Turkish and Czech authorities have agreed to construct a park in Prague 6 to mark the 100th anniversary of the friendship and diplomatic relations between the two countries, the municipal council has announced.

“The commencement of diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Czechoslovakia, which we celebrate this year as the centenary, dates back to the early days of the Czechoslovak Republic. Upon a request from Turkish Ambassador Egemen Bağış, a decision-making process reached its final approval. The Czech-Turkish Cooperation Park will be built in Petriny,” the Prague 6 municipality stated in a written statement on April 21.

The foundation of the park will be laid on June 6, the statement said, adding that the approximate cost of the project will be around CZK 750,000, with the Turkish authorities “ready to cover half of the cost through sponsors.”

The park will be equipped with plaques and other structures inscribed with the remarks of modern Türkiye founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

The municipality mapped the area along the street named “Ankarska” by the inspiring Turkish capital Ankara about 20 years ago, with a study prepared to include the structuring and arrangement of the area as a park within the project.

The municipality has also added some informative elements about Czech-Turkish bilateral cooperation to the project for visitors.

On the benches and panels in the park, there will be information about the founding leaders of the two countries who established diplomatic relations a century ago, Atatürk and Tomas Garrigue Masaryk, as well as their historical quotations.

The project earlier became a topic of discussion as the Turkish Embassy’s bid to install a 3-meter statue of Atatürk in Prague was turned down by local authorities.

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Czechia will again propose restricting the movement of Russian diplomats in the Schengen area, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Pirates, Greens) said in response to the arrest of two Russian agents in Germany on suspicion of espionage and planning attacks.

Last week, German federal prosecutors arrested two suspected Russian spies in Bavaria on suspicion of espionage and planning attacks on military targets to undermine support for Ukraine. German diplomacy suspects Russia is recruiting agents to carry out attacks on German soil.

“Russian intelligence threat in Europe is a reality,” Lipavský wrote on X on Saturday.

Responding to Germany summoning the Russian ambassador and telling him that Germany would not allow Russia to bring its terror to the country, Lipavský expressed full support for the German response and said he wanted to raise the issue of Russian agents at the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Luxembourg on Monday.

“We must develop new instruments to tackle the Russian spy threat. On Monday at FAC, I will reiterate my proposals to curb Russian spies moving across Schengen. It could be achieved rapidly,” said Lipavský, whose country also has extensive experience with Russian agents who allegedly caused the 2014 ammunition warehouses blast on the Czech territory.

Czechia has already proposed restricting the movement of Russian agents in the EU in the autumn of 2023, and although the Foreign Ministry did not want to comment on the ongoing negotiations on the matter, the Czech proposal is not yet supported by all countries.

In 2022, the European Union decided that Russian diplomats could no longer benefit from the visa facilitation provisions that gave them privileged access to the EU. However, they can still obtain visas and travel through Schengen countries.

Under the Czech proposal, Russian “diplomats” or secret agents under diplomatic cover who come to Europe for a short time would not be allowed to travel to any EU country other than the one for which they have been issued a visa.

The other option is to make biometric passports mandatory for Russian diplomats at the EU level, as these are more difficult to forge.

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The Czech Statistical Office (CZSO) reported that most staple foods monitored in April increased in price compared to March.

The price of apples climbed the most, rising 9.07% to 37.28 crowns per kilogram. Plain wheat flour also saw a significant increase of 7.04%, reaching 21.14 crowns per kilogram.

Year-on-year data from the CZSO shows some items even became more expensive. For instance, potatoes, which cost 21.98 crowns per kilogram in April 2023, rose to 27.42 crowns this year, a hike of 24.75%.

Out of the 13 items tracked by the CZSO, nine saw price increases in April compared to March. A cup of plain yogurt went up by exactly 3% to 10.66 crowns, while a kilogram of frozen edamame beans reached 180.95 crowns. Roast pork increased by 3.22% to 180.42 crowns per kilogram.

Small price bumps of 1-2% were also seen for potatoes, light bottled beer, sugar, and butter. Interestingly, while edam cheese, yogurt, flour, and sugar were more expensive compared to March, their prices actually decreased year-on-year.

On the other hand, eggs became cheaper month-on-month in April, dropping around 5% to 43.62 crowns per dozen.

Their price also decreased significantly year-on-year, by more than a quarter. Sugar prices saw a steeper decline of 18.39% compared to last year, and semi-skimmed milk dropped 14.27% to 23.85 crowns per liter. Only five items on the list increased in price in April compared to the previous year.

Potatoes were followed closely by beer, which became 5% more expensive. Slight price hikes were also observed for roast pork, apples, and butter.

Looking at broader price trends, data from March by the CZSO shows that industrial producer prices remained flat year-on-year. In contrast, agricultural prices fell by 13.2%, construction work prices rose by 1.6%, and business service prices increased by 4.1%.

On a month-on-month basis, agricultural producer prices rose 3.2%, construction work prices rose 0.3%, market service prices rose 0.7%, while industrial producer prices dipped slightly by 0.1%.

Analysts believe this trend suggests consumer inflation is unlikely to pick up again soon. However, they predict it may slow down the pace of decreasing food prices in the coming months.

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* MOBILITY:

Prague City plans to invest a total of 137 million crowns this year in facilities for cyclists. Last year saw a significant increase in interest in shared bike riding. People using the PID Lítačka application enjoy two free 15-minute rides daily.

* PRAGUE COURT:

A Prague City Court has upheld a guilty verdict and three-year prison sentence in the case of former MP Dominik Feri, who was convicted of raping three young women, one of them a minor. Feri resigned from his seat and withdrew from politics when the scandal broke. The verdict is binding.

* WEATHER:

Tuesday should be overcast and rainy with snow in the higher altitudes and day temperatures between 5 and 9 degrees Celsius.

* MEMORIALS:

A Holocaust Memorial for Roma and Sinti will be inaugurated on Tuesday at the site of a former concentration camp in Lety, south Bohemia. Some 1, 300 Roma passed through the camp between 1942 and 1943 and more than 300 died there, mostly women and children. The memorial will open to the public on May 12.

* POLITICS:

The Czech prosecutor has charged the former head of the Czech presidential office, Vratislav Mynář, with subsidy fraud and damaging the financial interests of the European Union.After more than three years of investigation, an indictment has been issued in the case involving Mynář’s company, Clever Management. Mynář could face prison and fines if found guilty, Czech media Seznam Zprávy reported on Monday.

The Czech Republic is setting ambitious goals for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

Their pavilion, a striking wooden structure on prime waterfront real estate, promises to be a technological marvel and a launchpad for Czech businesses in Asia.

Building on Success

Decades after a well-received Czech pavilion at a previous Expo, the Czechs are raising the bar. Their new pavilion boasts a unique design by Apropos Architects, constructed from wood and glass.

This wooden marvel stands out in Japan, where earthquake regulations typically limit such structures. The Czechs, however, have addressed these concerns, proving the building’s resilience to Japan’s authorities.

Innovation Takes Center Stage

The pavilion isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a platform for Czech innovation. Visitors will be greeted by displays showcasing Czech achievements in engineering, finance, agriculture, and artificial intelligence.

A central auditorium serves as a venue for business meetings, conferences, and workshops, fostering partnerships between Czech and Asian companies.

A Taste of Czechia

Cultural immersion goes beyond exhibits. A rooftop restaurant offers stunning ocean views and a delectable taste of Czech cuisine, adapted for Japanese palates.

Beer will flow freely from over 100 taps, with a focus on efficiency – the Czechs have even timed how long it takes to pour a perfect pint to meet anticipated demand.

Limited Edition: The René Experience

The Czech mascot, René, is a unique touch. This charming glass creature pays homage to renowned Czech artist René Roubíček, whose work graced the 1970 Osaka Expo.

Limited-edition René sculptures will be available for purchase, and a virtual reality treasure hunt across both the Czech Republic and Japan adds a playful element.

Beyond the Expo

The Czechs are planning for the pavilion’s future beyond Expo 2025. The prefabricated wooden structure allows for easy disassembly and relocation within the Czech Republic, though the final destination remains undecided.

A Memorable Expo Experience

With its focus on innovation, business opportunities, and cultural immersion, the Czech pavilion promises to be a highlight of Expo 2025. Visitors can expect a visually stunning structure, cutting-edge exhibits, delicious food, and a touch of Czech whimsy with the René experience. The Czechs are poised to make a lasting impression in Osaka.

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Former deputy Dominik Feri has been sentenced to three years in prison. The decision was confirmed by the Prague Municipal Court.

Feri, a former TOP 09 member, resigned from his parliamentary seat amidst the accusations but maintained his innocence. The case involves incidents reportedly occurring in Feri’s Žižkov apartment in 2016 and an attempted assault in 2018.

However, he rejected claims that he had committed rape, although conceded that his behaviour may have been “inappropriate” at times.

During the appeal process, Feri challenged the credibility of the girls who accused him of rape. He argued against the evidence presented, particularly regarding the presence of narcotics in a drink provided to one of the victims.

The victims, including a minor, accused Feri of various sexual acts without their consent.

The Prague 3 District Court ruled that Feri is to pay a total of CZK 510,000 to the victims, and another CZK 33,000 to cover the cost of psychotherapy for one of them.

Adéla Hořejší, representing the victims, emphasized the impact of the crimes on their lives and advocated for higher compensation.

She pointed to the psychological trauma Feri’s victims had endured and the impact of the assault and hearings on their private lives. She also mentioned that Feri had tried to dissuade two of the women from testifying.

According to Hořejší, Feri does not think of women as human beings, but uses them as objects for his sexual needs. She described his behavior as “predatory.”

 

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The Czech government is proposing a change that could make it simpler for skilled workers from certain developed countries to find employment in the Czech Republic.

According to a draft regulation, citizens from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States might not need work permits or employment cards starting in July.

This amendment to Czech employment law aims to attract highly qualified professionals and managers by granting them easier access to the job market. It would also reduce the administrative burden on businesses seeking to hire foreign talent.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, which prepared the draft, explained that these countries were chosen because they represent strong economies and because the Czech Republic has a history of successful collaboration with them.

However, the Ministry acknowledges that unlike the existing agreements with some of these countries, “reciprocal treatment” for Czech workers in those nations is not guaranteed.

While work permits are not currently required for some of these nationalities under existing agreements, the Ministry admits these agreements haven’t been widely used. They emphasize that citizens from these countries typically hold high-skilled positions and are not seeking illegal work or asylum.

Data from Czech employment offices in March 2024 supports this claim. Among registered foreign employees from the proposed list, over half possess university or doctoral degrees, and more than 80% hold skilled positions. This is significantly higher than the average foreign workforce in the Czech Republic.

While these seven countries represent only a small portion (1.1%) of the total foreign workforce in the Czech Republic, their numbers include 4,434 Britons, 2,505 Americans, and a combined total of over 2,000 individuals from the other listed nations.

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The renovation of Prague’s Máj department store on Národní třída Street is nearing its June completion date. 

Visitors will now have access to nine out of 11 floors, a significant increase from the previous six. This translates to a more spacious retail area of 17,000 square meters.

The revamped basement level will house a Tesco supermarket, while the first and second floors will be dedicated to restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, and shops offering flowers, accessories, clothing, and more.

Foodies will rejoice at the new food hall, boasting a whopping 750 seats and a diverse selection of quick bites and classic dishes from popular brands like Popeyes, Burger King, Banh-mi, Prima bašta, Misushi, Amerikanos, and others.

The upper floors will cater to entertainment with an amusement park and dedicated spaces for cultural and educational events.

Crowning the building will be a restaurant with a breathtaking panoramic view of Prague, accessible through the glass roof.

The entire project cost the investor a staggering CZK 4 billion.

Beyond the interior, the building’s facade will undergo a temporary transformation for one year. Two giant, mobile sculptures designed by renowned Czech artist David Černý will adorn the building’s exterior.

The two giant structures, standing several meters tall with a wingspan of around eight meters, merge the fuselages of Spitfire WWII aircrafts with the graceful wings of butterflies.

The art installation serves a dual purpose: celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Czech Republic’s accession to NATO and the 75th anniversary of the North Atlantic Alliance itself.

The sculptures had previously been criticized by the Czech National Heritage Institute (NPÚ), while the Club for Old Prague (Klub Za starou Prahu) called them kitsch. However, the butterflies were formally approved by Prague City Hall’s Department of Monument Care.

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* POLITICS:

Czechia will again propose restricting the movement of Russian diplomats in the Schengen area, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský (Pirates, Greens) said in response to the arrest of two Russian agents in Germany on suspicion of espionage and planning attacks. Czechia has already proposed restricting the movement of Russian agents in the EU in the autumn of 2023.

* ENVIRONMENT:

The use of solar energy in Czechia has skyrocketed in the last five years, the Czech News Agency said on Sunday. While just over 3,400 new solar power systems were installed in 2019, last year that figure had reached nearly 83,000. Investments in this type of technology are also growing considerably, amounting to almost CZK 45 billion last year; five years ago the figure was less than CZK 1 billion.

* WEATHER:

It should be mainly overcast in Czechia on Monday, with an average high temperature of 7 degrees Celsius. Warmer temperatures are expected later in the next week.

* SPORT:

A female co-driver was killed in a Rally Šumava race in the Plzeň area on Saturday. Navigator Alena Krejčíková died later in hospital after injuries sustained in the opening stage of the rally, a local police spokesperson told the Czech News agency.

* POLITICS:

Andrej Babis, the former Czech PM and leader of the opposition ANO party, announced on Instagram yesterday that he and his wife Monika have separated after roughly 30 years together, including seven years of marriage. They have two children together – daughter Vivien and son Frederik. Babis is married for the second time; his first wife was Beata Adamovicova.

The American investment group Northwood Investors is selling the Four Seasons Hotel Prague, located near the Charles Bridge.

According to Hospodarske Noviny, citing three independent sources, Northwood, which has owned the hotel since 2014, is closest to finalizing a deal with Renáta Kellnerová.

While the purchase will be a personal investment by Kellnerová through her recently formed superholding Amalar, it will remain separate from the PPF Group.

Market estimates place the Four Seasons at a price tag of approximately CZK 3.7 billion (EUR 150 million). Northwood acquired the property a decade ago for nearly 80 million euros from the Irish investment group Avestus.

This sale coincides with a surge in premium hotel offerings on the market, including the Imperial and Sanssouci spa hotels in Karlovy Vary and the Trade Union-owned Imperial Hotel in Prague.

Consultancy Cushman & Wakefield reports that nine hotels were sold in the Czech Republic last year, with most investments concentrated in Prague and originating from abroad.

The Czech hotel industry experienced a significant rebound in occupancy rates in 2023, approaching pre-pandemic levels.

Nationwide occupancy reached 71%, a 7% decrease compared to 2019. Room rates, however, climbed by 10% year-on-year.

In Prague specifically, the average nightly rate witnessed a 20% increase to an average of €110.

Amalar Holding, established by the Kellner family last autumn, encompasses all their investments, including PPF.

Renáta Kellnerová sits on the board alongside her daughters, Anna, Lara, and Maria.

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British newspaper The Guardian sheds light on a concerning trend in Prague: a significant increase in homelessness.

Their video documentary investigates the factors driving this issue in the Czech capital, which holds the dubious distinction of having the highest number of homeless people in Central and Eastern Europe.

The documentary follows Karel, a former sex worker turned homeless person, as he guides the reporter through the city. Together, they visit locations frequented by Prague’s homeless population, including Karlovo náměstí and Wenceslas Square. Karel shares his experiences and sheds light on the city’s history as a haven for sex tourism, which continues to impact lives.

The rising cost of living – with inflation pushing people into financial distress – and the ease with which someone can find themselves homeless are highlighted. The documentary explores the vital work of NGOs like Pragulic, which offers guided walks to help homeless individuals reconnect with the city.

However, it raises the crucial question: can such initiatives alone solve the crisis?

The reporter delves deeper, visiting the Naděje NGO and their day center near the main train station. Here, social workers grapple with limited capacity, forcing them to turn away those in need.

Furthermore, the issue has a gendered dimension. The Jako doma center caters specifically to homeless women, many of whom have experienced violence or sexual assault.

Rising rent prices, fueled by tourism, foreign investors, and the war in Ukraine, are identified as key factors contributing to homelessness, which one social worker describes as “the tip of the iceberg.”

The documentary concludes by featuring Místní místním, an organization that maps out resources available to the homeless. The reporter reflects on the “perfect storm” of problems facing Prague: a flawed housing strategy, a cost-of-living crisis, and the commitment to supporting Ukrainian refugees.

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Virtual School Australia is a leading platform dedicated to fostering global empathy and empowering individuals through education and innovative conferences.

The mission is to inspire positive change and create a more empathetic world, through the Global Empathy Conferences. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Virtual School Australia has been at the forefront of offering transformative Global Empathy Conferences annually.

Drawing from the success of past editions held in London, Adelaide, and Seoul, which attracted a diverse and enthusiastic global audience. The 6th
Global Empathy Conference is scheduled to take place at the esteemed Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

This prestigious event aims to bring together a diverse audience, including esteemed researchers, academics, writers, and classroom teachers from around the world. The theme of “Empathy in Action” underscores the conference’s mission to share invaluable insights, exemplary practices, and groundbreaking research in the field of empathy in action.

The 6th Global Empathy Conference at Charles University in Prague, which will be chaired by Dr Sharmila Roy, PhD, the Chair of the Educational Therapy certificate program at the University of California, Silicon Valley Extension, USA.

Conference Highlights:

Keynote Speakers: Renowned Professor Robin Banerjee will share his latest research findings on the social and emotional development of children and young people in educational settings. His insights will delve into the profound impact of empathy and kindness on fostering positive relationships, enhancing mental health, and promoting overall well-being within school communities. Additionally, Dr. Marcelo Staricoff, author of “The Joy of Not Knowing,” will explore the principles and philosophies that form the foundation of the Joy of Not Knowing approach to education. Dr. Staricoff will highlight how empathy can champion the cause for every individual, contributing to a more compassionate and inclusive educational landscape.

Global Perspectives: Local musicians will captivate the international audience, while speakers from diverse backgrounds will offer deep insights into empathy’s practical and business value. Attendees can expect to gain valuable models and strategies applicable
across various domains such as education, healthcare, business, and personal relationships.

International Collaboration: A notable collaboration between the University of California Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Department of Education and the Department of Education and Social Work at the University of Sussex will showcase the intersection of empathy across different cultural contexts. Students from two continents will share their experiences and insights, highlighting the universal relevance of empathy in shaping lives.

Participant Benefits: Registered attendees will receive

● An immersive experience featuring the GEC Programme,
● Free access to a plethora of Empathy in Action Resources,
● Special awards for participation and
● A certificate of Attendance
● The conference will culminate in a five-hour immersion in empathy practices facilitated by distinguished international speakers.

Date and Time: Saturday, May 4, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

For more information and registration details, please visit the website or this link