Illustration photo: Gerd Altmann, Pixabay, Pixabay License
Děkuji is among the first words that Czech learners tend to pick up. After all, we all want to be polite! Děkovat means ‘to thank’, and it has an associated noun, dík ‘thanks’.
At a very early point in Czech’s history, these words would have contained an extra nasal sound.
See more here.
Photo: František Nesvadba, ČTK
Bohuslav Fuchs was a leading figure in Czechoslovak functionalism and one of the most important architects of the 20th century, not only in Czechia but also in Europe. His name is permanently inscribed not only in the history of Czech modern architecture but, more importantly, in the history of the city of Brno.
This year marks the 130th anniversary of the birth of this key figure, whose work defined the style and spirit of the interwar avant-garde.
See more here.
Photo: Post Bellum
Legendary journalist Petr Brod remembers working fo Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Munich and Prague at times, when it often seemed that Communism is here to stay.
The US federal government has announced it will end its funding of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Hana Řeháková, Radio Prague International
The Ministry of Culture is supporting the digitization of close to one hundred historical collections in museums and heritage sites around the country. Thanks to the subsidy, unique online museum collections are now available on the eSbirky.cz website.
Digitizing a museum’s collection increases access to it, aids the preservation of items, makes them more searchable and linkable and enables the public to view items that are so valuable that they are rarely put on display and the public only gets to see copies.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová, Eva Kézrová
Photo: Czech Television
Venus hair fern is usually found in tropical and subtropical regions, growing on palm trees and in rainforests. But—much to the surprise of botanists—it has also taken root in the 14th-century underground tunnels of Znojmo, a town in South Moravia. Despite its unnatural surroundings, the plant is not only surviving—it’s thriving.
The Znojmo underground, one of Central Europe’s largest labyrinths, stretches up to 25 kilometres.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
The Ambassador of the Slovak Republic in the Czech Republic, H.E. Ms. Ingrid Brockova, hosted a farewell reception at her beautiful residence.
Guest of honor was Mr. Petr Pavel – the President of the Czech Republic. and the First Lady, Mrs. Eva Pavlova.
Mr. Jan Lipavský – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Mr. Mikuláš Bek – Minister of Education, Youth and Sport of the Czech Republic, Ambassadors, Members of the Senate and the Parliament, deputy ministers and friends of Slovakia and the Ambassador.
Watch the video ( in Czech & English) with the speeches of H.E. Ms. Ingrid Brockova – Ambassador of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Petr Pavel – the President of the Czech Republic, and Mr. Jan Lipavský – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
We will miss deeply H.E. Ms. Ingrid Brockova, and wishing her good luck in her next position.
On the occasion of St. Patrick’s Day – Ireland’s National Day, The Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Mr. Alan Gibbons, and Dr. Ernesto Vasquez del Aguila host a reception at the beautiful Kaiserstejnsky Palac in Prague.
Mr. Jan Marian – Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored guest.
Watch the video with the speeches of H.E. Mr. Alan Gibbons, Ambassador of Ireland, and Mr. Jan Marian – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
Happy Patrick’s Day
H.E Mr. Kansuke Nagaoka, Ambassador of Japan in the Czech Republic, organized a Sake Seminar at his beautiful residence.
The seminar starts with greetings of H.E Mr. Kansuke Nagaoka, Ambassador of Japan.
Introducing four Sake Breweries from Japan:
Ms. Eiko Kodama, Kodama Brewing
Mr. Yujin Yusa, Ninki
Mr. Martin Sturma, Shimizu Seizaburo Shoten
Ms. Miho Komatsu, Akashi Sake Brewery
This was followed by a very interesting presentation by Ms. Dagmar Kadlecova, an SSA-certified sake educator, and a presentation by Mr. Hitoshi Utsunomiya, director of the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association.
After a traditional ceremony, a tasting of Sake took place with a very tasty Japanese food prepared by Kotaro Isobe – Head Chef of the Embassy of JAPAN in the Czech Republic.
Watch the video with highlights from the event.
Looking forward to visiting the breweries in Japan to learn more about Sake.
We kept a lid on it for a long time, but we are not going to keep this excellent news secret any longer. We have another unique chick! They are amazing – no ugly ducklings, quite the opposite. And extremely rare, on top of it. The first in Europe. What’s more, the first in the world, except Brazil. Yes, we are raising five chicks of Brazilian merganser in the background area of our zoo!
Let me remind you that Brazilian merganser is a beautiful, dark-coloured piscivorous duck, the last representative of the Mergus genus on the south hemisphere. At the same time, it is one of the rarest water birds, it was even considered to be extinct in the middle of the 20th century. Fortunately, this turned out to be a premature conclusion, but the reality is that its numbers in the wild are extremely low, being estimated at less than 250 individuals, and that it is critically endangered.
In Brazil, efforts to save Brazilian merganser are being made primarily by the non-profit organization Natureza do Futuro and Zooparque Itatiba, which have been significantly supported by Prague Zoo since 2020. In total, we have already provided almost one and a quarter million Czech Crowns to Brazil for breeding the Brazilian mergansers in human care and their research in the field. Also, thanks to this support but mainly to an excellent reputation of our breeders, we received a group of these mergansers in the autumn 2023 from Itatiba as the very first and the only one breeding facility outside of Brazil. And now we are raising first five chicks!
Breeding Brazilian mergansers is not easy and even in Itatiba it occurs with varying degrees of success. This is why we inform about our chicks only now, although we are not fully out of the woods yet. But enjoy the photos of the Brazilian ducklings which I took during their development starting from January 31, when they left the box. If everything goes well, we will introduce them to you in the outdoor aviary on Good Friday.
By Miroslav Bobek
Ms. Marialuisa Pappalardo – director of Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Praga, the Embassy of Italy, and the Fondazione Arena di Verona, organized a presentation of the Arena di Verona 2025 Opera Festival in the beautiful Baroque Chapel of the Italian Cultural Institute in Prague.
After the presentation of the festival, soloists Gilda Fiume (soprano), Gianluca Terranova (tenor), and Leon Kim (baritone) will perform, accompanied by Cecilia Gasdia on the piano, performing some of the most famous arias by Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini.
Watch the video ( till the surprise at the end ) with the outstanding performance.
See you in Verona, you will not forget the moment.
The biggest International tourism fair in Prague took place on 14.-16 March 2025 at the PVA Expo Praha complex in Letňany. It was the 33rd annual fair.
This year, the fair runs concurrently with the 15th cycling fair “for Bikes, and the traveling festival “Around the World”.
The partner country of HOLIDAY WORLD & REGION WORLD 2025 is Slovenia. The partner region is Brno and South Moravia, the partner is Slovakia.
Watch the video from the festive opening ceremony and highlights from the fair.
Czech President Petr Pavel, who is on an official visit to Chisinau on Thursday, assured his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu of Czech support for Moldova’s EU bid, offering to share the country’s experience.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Ondřej Tomšů, Radio Prague International
Prague’s Václav Havel Airport expects a significant increase in traffic this year. It should handle a record 18 million passengers and surpass the last pre-peak year in 2019.
According to representatives of Václav Havel Airport, Prague needs to prepare for the record number of passengers by strengthening its staff and capacity to handle passengers.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International
US-born Guy Roberts founded and heads the Prague Shakespeare Company. He can also currently be seen on TV screens around the world acting in the fantasy series The Wheel of Time, whose third season has just kicked off. Our conversation also takes in Roberts’ Czech roots, expertise as a fight coordinator, involvement in a big-budget Jan Žižka biopic and lots more.
How did the young Guy Roberts catch the acting bug?.
See more here.
Author: Ian Willoughby
Photo: Jolana Nováková, Czech Radio
Thursday marks exactly 550 years since the foundation stone of Prague’s Powder Tower was laid. This grand Gothic gateway, once the entrance for coronation processions of Czech kings, remains one of the city’s most iconic medieval landmarks.
Built on the site of the 13th-century Horská Gate, the tower stood along an important trade route from Kutná Hora, where silver was mined for the royal treasury.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International
Daniel Sywala is a music journalist, broadcaster and language tutor based in Prague. He spoke to Danny Bate about his career and his efforts to champion the culture, music, food and people of former Yugoslavia, as well as discussing Czech-Serbian relations and the historic anti-corruption protests happening in Belgrade.
I’d like to begin with a profile of you, and I can think of no better person to explain that than yourself! What is it that you do here in Czechia?.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Juan Pablo Bertazza, Radio Prague International
If you are visiting the Czech Republic and are wondering what souvenirs to take home for yourself or as gifts for friends, here are some tips that are sure to please. They all have the Czech “stamp” on them and cover a broad price range, so you can pick a gift to suit your wallet.
Czechia is known world-wide for its crystal glass production and few visitors leave without a crystal glass object to take home –be it a set of luxury glasses or an impressive looking vase.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International
Tucked away just a short walk from the well-trodden tourist paths of Hradčany lies a quiet green space that preserves a little-known chapter of Prague’s military past. Park Max van der Stoel may seem like an ordinary public park, but along its edge are massive stone and brick ramparts—remnants of the Baroque-era fortifications that once encircled Prague.
The story of these walls begins with the Thirty Years’ War, a devastating conflict that exposed Prague’s vulnerability to modern warfare.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Illustrative photo: OurWhiskyFoundation, Pixabay, Pixabay License
Drink spiking – adding alcohol or drugs to someone else’s drink without their knowledge – has been a widely unacknowledged phenomenon in Czechia. There were previously no statistics for it, but now the Beat Sexism organisation has published an initial study that reports hundreds of cases of drink spiking in the country.
Beat Sexism is an international organisation based in Prague, which focuses on women’s rights issues, documenting cases of sexism, and gender-related discrimination and inequality.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Ferdinand Hauser, Radio Prague International
In Czechia it is not often that you board a train driven by a woman. The first documented case of a woman driving a locomotive in Czechoslovakia was Margita Horváthová back in 1963. More than 60 years later, female train drivers are still few and far between. Of the 9,162 train drivers in the Czech Republic today, only 110 of them are women. One of them is Marie Sehnalová who has been a train driver with Czech Railways for 12 years. She mainly drives diesel trains in Prague and its surroundings. Radio Prague International joined her on a journey from Prague to Čerčany.
Tuesday evening at Prague Central Station.
See more here.
Illustrative photo: StockSnap, Pixabay, Pixabay License
Diagnosing dyslexia in children could soon be faster and more accurate thanks to scientists in Brno. They are developing an eye-tracker, a device that monitors eye movements while reading. The technology could help experts better understand reading difficulties and offer more targeted support.
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects how the brain processes written language, often causing children to struggle with recognizing letters, words, and sentence structures.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
A lowly tradesman in Roman times was a caupō, and to trade or barter was to caupōnārī. From either the noun or the verb, the modern Germanic languages of Swedish, Dutch and German get their words for ‘to buy’: köpa, kopen and kaufen. What’s more, the capital of Denmark is the related ‘merchant-harbour’, Copenhagen.
From one of the Germanic languages, the Slavic family also gets its verbs for ‘to buy’.
See more here.
Historian Radka Šustrová shares how her passion for history was shaped by family memory and the story of her grandfather, who was executed during the Nazi occupation. She explains her work with archival materials and why it’s essential to study challenging historical periods, from National Socialism to communist regimes, an reflects on differences between academic environments in Czechia, Austria, and the UK. The first episode of Science Without Borders offers a compelling view of research that crosses national and ideological boundaries.
Watch the new series from Radio Prague International and the Czech Centre Vienna in collaboration with Czexpats in Science.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka, Barbora Navrátilová
Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz
The US government is halting financial support for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), whose headquarters is based in Prague. The organization has 21 bureaus and broadcasts in 27 languages to 23 countries, promoting independent journalism. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský is discussing whether the EU can take over and continue broadcasting at the Council of Europe meeting in Brussels on Monday.
Founded during the Cold War, Radio Free Europe (RFE) was launched in 1949 with a focus on Soviet satellite states, such as Czechoslovakia, while Radio Liberty (RL), created in 1951, concentrated on the Soviet Union and its republics.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Source: Warhorse Studios
A new website is giving Kingdom Come: Deliverance fans the chance to explore real-world locations featured in the game. Through interactive trails, costumed tours, medieval feasts, and more, the site lets players visit places like Kutná Hora and Trosky Castle while learning about the history behind the game. I spoke with Ondřej Slačálek, owner of Malešov Fortress—one of the locations featured on the site—and a key figure behind the project.
First of all, could you tell us what inspired you to create this website?.
See more here.
Photo: Patrik Uhlíř, ČTK
The fact that carriage driving is on the rise in Czech was demonstrated by the large number of spectators and competitors at the indoor horse-drawn carriage races in the riding hall of the Veterinary University of Brno on March 15th.
The traditional sport includes single-horse, double-horse and four-horse competitions, as well as a pony-carriage and children’s category.
See more here.
Photo: Czech National Library
In 2005, a fragment of a previously unknown Latin translation of the Chronicle of Dalimil, the first chronicle written in the Czech language, was successfully auctioned off in Paris. Dating back to the 14th century, this beautifully illuminated manuscript—attributed to Italian masters—was acquired by the Czech National Library.
Securing this treasure was no easy feat.
See more here.
Photo: Petr Novák, Wikipedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5
Gaia Mesiah is one of the bands that have influenced the Czech scene the most. The predominantly female band combines rock, punk and grunge, among other genres, and has many fans all over the country.
It all started at the beginning of the new millennium when guitarist Santa Morella and drummer Misha Cortéz formed the band, later bringing in singer Mark Rybin.
See more here.
President Petr Pavel received the President of Mongolia, Uchnagin Chürelsüch, at Prague Castle on Monday, March 10. Together, they discussed the current situation in the world and the possible expansion of mutual cooperation.
“Mongolia is a country that is geographically very distant from the Czech Republic, but we have much more in common with it than it might seem at first glance. In addition to seventy-five years of very good and open diplomatic relations, both countries offer great potential for expanding mutual cooperation, in areas such as the mining industry, energy, healthcare, food industry, agriculture, or transport infrastructure. We are also successfully developing cooperation in the field of education, with more than twenty thousand Mongolian students having already graduated in the Czech Republic,” said President Petr Pavel.
The ceremony of the signing of Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding between Mongolia and the Czech Republic took place before The meeting of the official delegations.
On Tuesday, March 11, both statesmen will attend the Czech-Mongolian Business Forum. A record attendance of approximately two hundred Czech and Mongolian companies is expected.
The joint program will then conclude with a visit to the National Museum, where they will ceremonially open the Genghis Khan exhibition and concert of the Morin Khuur Orchestra.
Watch the video from the reception and the signing of Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding.
The final press conference before the start of the World EXPO 2025, took place on Thursday, March 13, 2025, in the beautiful Art Nevou Fantova Building at the Main Railway Station (Praha Hlavní nádraží)
During the press conference, Ondřej Soška – Commissioner General of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025, evaluated the progress of the Czech National Pavilion’s preparations for its grand opening on April 13, 2025.
The final version of the cultural program was unveiled, presented the initiatives for children, revealed the official song of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025, and showcased the commemorative postage stamps dedicated to the World Expo.
As we approach the final phase, the project will be presented in its most comprehensive form.
The press conference was attended by:
• Ondřej Soška– Commissioner General of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025
• Kansuke Nagaoka – Japanese Ambassador to the Czech Republic
• Přemysl Pela – Program Director of the Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2025
• Petra Čiháková – Coordinator of Creative Education in Schools, Knihy trochu jinak
• Karolina Neuvirthová Gudasová – Author of the “Karol and Kvído” project
• Rony Plesl – Czech glass artist and designer
• Jiří Šín – Inventor of the unique Vitrum Vivum technology
• Martin Holý and David Beer – Representatives of Czech Post
Among the invited guests will also be:
• Michal Gabaš– Architect of the Czech National Pavilion
• Partners of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025
• Members of the EXPO 2025 Czechia team and many others
The event was moderated by Jana Kohoutová ヤナ・コホウトヴァ Communication and Spoke woman of Czechia @ Expo 2025 Osaka
Watch the highlights video from the press conference and video of the official song of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025.
You can read more about the Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2025 OSAKA, Japan in our new magazine:
On the occasion of the state visit of H.E Mr. Khurelsukh Ukknaa, President of Mongolia, to the Czech Republic, Her Excellency Mrs. Nomin Chinbat, Minister for Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth of Mongolia organized a Concert of Mongolia’s Morin Khuur Orchestra at the beautiful Spanish Hall, at Prague Castle.
The honor speech was given by RNDr. Miloš Vystrčil, the President of the Senate of the Czech Republic.
Watch the video with the speech and select parts from the cultural program.
Korean Air has introduced its new corporate identity on March 11, revealing a modernized version of its signature Taegeuk symbol.
The unveiling took place at the airline’s headquarters hangar in Seoul during an exclusive event titled “Rising Night.” Approximately 1,000 guests, including employees, industry leaders and media representatives, attended the event.
The redesigned deep blue Taegeuk symbol, displayed prominently during the event, reflects Korean Air’s heritage while embracing contemporary aesthetics. The updated logo aligns with modern and global minimalist branding trends while preserving the airline’s distinct identity.
The accompanying logotype, “KOREAN AIR,” positioned next to the Taegeuk symbol, combines the airline’s national prestige with a refined visual identity. Featuring subtle brushstroke-inspired details, smooth curves and open connections, the design offers a modern interpretation of Korean elegance.
Adding to the excitement, Korean Air also unveiled its new aircraft livery. As the curtain lifted, a Boeing 787-10 featuring the new design was revealed. This aircraft, registered as HL8515, showcases the airline’s latest Prestige Suites 2.0 cabin interiors and is set to enter service on March 12, operating from Seoul Incheon to Tokyo Narita.
Korean Air’s new livery showcases a bold “KOREAN” logotype, symbolizing its confidence as South Korea’s flagship carrier. The modern design features an enlarged logo and symbol for greater visual impact while maintaining overall balance. While preserving its signature sky-blue color, the airline has introduced a newly developed paint for a metallic effect to enhance its premium image. The traditional cheatline has been removed, replaced by a smooth, flowing curve that sweeps across the fuselage, creating a more refined and contemporary look.
During his address, Walter Cho, Chairman and CEO of Hanjin Group and Korean Air, shared his vision for the airline’s future. “As a unified Korean Air, we are committed to more than just transportation—we aim to connect people, cultures and the world through the skies. With this foundation, we will build an industry-leading safety system, elevate the customer experience and strengthen trust through open communication with all stakeholders. Together, we’ll create a more connected and better world.”
He continued, “With the full integration of Asiana Airlines, our role as Korea’s flagship carrier has grown even more significant. We will bring together our expertise, refine our strengths and unite cultures to create an innovative, unmatched airline experience.”
■ First logo change in 41 years: Honoring the Taegeuk legacy
Korean Air’s new logo integrates the Taegeuk symbol with the logotype “KOREAN AIR.” The symbol is rendered in dark blue, reinforcing the airline’s prestigious identity.
Korean Air’s New Corporate Identity (CI)
The new branding includes three variations: the full logo featuring both the Taeguk symbol and “KOREAN AIR,” a simplified version displaying only “KOREAN,” and a standalone Taegeuk symbol option.
To further enhance brand consistency, Korean Air introduced a three-dimensional (3D) motif inspired by the flowing curves of the Taegeuk design. The motif, featuring the airline’s signature light blue with accents of red, will appear on key customer touchpoints such as check-in screens, mobile SKYPASS cards and the airline’s website. Additionally, two-dimensional (2D) patterns, inspired by Korea’s landscapes, Taegeuk curves and traditional “Jogakbo” patchwork will be used on textiles and printed materials where 3D applications are not feasible.
Korean Air has also developed a proprietary typeface and iconography, reflecting the logotype’s design elements. These new visual assets will be gradually introduced across airport facilities, lounges and inflight environments.
This marks the first major brand update since 1984 when Korean Air introduced the Taegeuk symbol. Recognized globally, it remains a powerful representation of both the airline and the nation. The new corporate identity will be phased in across aircraft liveries, inflight services and key customer interaction points.
■ Elevating the inflight experience: New menus and upgraded services
Earlier today, Korean Air unveiled its newly upgraded inflight meals at Grand Hyatt Incheon. Designed to align with the airline’s new corporate identity, these enhancements aim to elevate the premium travel experience through refined dining and service offerings.
Korean Air has collaborated with Chef Seakyeong Kim, owner of Cesta in Seoul, to curate an exclusive selection of fine-dining-inspired meals. Featuring seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary techniques, these new dishes bring a gourmet experience to the skies.
For premium classes, expanded selections of amuse-bouche and appetizers create a more immersive tasting experience, while newly introduced main courses and desserts—such as Papillote and Petit Four—add both culinary sophistication and visual appeal.
Highlighting Korean culinary heritage, the airline has also developed signature dishes such as octopus nurungji rice, beef brisket bibimbap, abalone rice and royal hot pot (Shinseollo).
Economy-class meals options have been also expanded beyond the traditional beef bibimbap to include salmon bibimbap and spicy stir-fried octopus with pork. Reflecting global culinary trends, the menu now features dishes such as tofu pad thai, spicy eggplant stir-fry and rosé pasta, providing passengers greater variety.
To complement the elevated dining experience, Korean Air has partnered with luxury brands for its premium tableware. First-class passengers will dine on Bernardaud china with Christofle cutlery and Riedel glassware, while Prestige class will feature Armani/Casa dishware and glassware.
For enhanced comfort, first-class bedding will feature premium materials from Italian luxury brand Frette, accompanied by an innovative Air Coil mattress from Eco World. First-class passengers will also receive Frette loungewear for a more relaxing onboard experience.
Premium-class amenity kits, created in exclusive collaboration with British luxury brand Graff, consist of elegant pouches containing skincare products including perfume.
The upgraded inflight dining and service offerings will debut on March 12 across 10 major long-haul routes, including flights to New York, Paris and London. By June, these enhancements will be available on all long-haul routes, followed by a rollout to medium- and short-haul routes starting in September.
About Korean Air
Serving the world for more than 55 years, Korean Air is one of the world’s top 20 airlines, carrying more than 27 million passengers in 2019, pre-COVID. With its global hub at Incheon International Airport (ICN), the airline serves 116 cities in 40 countries on five continents with a modern fleet of 161 aircraft and over 20,000 professional employees.
Korean Air’s outstanding performance and commitment to the highest level of safety and customer service has widely been recognized. The airline has been granted numerous awards including a 5-star airline rating from Skytrax as well as Air Transport World’s Airline of the Year and Cargo Operator of the Year awards.
Korean Air is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, and has grown into one of the largest transpacific airlines through its joint venture with Delta Air Lines.
Korean Air has four weekly direct flights between Prague and Seoul-Incheon during the summer flight schedule and three weekly flights during the winter flight schedule
Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz
A major exhibition dedicated to the legendary Mongolian ruler Chinggis Khan opened this week at Prague’s National Museum. Showcasing more than 260 rare items from Mongolia, many of which are seldom seen abroad, the exhibition includes an extraordinary highlight—a unique wooden horse saddle from the Great Mongol Empire.
Titled Chinggis Khan, the exhibition transports visitors into the world of the great conqueror and his empire in the first quarter of the 13th century and the centuries before and after.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Illustrative photo: Kanenori, Pixabay, Pixabay License
In addition to Germany, Poland, and Austria, Czechs may also be able to reach Slovakia by train on the high-speed line in the future. The Slovak side has completed a feasibility study for the route between Bratislava and the Czech border, which now needs to be approved by the local government. Both sides will be able to begin detailed planning of the connection.
The high-speed line will lead from Brno to Breclav and further to the border.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Barbora Navrátilová, Radio Prague International
Vyšehrad, Prague’s legendary hilltop fortress, offers visitors far more than stunning views and ancient monuments. Beneath its walls lies a lesser-known historical marvel—the Vyšehrad Casemates, an underground complex from the 17th century, once built to safeguard soldiers from enemy fire and now open for exploration.
The Vyšehrad Casemates date back to the turbulent era following the devastating Thirty Years’ War.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Jovan Dezort, ČTK
At the height of his career in the 1960s, jazz legend Louis Armstrong embarked on a tour across eastern Europe. Czechoslovakia was both the first and longest destination for the American trumpeter and singer. In March 1965, he spent 10 days in Prague, performing nine sold-out concerts at Lucerna with his band, the All Stars. The feat was unusual for the famed musician’s career and stands out as one of the memorable moments of Prague in the 1960s.
In March 1965, Louis Armstrong, nicknamed Satchmo, visited Prague during a period of reform in Communist Czechoslovakia, particularly in the cultural sector.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Festival Jeden svět
The One World Documentary Festival kicks off in Prague on Wednesday, shedding light on some of the most pressing social and political issues of our time. This year’s program features 84 documentaries, along with several fictional, immersive, and short films. In addition to the screenings, visitors can look forward to discussions, workshops, and other special events. I spoke with Ondřej Kamenický, the festival’s director, about this year’s programme.
This year’s opening film, My Memory is Full of Ghosts, tells the story of Homs, a once-thriving Syrian city now devastated by war.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: archive of ABS
Exactly fifty years ago, Olga Hepnarová became the last woman to be executed in Czechoslovakia. Her case still haunts the Czech public imagination. It was one of the most shocking crimes in Czechoslovakia’s post-war history.
On July 10, 1973, 22-year-old Olga Hepnarová drove a truck into a group of people waiting at a tram stop in Prague, killing eight and injuring twelve.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Hana Řeháková, Radio Prague International
Although women composers have been around for centuries, the field remains largely male-dominated, with few women leading prominent global ensembles. Born 110 years ago, Vítězslava Kaprálová may have been one of those women had she lived longer. Following in her footsteps today is Anna Novotná Pešková, appointed conductor of the National Theatre Opera and the State Opera at just 28. In this edition of our series on Czech female pioneers, I asked her for her perspective on working in a male-dominated field, the challenges young conductors face in earning respect, and what drives her passion for conducting:
You were born in Opočno and grew up in the East Bohemian town of Hradec Králové, where you attended the local music school.
See more here.
Photo: Filip Jandourek, Český rozhlas
Even after nearly eight decades, the circumstances surrounding the death of Jan Masaryk remain unclear. The son of Czechoslovakia’s first president and the country’s top diplomat died on March 10, 1948, just weeks after the Communist coup d’état.
Officially, his death was ruled a suicide—he allegedly jumped from a window of his apartment at the Černín Palace, the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: One World
Venezuelan-born Jerina Sykora was named after her Czech grandmother Jiřina, who fled to the South American state in the wake of the 1948 Communist takeover of Czechoslovakia. Jerina herself fled in the other direction; among millions of people who have quit Venezuela due to its political turmoil, she and her family have resettled in Czechia under a government repatriation scheme. Their gripping story is the focus of Volver a Volver, a documentary that will get its premiere at the One World festival in Prague next week.
When and why did your family [who owned a textiles factory] leave Czechoslovakia?.
See more here.
Author: Ian Willoughby
Photo: Jiří Šeda, Czech Radio
Vlny (Waves) was the big winner at this year’s Czech Lion national film awards, taking home six prizes, including Best Film and Best Director for Jiří Mádl. The ceremony took place at Prague’s Rudolfinum, where Mádl’s historical drama dominated the competition.
Jiří Mádl’s Waves, which centres on events at Czechoslovak Radio at the time of the Soviet invasion, became the highest-grossing Czech film of 2024, and the second highest-grossing Czech film of all time.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Miroslav Chaloupka, ČTK
Giant light puppets and projections on St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral were part of the Plzeň 2025 – Open Up! event at the weekend, which launched celebrations of the tenth anniversary of the city being declared European Capital of Culture 2015.
See more here.
Photo: Statutární město Ostrava / Archives of the city of Ostrava
Led by the Soviet Union’s Red Army, the Moravia–Ostrava offensive was the largest combat operation on the territory of modern-day Czechia. It lasted almost two months, from March 10th to May 6h 1945, and approximately 400,000 soldiers were deployed. In our anniversary series ’80 years ago: How did WWII end in the Czech lands?’, we look at the events and the significance of this brutal chapter of Czech history, with comments from expert historian Jiří Neminář.
The number of combatants killed or wounded in the Moravia–Ostrava offensive of 1945 are staggering.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Jan Šmíd, Czech Radio
‘Host’ might be a challenge for English-speaking Czech learners, since the word looks like the opposite of what it means – not a guest, but a host!
One thing to bear in mind is that very early Czech went through a change that turned G-sounds into H-sounds.
See more here.
Photo: SMART Communication s.r.o.
On today’s Sunday Music Show, we present the soundtrack to last year’s hit film, Vlny, or ‘Waves’. This thrilling film, directed by Jiří Mádl, presents the story of a team of daring radio presenters, who lived and broadcast through the turbulent events of 1968 in Czechoslovakia – from the highs of the Prague Spring to the calamity of the Warsaw Pact Invasion.
The film’s soundtrack includes authentic tunes and voices from that era, with Czechoslovak pop hits like Pojď se mnou, lásko má (‘Come with me, my love’) by Waldemar Matuška, Nechte zvony znít (‘Let the bells ring’) by Marta Kubišová, Přejdi Jordán (‘Cross the Jordan’) by Helena Vondráčková, as well as I’m a Believer by The Monkees.
See more here.
Photo: Juan Pablo Bertazza, Radio Prague International
The history of one of the most significant towns in the South Bohemian Region dates back to 1265. Its foundation is credited to Přemysl Otakar II, known as the “Iron and Gold King.”
While the process of founding Budějovice began as early as 1263, the pivotal moment occurred on March 10, 1265, when the knight Hirzo, appointed by Přemysl Otakar II to plan the town’s layout, handed over the site to the Dominicans.
See more here.
Illustrative photo: Free-Photos, Pixabay, Pixabay License
The world-famous Michelin Guide will feature Czechia as one of the top culinary destinations. The Czech state agency CzechTourism has signed a three-year contract with the French company Michelin worth 1.3 million euros. Radio Prague International asked the head of CzechTourism, František Reismüller, why he thinks this is a good investment.
Czechia has long been known for its historic cities, castles, and picturesque landscapes.
See more here.
Photo: Adam Block, Mount Lemmon SkyCenter/University of Arizona/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Between galaxies in the universe, winds blow, made up of a stream of intergalactic gas particles. These have been described in detail for the first time by an international team of scientists, including astrophysicists from Masaryk University in Brno. The study has been published in the latest issue of the prestigious scientific journal, Nature.
The so-called galactic atmosphere has been studied by the scientific community for decades.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria, The Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria H.E. Mr. Dantcho Dobrinov MITCHEV hosts a reception at the beautiful Bulgarian embassy in Prague.
Mr. Jan Marian – Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic, was the honored guest.
Watch the video with the speeches of H.E. Mr. Dantcho Dobrinov MITCHEV, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria and Mr. Jan Marian – Deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Czech Republic
Happy National Day Bulgaria
Честит национален празник на Република България
“Chestit natsionalen praznik na Republika Bŭlgariya”
H.E. Ms. Maria-Antoaneta BARTA – The Ambassador of Romania in the Czech Republic hosted a friendly event at the beautiful Palace of Romania Embassy to celebrate “Mărțișorulu”, a traditional holiday that symbolizes in Romania the arrival of spring.
It’s a tradition celebrated on the 1st of March and it represents a symbol of health, joy, and revival of nature.
In the Romanian language, the word ”Mărțișor” is a diminutive of the name of the month of March. The literal translation of ”Mărțișor” would be “little March”
The “Mărțișor” has been inscribed since 2017 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a Cultural Practice associated with the 1st of March in Romania, Republic of Moldova, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia.
The Romanian spring traditions were brought to the Romanian Embassy in Prague by popular artists of the Bihor Cultural Center, with the support of the Romanian Cultural Institute. The foray into the history of the March brought to the attention of the international and Romanian public the evolution of this symbol of spring from ancient times into the contemporary. The exhibition of marches and traditional objects and the marches-making workshops under the coordination of Bihore artists Mirela Bota and Narcisa Midoschi were complemented by the culinary tradition of the “Mucenicilor”.
The “Mucenicilor” is a special tasty sweet dish, baked especially on March 9 by Romanian women. “Mucenicilor”. Or Sfintisori – in translation “little saints” is made in the shape of figure 8, which some say denotes a stylized human form of the martyrs themselves.
There are two types of “Mucenicilor”: in the Moldova region ( my birthplace) the dough is baked in the shape of Figure 8 and then smeared with honey and walnuts, while in some other regions, especially in the Muntenia region , the dough is much smaller ( mini 8s ) and boiled in water with sugar, then served with cinnamon and crushed nuts, like a sweet soup.
The first part of the event was mainly addressed to the female audience from the diplomatic body accredited in Prague and Czech institutions, and the second part was to the members of the Romanian community in Prague and the Romania-Czech Association. Thank you, Bihor Cultural Center, for this new collaboration! We wish you all a beautiful spring!
Watch the video of the welcome speech of H.E. Ms. Maria-Antoaneta BARTA – The Ambassador of Romania in the Czech Republic, and pictures from the event.
I am a journalist, not a restaurant reviewer, and I love good food and great service.
From time to time, I go with good friends to eat at a new restaurant.
This time, my friend chose an Italian restaurant in Prague’s Old Town, by the Jewish museum, called “Casa de Carli”.
It is a family-run Italian restaurant that opened in 2012. From 2021, it’s been a part of the Michelin guide, though I only found this information out just now, when writing this article. When I arrived there, all I knew was the name and the address.
My first impression was good: a beautiful, clean, and warm design, with a high ceiling. I was welcomed by the host with a great smile, which made me feel more comfortable.
Now, let’s speak about the food:
As a primi / antipasti, I chose the pan-seared foie gras, while my friend had the artichoke with avocado.
As the main dish, I choose the sea bass filet, and my friend ordered the baked turbot fillet in crust.
I could not miss out on the “Dolce” – we ordered 2 kinds to share. A traditional tiramisu – made in front of you, and the smoked Cuban cigar. (watch the video).
The foie gras was divine. It took me back to our visit to France a few years ago. My friend loved the artichoke with avocado.
I found the sea bass very tasty, and my friend described her baked turbot fillet in crust as “divine”.
We shared the “dolce”. The tiramisu (freshly-made in front of us) was great, we could really taste the fresh coffee. Probably one of the best we have ever had. The smoked Cuban cigar had a special presentation, and was tasty
Watch the video and the pictures of our menu (different than on their website – https://www.casadecarli.cz/en/)
Unfortunately, I cannot electronically share the great taste…
Written by M.Zisso
Photo: Pavel Novák, Czech Radio
A major exhibition of Alfons Mucha’s posters and banners has opened in Washington, D.C. Entitled Eternal Mucha – The Magic of the Line, the exhibition showcases the works of the famous Art Nouveau artist and will travel across the United States and Mexico for nearly two years.
More than 100 of Mucha’s works are currently on display at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková, Pavel Novák
Photo: YouTube
Born Peter Löw in 1935 in Karlovy Vary, Gidon Lev survived with his mother during the Shoah, after four years of internment in Terezín/Theresienstadt, while 26 members of his family were killed. After the war, he left Czechoslovakia in 1948, first to New York, then to Toronto and settled in Israel in the late 1950s. After he published two books with his partner Julie Gray about his story, Gidon Lev – who celebrates his 90th birthday on March 3 – became a phenomenon on social media, with almost half a million followers on TikTok.
Gidon Lev, thank you very much for being with us from Israel.
See more here.
Author: Alexis Rosenzweig
Illustrative photo: cegoh, Pixabay, Pixabay License
There will be a Children’s Ombudsman in Czechia as early as 1 July 2025, the Senate decided on Wednesday. The Children’s Ombudsman is to focus on the rights of children who have been “forgotten” by the system. So what kind of cases will the office deal with?
Czech children have been waiting for an ombudsman for decades.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Tomáš Vojkovský, iROZHLAS.cz
The heated meeting that took place last week on Friday in the Oval Office between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky led to increased interest in Czechia in financial aid to Ukraine.
Gift for Putin, Memory of the Nation, People in Need, and Team4Ukraine collections have all seen an increase in donations since the meeting in the Oval Office on Friday evening.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Jolana Nováková, Czech Radio
Art therapy is a discipline using artistic means and creativity to support self-development, personal growth and healing. The World Festival of Therapeutic Arts, due to take place in Prague at the end of September, is expected to attract both professionals and fans from around the world.
Inattention, poor concentration or ADHD disorders are increasingly common among teenagers in today’s hectic world, just as burnout is an increasingly common diagnosis among older people.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Štěpánka Budková, Radio Prague International
The administration of the Krkonoše National Park have launched a project to bring back the rare silver fir to the local forests. For the first time ever, they’ve begun collecting grafts from these majestic trees to protect them and preserve their genetic diversity for the future.
Abies Alba, commonly known as the European silver fir, is a large evergreen coniferous tree native to the mountains of Europe, including the Krkonoše Mountains in north-eastern Czechia.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Štěpán Ron, Czech Radio
Today, seeing female specialists perform life-saving surgeries or lead ground-breaking medical research feels entirely natural. However, not long ago, women faced significant obstacles in entering the field. It was only in 1902 that the first woman, Anna Honzáková, received a medical degree from Prague’s Charles University. More than a century later, Jarmila Heissigerová is among the many women who have followed in her footsteps—she heads the largest teaching eye department in the Czech Republic and is a professor at Charles University.
At just 16, Jarmila Heissigerová was diagnosed with what doctors initially believed to be an incurable eye disease that could lead to blindness.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: René Volfík, iROZHLAS.cz
Property damage due to extreme weather events in Czechia has been increasing for a long time. According to the Czech Association of Insurance Companies, last year was another confirmation of this trend. Due to the autumn floods, as well as other intense storms and precipitation, covered damages reached more than CZK 36 billion. But this is not a Czech specialty—insurance companies all over the world are dealing with it.
When floods swept away part of the village of Jeseník in the Olomouc Region last autumn after record torrential rains, it was a human and financial tragedy for the inhabitants.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík, Jan Kaliba
Photo: Abaca Press / Alamy / Profimedia
As the US announce suspension of military aid to Ukraine, Czechia must prepare for potential escalation and increased Russian influence efforts, warns political scientist Jiří Pehe. In an interview, he outlined the key security challenges Czechia faces and the role it must play in European defense.
According to political scientist and commentator Jiří Pehe, Russia will undoubtedly use the current situation to intensify its efforts to destabilize European democracies.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Blanka Mazalová, Czech Radio
Prehistoric mammoth hunters who moved across the Czech lands roughly 30,000 years ago are being tracked today by Olomouc scientists. By mapping ancient deposits of worked flint, they have found that the hunters could move over distances of one hundred kilometres or more.
While easy to ignore, small stones can reveal a great deal about our ancient ancestors.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Unique remains of a 14th-century street surface have been discovered behind the Green Gate in Pardubice.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Illustrative photo: Jiří Matoušek, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Social scholarships, which provide financial aid for studying at university, are a vital source of income for academically aspirational students from low-income families. Only five hundred students currently receive them in Czechia, but this now looks set to change.
While the tuition fees may be covered by the state in Czechia, going to university still involves a lot of costs for Czech students.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
An extensive security operation in recent days has seen Prague police officers and the foreign police checking four hundred taxi drivers, and imposing fines of more than 300,000 crowns, Prague police spokesman Richard Hrdina reported on Tuesday.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Tomáš Vodňanský, Czech Radio
Ondřej Pilný is a professor of English and American literatures at Prague’s Charles University, where he also heads the Centre for Irish Studies. As he explains in our interview, his career path was greatly shaped by a series of coincidences that led him to Dublin in his student days. Pilný also discusses literary links between Czechia and Ireland – and says low pay prevents him and his colleagues from doing valuable work in their field.
You’re the director of the Centre for Irish Studies at Charles University.
See more here.
Author: Ian Willoughby
Photo: Jan Stárek – Kashitu School
There are many forms of development aid and cooperation, but some come with added value: bringing not just finances and jobs, but know-how and new friendships. A group of Czech volunteers are engaged in one such project in Kashitu, Zambia.
A group of Czech volunteers, mostly university graduates in architecture and construction, are building a secondary school campus for 250 people in the district of Kashitu, a rural area of Zambia.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Tomáš Sedláček, an economist, philosopher, and former advisor to President Václav Havel, has been appointed as the new director of the Václav Havel Library.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz
Prime Minister Petr Fiala has urged a boost in military aid to Ukraine in light of the European leaders’ summit in London. He stated that this is the only way to prevent an aggressive Russia from advancing just a few hundred kilometers from Czechia. Fiala added that lasting peace in Europe can only be achieved through a well-armed continent, which will require increasing defense spending to at least 3% of GDP.
In the context of Friday’s heated meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said that Europe is facing a great historical test:.
See more here.
Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Eduardo Verdugo, ČTK / AP
Czech tennis player Tomáš Macháč has claimed his first career ATP title after defeating Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich 7:6, 6:2 in the final of the Mexico Open in Acapulco.
Following the victory, he moved up to 20th place in the ATP ranking, once again replacing Jiří Lehečka as the Czech number one.
See more here.
Photo: RomanM82, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
In their Latin language, the Romans had the word castellum, which meant ‘fortress’. This is straightforwardly the origin of English castle, but in Czech it has taken on a religious meaning.
Along with Slovak kostol and Polish kościół, the Czech word kostel refers to an ordinary church building.
See more here.
Photo: Jaromír Svoboda, National Theatre archive
Hello and welcome to RPI’s Sunday Music Show with me RF. On March 3, 1875, Georges Bizet’s Carmen had its world premiere at the Théâtre de l’Opéra-Comique in Paris. The opera triggered shock and disapproval for breaking away from the conventions of the time. Today, however, Carmen is considered one of the most significant and beloved works in the operatic repertoire worldwide.
Carmen was first performed in the Czech lands in 1880 in German at the Estates Theatre in Prague.
See more here.
Photo: Archive of Jan Šrubař/ Podhorská jednota Radhošť
Nowhere else in Europe has a chairlift been running longer than the one to the Pustevny mountain saddle, in the Moravian-Silesian Beskydy Mountains. It was put into operation on March 4th 1940.
The oldest chairlift in Europe, which has been running for eighty-five years, in the Beskydy Mountains dates from 1940.
See more here.
On the occasion of the Japanese Emperor’s 65th birthday and the National Day of Japan the Ambassador of Japan to the Czech Republic H.E. Mr. Kansuke NAGAOKA held a reception at the Marriot Hotel Prague.
In front of the President of the Senate RNDr. Miloš Vystrčil, and many Ambassadors, government officials, members of the Czech Parliament and Senate, and distinguished guests, H.E. Mr. Kansuke NAGAOKA and RNDr. Miloš Vystrčil greeted the guests.
Here are selected sections of the Ambassador’s and of the President of the Senate speeches at the event.
On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Pakistan-Czech Republic Diplomatic Relations (1950 – 2025), and the “Pakistan Cuisine Week,” the Ambassador of Pakistan for the Czech Republic H.E. Ms. Ayesha Ali, hosted a diplomatic lunch at the beautiful SILQ Restaurant in Prague.
The special Pakistani food was prepared by the renowned young chef Laila Mizra, who came especially from London for this event.
Watch the video with the speech of the Ambassador of Pakistan for the Czech Republic H.E. Ms. Ayesha Ali, and Chef Laila Mizra.
And pictures of the special unique Pakistani food.
If only you could smell and taste it. It was Fabulous.
Screening of the documentary “Abducted Childhood” followed by a discussion with the participation of Ukrainian Children abducted by Russia took place at Instituto Cervantes in Prague.
The screening was hosted by the Ambassador of Spain to the Czech Republic, H.E. Ms. Maria PEREZ SANCHEZ-LAULHE.
Welcome speech by the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Vasyl ZVARYCH, and the Director of the Cervantes Institute in Prague, Mr. Gonzales MANGLANO de GARAY and Tomáš Kopečný, Czech Governmental Envoy for the Reconstruction of Ukraine
“Abducted Childhood” documentary tells the stories of Ukrainian children forcibly deported to Russia. This is a study of the current situation and the evidence base regarding the forced deportation and abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. In the documentary, children and their parents told their own stories. Ukrainian children were in captivity, some of them were forcibly taken to the so-called health camps in Russia, some were separated from their parents during the filtering measures.
The “Abducted Childhood” documents children’s testimonies about Russian war crimes against the Ukrainian people.
Online.ua Production Team together with International Human Rights Commission as the Worldwide Promotion Partner present this documentary with the participation and support of:
Russia pursues en mass unlawful transfers and deportations of Ukrainian children. Ukrainian authorities have identified 19,546 cases of deported Ukrainian children, with only 388 successfully repatriated and reunited with their families thus far.
Arrest warrants were issued by the ICC against President Putin and Commissioner for Children Rights Ms. Lvova-Belova on 17 March 2023, indicating their alleged responsibility for war crimes involving the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation. The transfer of children from areas under Russian military control, including those forcibly separated from parents and removed from schools without guardian consent, has been documented by OHCHR, the Commission of Inquiry, and HRMMU.
The actions of the Russian authorities, such as the simplified process of granting Russian citizenship to Ukrainian children, streamlined adoption procedures, and re-education, indicate a non-will to return these children as well as a planned effort to erase their Ukrainian identity. Such findings underscore the gravity of the situation and emphasize the urgent need for decisive action to address this flagrant violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.
The film screening and the subsequent discussion featuring the returned children are conducted as part of the “Stolen Voices” campaign, which is an integral part of the Bring Kids Back UA action plan. The campaign’s goal is to protect Ukrainian children and their rights, cease deportation and forced displacement, prevent the coercive transfer of Ukrainian children to Russian families, and take all necessary measures for the safe return and reunification of families in accordance with the interests of the child and international law.
The world must know the truth and do everything possible to hold Russian criminals accountable.
Bring our Children Back Home!
One day after the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the discussion addressed Ukraine’s most pressing challenges and opportunities in the years ahead.
The debate organized by the Strategeo Institute and the Anglo-American University in Prague took place at AAU’s campus, bringing together leading experts, diplomats, and students for a thought-provoking exchange on three critical topics:
The Debate was moderated by Jan Macháček, with a distinguished panel of speakers who explored not only Ukraine’s future but also the broader implications for Europe’s security, economy, and identity.
Several powerful messages emerged throughout the discussion.
Jiří Schwarz, President of Anglo-American Universityand Director of CETA – Center for Economic and Market Analyses,made a striking statement while wearing a traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt (vyshyvanka):
“Ukraine doesn’t owe anything to anybody!”
Daryna Semergei, a Ukrainian student and panelist, expressed deep gratitude for the continuous support from ordinary people over the past three years—both materially and emotionally. She emphasized the critical importance of mental support in particular.
Tomáš Kopečný, Czech Governmental Envoy for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, offered a stark assessment of transatlantic relations:
“The U.S. is done with Europe! Let’s face it.”
He elaborated: “The only deterrence is a well-trained Ukrainian military, equipped by Ukrainian and European defense industries, along with American defense products paid for by Europeans and Ukrainians. The U.S. is done with Europe. It’s hard to accept, especially for those who have dedicated their lives to integrating into NATO, believing it would guarantee lasting peace. But the U.S. doesn’t care.”
Kopečný also highlighted the immense support Ukraine has received from Czech citizens: “We’re talking about high hundreds of millions of euros donated by ordinary Czech citizens. That is something I believe is changing the identity of a nation in the long term.”
Petr Krogman, an entrepreneur in Ukraine’s agricultural sector and President of the Czech-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, reminded the audience:
“Where the rule of law is functioning, you can’t have a deal with Putin!”
He further stressed: “The normal style of Russia is accusing you of what they are doing!” and added,
“We are simply buying security!”
The debate attracted a diverse audience of diplomats, experts, academics, media and students, including many Ukrainian students studying at AAU. Among the invited guests ( some of them attended) were ambassadors and diplomats from Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Bulgaria, Taiwan, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
Closing Reflections
A lively Q&A session concluded the event. Milena Jabůrková, Vice President of the Confederation of Czech Industry for Digital Economy and Education, posed a crucial question to the panelists:
“What should we do for our survival as Europe?”
Among the many detailed responses, Tomáš Kopečný’s answer resonated strongly:
“Simply support Ukraine!”
This debate underscored the complexity of Ukraine’s path forward but also highlighted the unwavering commitment of its allies and supporters.
We extend our gratitude to all participants and attendees for their valuable contributions and engagement.
You can find full Audiovisual recording at: https://www.strategeo.cz/en/node/59
While Harapan tries to reach the furthest branches of the park, his mother is always ready to lend a helping hand. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
He will celebrate his first birthday in May, but already now, the young Sumatran orangutan at Prague Zoo is taking his first steps towards independence. Until recently, Harapan observed the world only from the safety of his mother’s arms, but now visitors to the Indonesian Jungle can watch as “Hari” learns to climb or taste solid food.
Although twelve-year-old Diri still carefully watches over her first cub, she also gives him more space to learn and discover. “Harapan will gradually gain self-confidence and, perhaps, in the fall he could be frolicking in the branches, similar to the older four-year-old Kawi on the island opposite,” says Martin Vojáček, chief primate keeper at Prague Zoo.
The name Harapan means “hope” in Indonesian. Every newborn cub is a rare and promising addition. In the wild, all three species of orangutans are critically endangered and their numbers are constantly declining. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
Although he can be breastfed for up to four years, Harapan already has baby teeth and is also very interested in solid food. He prefers to taste crunchy granulate for leaf-eating primates, but he will also appreciate vegetables, nuts, mango, and papaya. Food is offered to him not only by his mother but also by the breeders, to gain his trust. This will be important in the future, for example, due to regular checks on his health.
The young of these largest tree mammals are dependent on their mothers for several years. “Orangutans have the longest interbirth interval. Unlike gorillas or chimpanzees, the orangutan mother has to manage everything herself. In groups, the young can learn skills from other members of the group, but the offspring of solitary orangutans have to manage on their own, which is why their development is slower than, for example, gorillas,” explains Martin Vojáček.
The favorite vegetables of the orangutan cub Harapan include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and fennel. Photo Petr Hamerník, Prague Zoo
People can observe orangutans every day on the upper floor of the Indonesian Jungle pavilion. They are active throughout the opening hours, which will be extended by an hour from March 1st – the gates of the Prague Zoo will now close at 5 p.m.
The speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Markéta Pekarová Adamová met with the Speaker of the Saxon State Assembly Alexander Dierks, in Prague. They discussed the results of the recent elections to the German Bundestag and closer Czech-Saxon cross-border cooperation in transport. They also agreed on the importance of investments in the further development of strategically important semiconductor infrastructure.
“First, we discussed the current post-election situation in Germany and its broader political and economic impacts with the Speaker. We also talked about the Via Vindobona project, specifically the construction of a high-speed line between Prague and Dresden. A key part of this route is the Ore Mountains Tunnel, the implementation of which at the federal level is essential for the successful completion of the entire project. I greatly appreciate Saxony’s support, which will contribute to a faster and more convenient connection of our countries,” said the Chairwoman of the Chamber of Deputies, Markéta Pekarová Adamová, after the meeting.
She also emphasized the importance of Czech-Saxon cooperation in the field of investment, science and research: “This cooperation is crucial for the future of our economies, especially in such strategic sectors as semiconductors and microelectronics. The Czech Republic already plays an active role in the European Alliance of Semiconductor Regions and we are ready to further support the implementation of further investments with high added value. These investments will strengthen our competitiveness and innovative potential throughout Europe,” added the Chairwoman, Markéta Pekarová Adamová.
After the meeting in the Chamber of Deputies, Chairman Dierks headed to the upper chamber of the Czech Parliament to meet with the President of the Senate, Miloš Vystrčil.
Photo: Zuzana Jarolímková, iROZHLAS.cz
The international order is undergoing its biggest change since the fall of communism and Europe must respond to it fast, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said in an address to the nation on Monday. He said Europe must pull together and put “both money and weapons on the table” in defense of its values.
“We are living in groundbreaking times that have placed new challenges ahead of us,” the Czech prime minister said in an address to the nation on the 3rd anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
See more here.
Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Romana Kostohryzová, Czech Radio
The talented puppeteer, actor, juggler, watchmaker and war invalid was born on February 24th 1775 in Libčany near Hradec Králové. Kopecký was born into a family of nomadic comedians and from his early years travelled with his parents around the Czech countryside.
Matěj Kopecký trained as a watchmaker, married and became a burgher in the town of Mirotice.
See more here.
Real estate prices in Czechia increased by an average of nearly 11 % in 2024, while property sales surged by 34%, and new developments saw a 51% rise, according to data from the Czech Banking Association and Flat Zone.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Pavel Vlach, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Dozens of observant Jews will soon gather in the small South Moravian town of Holešov to honor Rabbi Shabtai ha-Kohen, or Shakh, on the anniversary of his death, more than three centuries ago. I spoke with Jakub Schwab, a tour guide and cantor in Brno, to understand what makes Shakh so important to the Orthodox Jewish community.
“Rabbi Schach was a 17th-century scholar.
See more here.
Author: Ruth Fraňková
The Czech government has released the first CZK 900 million for its affordable rental housing program, Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party) announced.
See more here.
Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Czech Embassy in Canberra
Sent out from the heart of Europe, Czechia’s diplomats represent the country all over the world, including on the far side of the globe. As part of our new series on Czech Women Pioneers, we take a look at Czechia’s female ambassadors, who may still be breaking new ground today in their respective missions to different countries. The first women only began to be appointed to the high office after the fall of communism, such as the first female ambassador to the United States, Rita Klímová, who took up the role in 1990.
You currently hold the position of the Czech Republic’s ambassador to Australia, and I think first and foremost people would be interested to know, how did you get there? What were the necessary steps from your early life in Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic to where you are now?.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Tomáš Vodňanský, Czech Radio
The Prague-based, American-born writer, poet and columnist Michael March died on February 23rd. His death was announced by his wife Vlasta. Mr. March had lived in Prague since 1996, and was the founder and president of the international Prague Writers’ Festival, responsible for bringing many big names in the literary world to the Czech capital.
Born in New York in 1946, and later a graduate of Colombia University, life gradually led Michael March eastwards.
See more here.
Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Ian Willoughby, Radio Prague International
UK businessman Guy Barker is behind a project set to bring a new terrace to the roof of Prague’s 19th century Rudolfinum. His Arcona Capital, a real estate investment company active in a number of EU countries, is a sponsor of the Czech Philharmonic, which calls the magnificent building home. When we met at Arcona Capital’s offices, Mr. Barker also discussed a notable development it is involved with in Kyiv – and what led him to move to Prague.
You’re one of the founders of Arcona Capital.
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Author: Ian Willoughby
Any peace agreement must be negotiated with Ukraine and accepted by that country, and negotiations must begin by acknowledging who is the aggressor and who is the victim, President Petr Pavel said in a video address to the Ukraine and Partner Countries Conference hosted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on Monday.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Luboš Pavlíček, ČTK
Two artificial icefalls on rocks more than 40 metres high opened to the public for the first time this winter season. They are located in the village of Vír in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands in the deep valley of the Svratka River, which provided ideal conditions for the creation of this project.
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Photo: Pomáháme Ukrajině, z.s.
On February 24th 2022, the world was shocked by the Russian military’s sudden invasion into Ukrainian territory as part of a so-called “special military operation”. Three years later, the fighting continues, and many Czechs are still actively supporting Ukraine’s efforts with their time and money. Danny Bate spoke to one such volunteer, Jiří Pospíšil from the organisation Pomáháme Ukrajině, about his work, which takes him close to the war’s front lines.
Could you tell us about the work that you’ve been doing? Your organisation that you work with to get supplies to Ukraine, how does it function, and what does the job involve?.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: Jaroslav Hoření, Czech Radio
A new ranking of Czechia’s micro-regions has revealed an unexpected winner when it comes to quality of life. According to a study by Česká spořitelna and the data platform Europe in data, the small town of Turnov, in the Liberec region, has come out on top, and well ahead of Prague.
Plzeň, in western Bohemia, recently made headlines as the highest-ranked Czech city on the Numbeo quality of life index, surpassing Prague and even international destinations like Oslo, Madrid, Dubai, and Berlin.
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Author: Ruth Fraňková
Photo: Hana Slavická, Radio Prague International
Czech President Petr Pavel reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Speaking at a gathering in Prague’s Old Town Square, he emphasized that international law must not be compromised and that aggression should not be rewarded. He urged that Ukraine and Europe must have a seat at any peace negotiations.
Addressing thousands of attendees in the center of Prague, President Pavel reminded the crowd that Ukraine sought sovereignty after the Cold War, but Russia violated agreements, annexed Crimea, and later launched a full-scale invasion.
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Author: Vít Pohanka
Photo: Tomáš Vodňanský, Czech Radio
Czech Radio is mourning one of its prominent music personalities – conductor of the Czech Radio Sympohony Orchestra Vladimír Válek, who led the ensemble for an incredible 26 years.
Born on September 2, 1935 in Nový Jičín, Válek studied trombone and viola at the conservatory in Kroměříž and later conducting at the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava and at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.
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Photo illustrative: Kelly Cree, Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Violent crimes committed by under 18s have increased by 25% in Czechia over the past two years, leaving the country worried about its children. What could be the cause? And the solution?
Czechia has been shocked once again by a horrific crime committed by a minor, following the murder of two women by a sixteen-year-old on February 20th in the city of Hradec Králové.
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Author: Danny Bate
Photo: e-Sbírky, National Museum, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED
Jacob Mikanowski is a historian, author, and journalist who has written the book Goodbye, Eastern Europe: An Intimate History of a Divided Land. A Czech translation of the book has been published in early 2025. Mikanowski takes us through Czechoslovakia’s uniquely complex but, at the same time, intriguing history. From its diverse ethnic roots at the time of its founding to Alexander Dubček’s “socialism with a human face” and the Velvet Revolution, we look at Czechoslovakia’s trajectory and what remains of it in the political memory of the citizens of the Czech successor state. So, what is the legacy of Communism in the region? Was Václav Havel alone in advocating for a reformed socialism? And is there really something unique about the inherent essence of citizens living in post-Communist Europe?
In Goodbye Eastern Europe, you mix personal reflections with historical analysis.
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Author: Jakub Ferenčík
Photo: Sabina Vosecká, Czech Radio
The gifts that Czech presidents receive from visiting foreign heads of state and on their own travels abroad are carefully catalogued and either stored or exhibited at Prague Castle. Now, for the first time ever, the administration of President Petr Pavel is showing them to the public.
The exhibition at Rožmberk Palace gives the general public the chance to view the protocol gifts that President Pavel has received on official visits since taking office in March 2023 as well as gifts of a personal nature, that he sometimes gets when he appears in public.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) / CAMP
Prague is one step closer to its long-awaited Vltava Philharmonic Hall. Architects and city representatives have recently presented the final design to the public. The project documentation should be completed by autumn, with a building permit application to follow.
Designed by the Danish architectural studio Bjarke Ingels Group, the Vltava Philharmonic Hall is set to become a new cultural symbol of Prague.
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Photo: Ondřej Hájek, ČTK
Hundreds of Czech farmers joined pan-European protests against food imports from outside the European Union on Thursday. They are calling for the cancellation of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, an end to duty-free imports from Ukraine and significant cuts in red tape.
Honking horns, pile-ups and short tempers marked Thursday’s protest ride of tractors in many parts of the country.
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Author: Daniela Lazarová
Photo: Vít Pohanka, Radio Prague International
Vyšehrad, perched on a rocky hill above the Vltava River, is one of Prague’s most historically and culturally significant sites. Often overshadowed by Prague Castle, this ancient fortress has long been steeped in myths and legends. But beyond its medieval walls and scenic parkland lies Vyšehrad Cemetery—Czechia’s national pantheon, where some of the country’s most remarkable figures rest.
The origins of Vyšehrad stretch deep into Czech history.
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Author: Vít Pohanka
