News

Prague is the most expensive city in eastern Europe in terms of overall living costs, according to data from the Numbeo database cited by the Czech News Agency.

The ranking takes into account everyday expenses such as food, services, transport and energy, as well as housing costs. While differences in basic living expenses between cities are relatively small, high rents push Prague clearly to the top of the regional ranking, ahead of Bratislava and Warsaw.

According to analysts, the main long-term problem is insufficient housing construction, which fails to meet demand in Prague and other large cities, driving up both property prices and rents.

Europe must stop relying on the United States to always come to its aid and should stand on its own two feet in terms of defence, Czech President Petr Pavel said on Saturday in a debate programme on Nova TV.

According to Pavel, Europe needs to become an equal partner to the US—one capable of addressing and resolving its own security challenges.

He noted that US President Donald Trump has made it clear he views the Western Hemisphere, which does not include Europe, as central to US security interests, underscoring the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence.

Dozens of people gathered at the entrance to Prague’s Charles Bridge today to mark Ukraine’s Unity Day. Before crossing the bridge with a large Ukrainian flag, participants listened to the Ukrainian and Czech national anthems and observed a minute of silence for all those killed in the war.

Ukraine’s ambassador to the Czech Republic, Vasyl Zvarych, thanked Czechs for their solidarity and highlighted recent fundraising efforts that have raised millions of crowns for generators, as Ukraine continues to face attacks on its critical infrastructure.

Ukraine marks Unity Day on January 22, commemorating the 1919 declaration that united the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the West Ukrainian People’s Republic.

Only Jakub Menšík advanced from the six Czech players competing in the third round of the Australian Open. The 16th seed defeated American Ethan Quinn 6–2, 7–6, 7–6 and will face ten-time champion Novak Djokovic in the last 16. Djokovic earlier recorded a record 400th Grand Slam match win.

Karolína Plíšková was eliminated in the third round by reigning champion Madison Keys of the United States, losing 6–3, 6–3. The tournament also ended for Tomáš Macháč, top-ranked Czech player Linda Nosková, 19-year-old Nikola Bartůňková and 18-year-old Tereza Valentová.