• Car production in Czechia rises in early 2026
    03/18/2026

    Car production in Czechia rose by 8.6 percent year-on-year to 254,534 vehicles in the first two months of 2026, according to the Automotive Industry Association. Electrified vehicles, including hybrids and fully electric models, accounted for nearly 41 percent of total output. The country’s largest carmaker, Škoda Auto, increased production by almost 14 percent, driven partly by models such as the Octavia and new electric cars. While output at Hyundai’s Czech plant declined slightly, Toyota reported moderate growth, producing only hybrid vehicles. Production of buses and motorcycles also rose, reflecting stable demand despite a slight slowdown in European markets.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Women in Czechia still earn less than men despite new law
    03/18/2026

    Women in Czechia earn on average about 17 percent less than men, according to data cited by the Labour Ministry. A proposed amendment to the labour code, presented by Labour Minister Aleš Juchelka (ANO), aims to introduce EU rules on pay transparency and equal remuneration. The law would require employers to address pay gaps exceeding five percent for the same work. However, experts say inequality remains deeply rooted. Analyst Veronika Šprincová notes that Czechia ranks poorly in global gender equality comparisons and that women remain underrepresented in politics, where government still resembles “a men’s club,” despite some recent progress.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Fuel margins stable despite price surge after Iran conflict
    03/17/2026

    A first analysis by the Finance Ministry suggests that fuel retailers in Czechia have not significantly increased their margins following the recent spike in prices linked to the Iran conflict. The ministry said it is continuing to monitor the situation and expects more detailed data later this week. Diesel prices have risen sharply since late February, climbing by more than CZK 9 per litre, while petrol has increased by over CZK 4. Finance Minister Alena Schillerová (ANO) said it is too early to consider further measures, but did not rule out future action if needed.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Pavel and Babiš agree in principle on ambassador appointments
    03/17/2026

    President Petr Pavel and Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) have reached a broad agreement on appointing new Czech ambassadors, the Presidential Office said after their meeting. The talks follow a recent dispute, when the government and the Foreign Ministry refused to proceed with several ambassadorial nominations previously approved by the president. The cabinet wants to reassess the candidates and ensure a more transparent selection process aligned with its priorities. According to Babiš, some nominations remain under discussion, particularly over candidates lacking diplomatic experience. Both sides also stressed the need for closer coordination to maintain a unified Czech foreign policy.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Government likely to approve new Temelín reactors next year
    03/17/2026

    The Czech government is expected to decide next year on building new nuclear units at Temelín, with a positive outcome likely, Industry Minister Karel Havlíček (ANO) said. He described the project as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s energy security. Havlíček stressed that Czechia’s future energy mix will combine nuclear power, renewables, and traditional sources such as gas and coal. Alongside planned expansion at Dukovany, the government is also considering small modular reactors. He added that stronger state guarantees will be needed to attract investment, as energy projects increasingly depend on long-term price stability and security concerns.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Weather
    03/17/2026

    Clear to partly cloudy, with more cloud at first in parts of the southwest and northeast. Highs will range from 10 to 14 degrees Celsius.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Prague prepares for figure skating worlds as venues near completion
    03/17/2026

    Prague is entering the final stage of preparations for the World Figure Skating Championships, set to begin next week. Organisers have taken over the O2 universum, where a temporary training ice rink is now being installed, while work in the main O2 Arena will start on Friday. All technical and rehearsal tests must be completed by Monday, with official training sessions scheduled for the following day. The competition itself begins on Wednesday. The championship, returning to Prague after 33 years, is nearly sold out. Dozens of athletes, including several recent Olympic medallists, are expected to arrive over the weekend.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Czech budget gap widens as revenues fall behind spending
    03/17/2026

    Czech public finances have seen a growing imbalance since 2019, with revenues falling in real terms by CZK 100 billion while expenditures increased by CZK 200 billion, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Public Finance. Economist Tomáš Holub said the country had relatively stable finances in 2019, but the gap between income and spending has since widened. The trend was driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, the energy crisis, and tax changes such as the abolition of the super-gross wage, which reduced personal income tax. Recent consolidation efforts have only partly
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Czechia pushes to scrap EU combustion engine ban after 2035
    03/17/2026

    Czechia is calling for a complete repeal of the planned EU ban on new cars with internal combustion engines from 2035. Government climate commissioner Filip Turek (Motorists) said in Brussels that the current targets are unrealistic and fail to reflect weak demand for electric vehicles and the broader geopolitical situation. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) has also rejected a softened proposal by the European Commission, insisting it does not go far enough. Prague argues that strict rules and potential fines could harm Europe’s automotive industry and competitiveness, and is pushing for a more flexible, market-based approach.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

  • Hotel investments in Czechia surge to record levels
    03/17/2026

    Hotel sales in Czechia reached €764 million last year, roughly CZK 18.7 billion, marking a fivefold increase compared to 2024. A total of 16 hotels were sold, with more than three quarters of the transactions taking place in Prague, according to Cushman & Wakefield. The figures surpass the previous peak recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019. Major deals included the sale of Hilton Prague and Vienna House Diplomat Prague to Czech investors. The strong growth reflects rising investor interest, with Prague now ranking among the 15 most attractive European cities for hotel investment. Tourism also increased, with more than 23.5 million guests staying in Czech accommodation facilities last year.
    Author: Vít Pohanka

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