apartments in the capital were newly built here. At the same time, we increased the number of places in our schools, built cycle paths, expanded parks, and built playgrounds and community centers, but also saved green areas from development. However, the last generation of politicians did not say which direction Prague should develop in, what the target state of the population should be, what the level of population density should be, et cetera. Many residents believe that there is already a lot of development, and that every meter of green area needs to be protected. But compared to cities in other countries, the population density in Prague is one of the lowest. And if the city is to develop, and at the same time we are to behave ecologically, we must build a city within the city, and not expand it into the fields. And if we don’t want to take up square meters in the park, it’s only natural to build high buildings. It is more generous with public space, and cheaper in terms of construction costs and running economics. But when I recently mentioned that high-rise buildings would suit Prague 9, there was an avalanche of criticism.
Certainly, a mayor’s job always comes with lots of criticism. How do you react to that?
I try to learn from the constructive criticism. Unfortunately, the principle of how politics works has changed with the rise of the use of social networks, through which a negligible group of the population imposes their views on you with a “high” number of likes, and criticizes you. I am old school. I believe that a politician should have a long-term vision, and well-thoughtout concrete steps to implement it. That’s why, in Prague 9, we have been involving our residents in all major development projects for a long time. Of course, we cannot avoid criticism. But, I try to listen to people, convince them of our plans, look for solutions acceptable to the majority, and explain them – especially when they are not among the most popular. And then, of course, take responsibility for them.
What are your plans for the next few years then?
I have many plans, but the most important ones are related to education. Last September, we opened the new Elektra Elementary School and Kindergarten. Over the past thirty years, we were the only district in Prague that has built a school for 800 children from the ground up. We are now starting the project preparation of Elektra II, so that in two years a specific campus, including kindergarten, primary, and secondary education, will begin to grow in Vysočany. We also have a concrete plan for the reconstruction of all the schools and kindergartens we run, because children learn better in a modern environment. The changes should also affect the pedagogical work in our schools. I would like to see kids winning competitions in math, physics, and other subjects, so that they have different approaches, options, and alternatives to choose from without having to go to a private school. I would like us to support talented students, to have the best teachers in our schools, and for all children – regardless of the socio-economic status of their parents – to have the same conditions at the start of school.
After you leave the mayor’s chair, will people say you were effective?
Just ask them. Or look at the map of Prague 9 today and compare it with a map that is ten or twelve years old. There used to be factories in Vysočany, in the area of Poděbradská and Kolbenova Streets, and not even a square meter of land belonged to the town district. Today, there are thousands of apartments including civic amenities, and a cycle path that connects Prague 8 with Prague 14 across Prague 9. We built parks here – Pod Lávkou, Zahrádky, the large Třešňovka orchard underwent revitalization, and the new meanders on the Rokytka River were awarded for their contribution to the micro-climate of the area. We acquired land there for the construction of school facilities, and built the first school buildings on them.
We prevented the mass construction of housing estates in Prosek. And if you look at today’s spatial plan, you will see almost thirty hectares of new areas in it since last year, which belong to the administration of the City of Prague 9, and are treated and managed as green areas, not as building land. This is also the case with my heart’s desire – the central Friendship Park in Prosek, the area of which we expanded from 8.5 hectares to almost 13 hectares. The cultural events we organize in Prague 9 have also multiplied rapidly. At the same time, I get the greatest joy from open-air concerts in our parks, both new and revitalized.
FAREWELL TO THE GENERAL MANAGER OF HILTON PRAGUE MICHAEL SPECKING AND WELCOME TO HIS SUCCESSOR, RYAN GAUCI
Text: M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
From left: Ryan Gauci, Simon Bender, and Michael Specking
On January 10, 2024, The Hilton Prague celebrated a memorable farewell event for its esteemed General Manager, Michael Specking, who was retiring after nearly 17 years at Hilton Prague.
The event brought together ambassadors, clients, business partners, and other special guests to bid him farewell and welcome the new General Manager, Ryan Gauci.
The evening unfolded in the mystical ambiance of “Alchemist”, filled with enchantment, time travel, and captivating performances. The highlight of the evening was the symbolic passing of the key, as Michael handed it over the Ryan.
The Hilton ́s longtime manager used the occasion to express his gratitude in his speech, parts of which we are bringing to you here:
“Dear Excellences, loyal clients, my favourite colleagues, and good evening to my better half – Claudia.
Today, I stand here not as the general manager who selects the best mattresses or introduces the latest technology – no, today I stand here as the freedom fighter who can finally press the check-out button for myself! After over 42 years in the hotel business, and more than 16 years with Hilton Prague I retire to take a well-deserved nap – without the fear of complaints about pillows that are too hard.
Together, we fought battles against rebellious coffee machines and experienced epic dramas over forgotten toothbrushes.
I look forward to spending my days without the worry of overbooked rooms and missing mini shampoos. But I promise not to forget that the real luxury in the hotel lies not in the number of stars, but in the friendliness and dedication of the team.
So, a big thank you to my team who have worked so hard all these years that even the maids have muscles like Schwarzenegger, my chefs cook like the Bocuse and the service is miles ahead of those that serve at George 5 in Paris. You managed to make guests believe that we are wizards who can transform rooms into pristine oases in the blink of an eye and do the same when it comes to culinary surprises.
To my management team – big thanks for being my rock through thick and thin. Despite the ups and downs, we always found a way to turn it into a good laugh.
Cheers to a team that knows how to make work fun! and to Marta, my PA.
Another great appreciation to my colleagues for your endless support. And to my bosses who figured well how to occupy me with reports and statistics – gosh how many budget presentations!
To my and our clients here my big, big “děkuji” for your loyalty and support in all these years here in Prague.
To our owners I extend my greatest gratitude for holding on so long with me. But joke aside, cheers to you for joining the event tonight!
And to my better half – a big shout out to my wife for putting up with my work stories for all these years without falling asleep! Cheers to you Claudia, in crime and in retirement!
To my successor Ryan: May your coffee be strong, your minibars never empty, your guests never get too creative with their room décor, ensure happy team members turn deadlines into ”dead laugh” lines, delight the boss, and satisfy your proprietor. I know for sure – you will make it.
And to myself? May my retirement be as relaxing as a late check-out at no extra cost!
I now pursue my new career as a siesta master and pillow fluff expert!
Thank you, ahoj, goodbye and Auf Wiedersehen.”
Michael Specking is passing the key to Ryan Gauci
Ryan Gauci, the new General manager, addressed the gathering with enthusiasm and gratitude. He shared his excitement about the opportunity to lead the flagship Hilton Prague into a new chapter aiming to continue the hotel’s tradition of providing exceptional services and memorable experiences.
Adding to the significance, Hilton representatives Mr. Dominique Piquemal, VP Luxury Operations EMEA, and Mr. Ben Bengougam, SVP HR EMEA took the stage. They expressed appreciation to Michael Specking for his contributions and extended a warm welcome to Ryan Gauci, wishing him all the best in his new role.
“Standing out in a sea of serums”
Sonia Deasy with her father
Text: Martina Hošková, M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
Driven by the belief that skincare shouldn’t be complicated, Sonia Deasy created a line of simple, highly effective skincare products. Almost 10 years ago, she launched the brand in her home country of Ireland with a single product: Pure Hyaluronic Serum. “I believed I could make a product that stood out in a sea of serums,” she says. “Some people thought I was crazy. There were hyaluronic serums everywhere. But here’s the thing: I didn’t like any of them.”
Who is Sonia Deasy?
I’m Irish of Indian origin, 48 years old, and mum to five children. When I started Pestle & Mortar in 2014, they ranged in age from 10 down to 4. As cofounder, my husband works closely with me in Pestle & Mortar, and, before establishing our company, we also worked together in our portrait photography studio. So, we continue to live and work together in Kildare County, Ireland.
What made you think about going into the skincare business?
As I said, I was working alongside my husband Padraic in our portrait photography studio. During my work with the models, I noticed that many of their skin problems came to light under the camera lens – mainly dryness and flakiness. These girls, women, and mums, were busy, busy people, and they cared about how their skin looked – but they just hadn’t figured out a simple skincare routine to suit their lifestyle and pocket.
My skin often suffered the same fate, especially when I was travelling, and I grew frustrated with all the complicated options sitting on skincare shelves that I couldn’t understand! I wanted simple skincare that worked – and I just couldn’t find it.
“I decided to create skincare products that would be simple to use, easy to understand, and highly effective.”
Can you recall the moment of actually deciding, ‘yes, I will start a new skincare business’?
The breakthrough moment for me was this simple realisation: Many women had the same problem as I did.
They didn’t know what skincare products to choose, and felt confused by the industry and its marketing. Expensive products left them feeling frustrated because they didn’t always work. A dull, lifeless complexion affected their confidence, and they didn’t feel comfortable with their natural skin. So, I decided to create skincare products that would be simple to use, easy to understand, and highly effective.
You dared to launch your brand with just one product. What was the reasoning behind such an unusual decision?
In a single sentence, my driving motivation was ‘skincare shouldn’t be complicated’. And to this day, Pestle & Mortar is known for its less-is-more ethos when it comes to caring for your skin.
Yes, almost 10 years ago, I launched the brand with a single product: Pure Hyaluronic Serum, now a cult-favourite beloved by beauty influencers far and wide. Launching a skincare brand with a single product is unusual – in fact, some might say it’s insane! And some people really did think I was mad – I was intending to launch a skincare brand with a single product, AND it was a product with which the market was already flooded. I mean, there were hyaluronic serums everywhere.
But here’s the thing: I didn’t like any of them.
Sonia Deasy, National Enterprise Winner 2019
How did you create your now globally successful skincare routine?
I was determined to create a hyaluronic serum that provided instant results and didn’t feel sticky or tacky on the skin. I spent 18 months getting the formulation right and researching the market.
I believed I could make a product that stood out in a sea of serums, and I knew the story behind my brand would connect with people. The remarkable success of our first product, Pure Hyaluronic Serum, catapulted the brand onto the global stage. Fast forward 10 years, and we are now proud to offer a comprehensive line-up of straightforward, yet exceptionally effective skincare products.
At Pestle & Mortar, we combine high-performance active ingredients with healing natural extracts to create simple skincare that works. My heritage informs our formulations, and that is why they are unique. I come from six generations of Indian medicine men. Medicine men in India use ayurvedic wisdoms to mix food-based medicines to cure common ailments – I grew up with ayurvedic food philosophies and a back-to-basics approach to beauty and wellness rooted in Indian Natural Healing philosophies, and that’s what inspires my formulations. I was taught that if you are healthy, you look beautiful, and that natural beauty is best. At Pestle & Mortar, we create simple solutions for beautiful skin by combining natural healing ingredients with cutting-edge scientific active ingredients.
If you could share one thought with your customers, what would you tell them?
My passion runs deeper than just wanting to fix skin concerns. I believe everyone is beautiful. At Pestle & Mortar, we’re not just about making effective skincare. We want to empower women to care for their natural beauty properly, so they can look and feel their best every day.
Sonia Deasy, is co-founder and CEO of Pestle & Mortar, an Irish skincare company launched in 2014. As a busy mother-of-five, Sonia understands how difficult it can be to find a daily skincare routine that is both simple and effective. Pestle & Mortar’s philosophies are rooted in Sonia’s Indian heritage in Natural Healing. For six generations, her family have practised as medicine men in India. Pestle & Mortar is now stocked in 21 countries across 3 continents, and the brand has been endorsed in some of the most prestigious international magazines including Vogue, Vanity Fair, and the New York Times. Customers in the Czech Republic can buy her top-quality cosmetics at www.notino.cz, among other places.
“Progressive Judaism embraces necessary changes”
Visit of the delegation of the World Union for Progressive Judaism at the Spanish Synagogue in Prague, from left: Ben Fantini, Vice Chair of the European Union for Progressive Judaism; Andrew Keene, Vice Chair of the World Union for Progressive Judaism; Rabbi Sergio Bergman, President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism; Carole Sterling, then Chair of the World Union for Progressive Judaism; Rabbi David Maxa; Liz and Jim Breslauer; and Sonja Guentner, then Chair of the European Union for Progressive Judaism
(Photo Courtesy: Sheilla Pallay)
Text: Martina Hošková, M.Zisso
“In a world experiencing a pandemic of uncertainty, religious leaders must offer spiritual guidance amidst challenges like war conflicts, climate change, the rise of extremism and totalitarian regimes, and all sorts of crises,” says David Maxa, a Progressive Judaism Rabbi living in Prague. “It’s crucial to note that next to Orthodox Judaism, Progressive Judaism has deep historical roots in the Czech Republic, evident in landmarks like the Spanish Synagogue in Prague, constructed in 1868.”
Can you share an overview of your current roles as the Progressive Rabbi in the Czech Republic, and your leadership positions in various international organizations?
I live in Prague, where I serve as the Rabbi of the Progressive Jewish Community ’Ec chajim’, which I co-founded in 2019. Additionally, I play a role in the Federation of the Jewish Communities in the Czech Republic, supervising the agenda of the Progressive stream of Judaism, and serving as the Rabbi for the Jewish communities in Liberec and Děčín. I also oversee Progressive Judaism in the region; since 2021, I’ve been the Convenor of the Central European Beit Din (CEBD), the rabbinic court for the Progressive stream in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. In 2022, I became a member of the ROI Community of Schusterman Family Philanthropies, which unites innovative Jewish and Israeli changemakers to address complex challenges in Jewish communities, Israel, and the world. A year later, I was elected an Executive Board Member of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ), the international network of Jewish communities, serving an estimated 1.8 million members worldwide in more than 1,250 congregations in over 50 countries.
Rabbi David Maxa at the Spanish Synagogue in Prague (Photo Courtesy: Sheila Pallay)
What factors influenced your decision to become a rabbi?
My father’s survival in the Holocaust profoundly shaped my identity, connecting my Jewish roots with poignant memories. After his passing, I embarked on a journey to explore my Jewish identity beyond the historical context. Studying Jewish Studies at Prague’s Charles University exposed me to the story of Rabbi Richard Feder, who accompanied the Czech Jewish community in Ghetto Terezín, ultimately inspiring me to pursue the path of becoming a rabbi. Along this transformative journey, I was fortunate to connect with individuals whose great inspiration and unwavering support became the cornerstone of my pursuit, which led me to study for the rabbinate in Germany and Israel. Additionally, I had the privilege of undertaking internships in the USA and the UK, broadening my understanding of global Jewish communities.
I achieved my rabbinic ordination in 2020.
Can you elaborate on the distinctions between Progressive Judaism and Orthodox Judaism?
Both streams share common roots, but they began diverging in the 18th and 19th centuries when confronted with the challenges of modernity. Progressive Judaism embraces necessary changes, exemplified by full gender equality in all religious questions, inclusivity of diverse Jewish backgrounds, and recognition of same-sex relationships – in contrast to the more conservative approach of Orthodox Judaism. Despite different approaches, it’s essential to note that both streams also have much in common as they share a commitment to tradition, a love for Judaism, and respect for the Torah. Additionally, it’s crucial to note that next to Orthodox Judaism, Progressive Judaism has deep historical roots in the Czech Republic, evident in landmarks like the Spanish Synagogue in Prague, constructed in 1868 as the centre of the local Progressive community. This historical context enriches our Progressive Jewish tradition with a unique connection to the local history and culture.
In your view, is a rabbi inherently a leader? How does this role evolve over time? Could you provide insights into your daily agenda?
Certainly, a rabbi must be a skilled leader, and the traditional notion of a rabbi solely devoted to study is outdated. As a community rabbi, I actively contribute to development strategies, support fundraising efforts, and initiate outreach projects to meet the evolving needs of our communities. Additionally, a rabbi serves as a leader of services and a spiritual guide. Beyond these roles, I am deeply involved in organizing interfaith and intercultural dialogues, as well as charity events. As an illustration, last November, in collaboration with the Israeli Embassy, our community organised a significant charity event for Kibbutz Kfar Azza in Israel, which was profoundly devastated by the Hamas terror attacks on the 7th of October 2023. The fundraiser received the honour of H.E. Anna Azari, the Israeli Ambassador in Prague, who graciously supported the event with her auspices.
Reflecting on your personal experience, what qualities do you believe are essential for aspiring rabbis?
Well, every rabbi is different, but I would say that every aspiring rabbi must respect Judaism and the Torah, long for knowledge in the broadest sense, do their best to understand the world and its changing needs, and care for people. And what about God? Love for God is truly important, but without approaching God through these previously mentioned skills, one would risk becoming a mere fanatic. Being an empathic listener, eloquent speaker, open-minded thinker, and humble leader are also important features, and sometimes a decent singing voice helps.
Rabbi David Maxa with some members of the Central European Beit Din, from right: Rabbi Anita Kantor from Hungary, Rabbi Misha Kapustin from Slovakia and Rabbi Tomáš Kučera from Germany (Photo Courtesy: Leona Kalvodová)
As the founder of the Progressive Jewish Community ’Ec chajim’, what key elements were crucial in building a successful community from scratch?
A successful start required a clear vision, team synergy, and the ability to analyse demands. I take great pride in our community’s cohesive team, understanding that leadership involves skilfully surrounding oneself with the right people who possess the right kind of skills. My deepest gratitude goes to those who trusted us and invested their time, energy, and financial resources in supporting our vision. This fundamental aspect remains paramount for every new project we launch. It’s important to acknowledge that thriving Jewish communities are essentially masterpieces of philanthropy, reflections of dedication and commitment from those aiming to leave a lasting legacy and support meaningful causes. The ability to effectively convince and inspire individuals to align with the vision becomes a pivotal aspect of community building.
What is your vision for the future of your community?
We are committed to advancing the renewal of Progressive Judaism in Prague. With ’Ec chajim’ experiencing unprecedented growth, our strategies encompass addressing increasing demand, expanding our physical facilities, and diversifying our community’s portfolio of activities. This positive challenge motivates us to explore avenues for expansion and ensure that our community’s evolving needs are met, enabling us to continue thriving.
Chanukkah celebration at Maisel Synagogue in Prague, from left: Jakub Szántó, Czech journalist and writer; H. E. Anna Azari, Ambassador of the State of Israel; and Rabbi David Maxa (Photo Courtesy: Karel Cudlín)
Looking forwards, what do you perceive as the major challenges facing religious leaders?
In a world experiencing a pandemic of uncertainty, religious leaders must offer spiritual guidance amidst challenges like war conflicts, climate change, the rise of extremism and totalitarian regimes, and all sorts of crises. The endeavour to inspire people to lead fulfilling lives despite fears is a constant one, a commitment I make not only as a religious leader but particularly as a father of two children. Furthermore, the duty extends to actively contributing to global improvement and inspiring others to do so, guided by the wise Jewish saying: “It is not your duty to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” One tangible example involves addressing the unfortunate growth of antisemitism. Collaborating with others, I am working to convince Czech universities to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, a pivotal measure in preventing antisemitism in the future, even though the task proves more challenging than anticipated.
“Being a diplomat is the greatest adventure of my life”
Mr. Htuann Naung, Chargé d’ Affaires of Myanmar
Text: Martina Hošková, M.Zisso; Photo: Archive
Myanmar is the largest inland area within the Southeast Asia region, with 56 million people. It offers an incredible cultural variety, and its diverse beauty ranges from snow-capped Himalayan mountaintops to vast underwater reefs. I would like to extend my invitation to the people of Czechia to visit Myanmar,” says Mr. Htuann Naung, Chargé d’ Affaires of Myanmar, adding: “I am certain that in the future we can further strengthen the friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.”
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am currently taking responsibility as the Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Prague, in the capacity of Chargé d’ Affaires. Although I graduated in Veterinary Medicine, I decided in the end to serve my country and our people as a diplomat since I have always been interested in this field. That is also why I studied International Relations and Diplomacy at the Australian National University in Canberra. This is my second time in Europe, as I had previously attended the Federal Foreign Service Academy of Germany in 2010 for diplomatic training. I came to Prague together with my beloved wife.
You have been in the Czech Republic for about a year now. What are some of your impressions?
I arrived in this glorious city, Prague, on 7th August 2023. Since then, I have been enjoying life in this passionate country while learning about its history, culture, lifestyle, legendary traditional cuisine, well-preserved countryside with beautiful national parks, vast fields and gorges, as well as the heritage values of the Czech people. I am also impressed by the preservation of historical monuments, castles, and chateaus in this central European country, and its prestigious production of beer, crystals, and so on. Indeed, I have much respect for the technological advancements and innovative creativity here. Living in Prague is amazing! Its flowing river, famed bridges, and narrow cobbled streets are breathtaking and charming. The views of iconic sights such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and elegant Wenceslas Square are an integral part of my daily working life now.
Myanmar is still rather an exotic and little-known country for Czechs. Would you like to give us some basic facts?
My country is famous for its rich history, culture, and lovely smiling people, as well as its natural resources such as oil, natural gas, teak, jade, gems, and other minerals. It is the largest inland area within the Southeast Asia region with 56 million people, neighbouring Bangladesh, India, China, Lao PDR, and Thailand. Myanmar is also known as “the golden land”, radiant with a crown of shimmering gold. It offers an incredible cultural variety, and its diverse beauty ranges from snow-capped Himalayan mountaintops to vast underwater reefs. In 1948, we gained independence from Britain. After that, Peace, Union spirit, and Solidarity have been taking vital roles for the interests of the state and people. Under the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar, the country practices a parliamentary-based multi-party democratic system. Ancient cities and historical sites across the country provide proof of the development of past civilizations and king dynasties. The country is recognised for having many colourful and exciting festivals throughout the year.
Myanmar is also a member of the ASEAN group. What activities does this organisation engage in?
Of course, Myanmar is one of the members of ASEAN, sharing our belief in creating a peaceful and prosperous place together for our people. Myanmar has been actively participating and contributing to ASEAN, in our efforts to reach our common goals successfully and build one fine community to closely collaborate with other regional partners and multilateral institutions, including the European Union. Here, we have the ASEAN-Prague Committee of the six embassies of ASEAN member countries, in order to promote the image of ASEAN, share common views between ASEAN and EU, and enhance culture, food, and public diplomacy with the government of the Czech Republic. Last year, our committee conducted several events such as ASEAN Day, the ASEAN+3 Film Festival, a donation to the Czech Food Bank Federation, several engagements with both central and local Czech governments, a series of seminars and roundtable discussions in universities, and culture and food promotion and awareness activities across the country.
Does your personal lifestyle fit your diplomatic role well?
I can definitely say that there is an excellent match between my career and my dream lifestyle. A few years after my graduation, I made the best choice ever and decided to join the Foreign Service – after realising what my assumptions and perceptions were. Being a diplomat makes me motivated to put all my energy into the daily work, and take joy in performing diplomacy. There are different approaches to a diplomat’s life, but I am sure that the way I execute my duties is in line with my motivation and dreams.
What is the best adventure your diplomatic career has brought you?
A diplomat’s life itself has been the greatest adventure of my life. I have some great memories of taking part in peace negotiations, conference diplomacy, and multilateral engagements, as well as diplomacy in hard times.
I believe that learning from every single experience makes every little piece unforgettable for all diplomats.
“Both countries have great opportunities to cooperate.”
How do you spend your free time?
Exploring my nearest surroundings is one of my favourite activities to do in my spare time. It always allows me to learn something new about the host country, and to travel in order to observe the nature, history, and beautiful hearts of the local people. Reading also helps me think outside the box and use my imagination. Keeping myself fit and active by attending the gym is also an option.
Do you promote your country as a holiday destination?
Concerning tourism, Myanmar is surely a destination country for world travellers. There are so many charming places to be explored. I would like to extend my invitation to the people of Czechia to visit Myanmar. Enjoying every experience in my country in the most authentic way will be a lifetime memory for everybody. Myanmar – be enchanted! We offer a really unique Asian culture that differs from many other destinations, with towering mountains and untouched islands, and scattered with sparkling pagodas, British colonial architectural heritage sites, and much more to delve into.
What is the current status of Czech-Myanmar relations?
Our countries established diplomatic relations on 3rd January 1956, and it will be the 70th anniversary soon. With Czechoslovakia at the time, we had established extensive economic relations. There are factories producing tires, tractors, and fuel injection systems for engines, as well as a sugar mill, a brewery, and a hydropower station in Myanmar, all built by Czech companies. Both countries have great opportunities to cooperate, especially in agriculture, science and technology, the health sector, education, tourism, environmental conservation, and heritage site preservation. Nowadays, hundreds of Myanmar students are currently studying in the Czech Republic at different universities, ranging from engineering to economics, international relations to the sciences. We have been maintaining and promoting cooperation in all possible areas for the benefit of both countries and citizens. I believe there are many matters we could work out together in order to promote bilateral relations and harmonious development.
This interview is done on the occasion of your national day. What are you wishing for your country? And for the Czech Republic?
Our Independence Day, or National Day, commemorates the importance of the territory, sovereignty, and national identity of our country. This year, we are celebrating the 78th anniversary of gaining our own independent status and rights. I wish peace and wellbeing to all the citizens of Myanmar, and urge them to work together in shaping a Union based on trueness, democracy, and federalism, in order to forge the strength of our national unity. Although the country encountered different terrible dangers that posed threats to the disintegration of the Union and sovereignty, our Union spirit and Solidarity will always be essential to us and to the new generations. As far as the Czech Republic is concerned, I am certain that in the future we can further strengthen the friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, as well as construct bilateral cooperation in various areas for the benefit of our peoples, and in the interests of strengthening stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.