• 09/18/2025

    The installation of a new organ has been completed at Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral. Built by the Spanish workshop of Gerhard Grenzing, the instrument was transported to Prague and reassembled on site. Tuning is now underway: organ specialists from around Europe will spend about 900 hours adjusting each pipe, mostly at night to ensure the best possible sound conditions. The process should be completed by Christmas.

    The official ceremonial inauguration of the new organ will take place on June 15th 2026. The organ is being financed from a national collection, announced ten years ago, which has so far raised about CZK 106.65 million from people and companies. The sum will cover 96 percent of the expected costs.

  • 09/18/2025

    The Czech Defense Ministry has approved the acquisition of three passive PLESS radars from the Pardubice-based company ERA for CZK 2.3 billion, according to information reported by Novinky.cz. The government will now review the offer. The system, consisting of one stationary and two mobile radars, can detect drones and track targets up to 700 kilometers away. Unlike conventional radars, PLESS does not emit signals, making it virtually invisible to adversaries. The new equipment will complement the army’s existing VERA-NG systems, themselves successors to the legendary Tamara radar.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/18/2025

    The United States has withdrawn from a memorandum signed with Czechia to jointly combat disinformation, Czech Radio reported, citing confirmation from the Czech Foreign Ministry. The move follows the policy of President Donald Trump’s administration, which views counter-disinformation initiatives as censorship. Washington sent Prague an official note on September 1 announcing the decision. The memorandum was originally signed in May 2024 by then–Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Spolu), stressing the threat posed by Kremlin propaganda. Current Secretary of State Marco Rubio has since dissolved the Global Engagement Center, an Obama-era agency coordinating such efforts. According to Rubio, the government should not decide what counts as disinformation but instead counter “false narratives with truthful ones.” Czech diplomacy declined to comment beyond acknowledging receipt of the U.S. note.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/17/2025

    Czech pole vaulter Amálie Švábíková placed fourth at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, achieving her second-best career mark of 4.75 meters. The 25-year-old, a former junior world champion, was close to her first senior global medal after clearing the same height as Slovenia’s Tina Šutej. However, Šutej managed 4.80 on her second attempt to secure bronze. “It’s bittersweet, but I’m proud of myself. Step by step – last year fifth at the Olympics, now fourth,” Švábíková said. The title went to American Katie Moon with 4.90 meters, ahead of compatriot Sandi Morris.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/17/2025

    Starting Thursday, visitors to Prague Castle can view the Czech crown jewels in the Vladislav Hall, where they will remain on display until September 29. The exhibition, titled Treasure in the Dark, highlights the fate of the royal insignia during World War II, which ended 80 years ago. Entry is free, but tickets cannot be reserved. More than 6,200 pupils and students saw the jewels during a special preview earlier this week. President Petr Pavel initiated the annual display last year; in 2024, it attracted over 46,000 visitors. The jewels include the St. Wenceslas Crown, sceptre, orb, and coronation robe.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/17/2025

    Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party) said Czechia will not support any EU climate goal that threatens competitiveness or secure energy supplies. Along with Germany, France, and Italy, Prague blocked a Danish plan to approve the European Commission’s proposal to cut CO₂ emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990. The issue will now be escalated to EU leaders in October. Fiala argued the plan is unrealistic and harmful to industry, adding that Czechia is ready to discuss “realistic and fair measures” that reduce emissions without endangering citizens or the economy.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/17/2025

    A new Median survey for Czech Radio reveals deep divisions in Czech society over foreign policy. Some 41% of respondents think the next government should back Israel unconditionally in the Gaza conflict, while 59% disagree. On Ukraine, 48% support continued aid against Russia, compared to 52% opposed. The poll also shows mixed views on cooperation with China. A vast majority (83%) believe a ceasefire in Ukraine, promised by U.S. President Donald Trump by the end of this year, will not be achieved; only 17% expect it to happen.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/17/2025

    Wages in Czechia are rising by an average of 4.25% this year, according to a new survey by Grafton Recruitment. The strongest growth is in logistics, up 8%, followed by pharmaceuticals and healthcare at 5.3%. HR, administration and IT show the weakest growth at 3.2%. Despite global uncertainty, the Czech labor market remains highly competitive with unemployment at around 4.5%. Employers struggle to retain staff, as many workers change jobs for even small pay rises or better benefits. Grafton warns that replacing employees is costlier than raising wages for quality staff.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/17/2025

    Mostly cloudy with occasional rain, later clearing from the southwest. Highs 21–25 °C, around 18 °C in the northeast.

    Author: Vít Pohanka
  • 09/17/2025

    Labour Minister Marian Jurečka (Christian Democrats) will urge the government at todays cabinet meeting to hold another round of negotiations with trade unions on salaries in the public sector after talks earlier this month failed. The cabinet currently proposes a 5% rise in base pay from January, with 7% for the lowest-paid professions, while unions demand 7% and 13% respectively. Jurečka said he is recalculating further options and is ready to convene talks even without Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democrats). The dispute over pay growth, worth up to 10 billion crowns, must be settled as part of next year’s state budget.

    Author: Vít Pohanka

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