The Czech government has approved a new drugs strategy to run until the end of 2025 that includes the introduction of a strictly regulated market in cannabis.
The exact rules of the action plan are set to be set by an expert group, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The Czech Republic is considered one of the most liberal countries regarding cannabis legislation.
Although its recreational use is still illegal, it decriminalized cannabis possession for personal use in 2010 and legalized medical cannabis in 2013.
In addition, the Czech Republic is one of the few European countries that cultivate hemp with a THC content of up to 1% for industrial purposes. In comparison, other EU member state legislations have set the limit to about 0.2%, although the European Union recently decided to increase the THC level from 0.2% to 0.3% for authorized hemp crops used for industrial purposes.
Hence, the regulation of the recreational market appears to be a natural path to follow for a country in which about 30% of the adults have tried cannabis, and 8% to 9% use it regularly, according to the Addiction Report released in August by the National Monitoring Center on Drugs and Addiction (NMS).
The national anti-drug coordinator Jindřich Vobořil said previously that fresh taxation of addictive substances and effective tax collection could generate up to CZK 15 billion for the state annually.
Young Czechs First In Europe For Cannabis Consumption
The availability of drugs in European Union countries remains high, and in some cases is higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic, according to this year’s report from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).
In the Czech Republic, 23 percent of people between 15 and 34 have tried marihuana at least once. Compared to the other 24 states in the European Union, the Czech Republic ranks first and is on par with the United States.
The EMCDDA estimates that around 30% of EU citizens aged 15 to 64 have tried at least one banned substance in their lifetime. The most commonly used substance is cannabis, which 79 million people have tried at least once in their lifetime. In the past year, 22 million people (7% of the EU population) have used cannabis at least once. Among young people aged 15 to 34, the figure was 15.5%.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms are also very popular among young people in the Czech Republic. Around 5% of people aged 15 to 34 have used them at least once in the past year.
The Czech Republic plans to provide Ukraine with new military aid in the amount of almost $35 million.
“The aid that we are planning together with the Chief of the General Staff, Karel Řehka, amounts to 600 to 700 million Czech crowns,” Jana Černochová said.
These are military materials that are still in Czech depots and are not needed by the Czech army.
“The army can really send them to Ukraine without harming its own defense capabilities,” Černochová noted.
This statement was made by the head of the Czech defense department following her meeting with President Petr Pavel.
It is reported that she handed him the list of aid that the Czech Republic has already sent to Ukraine.
Černochová emphasized that, together with the Chief of the General Staff, they always ensure that the material sent to Ukraine can be replaced with something.
The House of Commons of the Czech Republic also supported sending up to 15 employees of the Military Law and Order Service to Ukraine to assist in the investigation of war crimes in Ukraine.
Czech military police officers will provide support to the International Criminal Court team investigating crimes in Ukraine. They will work mainly in Ukraine and possibly in the Netherlands, but not around the clock.
The Czech group is expected to deploy several times a year, each time for four to six weeks. The mission should last until the end of 2024. This year’s costs are estimated at CZK 12.4 million, next year – at CZK 17.2 million.
The direction of the mission, proposed by the Czech government in March, was supported by the Senate, the upper house of the parliament.
On March 22, 2023, the first Caspian Energy Investment Forum, organized by the Caspian Energy Club and under the sponsorship and assistance of Financial Chain Corporation s.r.o. in Czech Republic, was held at the Hilton Prague.
The event was attended by around 150 delegates from various industries and sectors.
This forum, which received official support from the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Czech Republic, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Azerbaijan, the Embassy of Turkey in the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Energy in Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Czech Republic, CzechTrade, CzechInvest, AzPromo, and KOBIA, was aimed at promoting investment opportunities in Europe and the Middle East.
The forum was seen as a success, with delegates exchanging business ideas and exploring new investment opportunities. Furthermore, the event was highlighted by the participation of high-level government officials from participating countries, who shared their insights on how to further strengthen economic collaboration and investment in the region.
The purpose of the forum was to let the participants from Turkic countries and Czechia study possibilities for companies and organizations intending to invest and run businesses in Czechia, as well as evaluate investment opportunities for companies from Czechia in Azerbaijan, overview the business climate and advantages based on the surveys of the companies from the EU, provide the possibility of meeting and communicating with the representatives of state bodies and potential partners, etc.
The Caspian Energy Club has announced that this forum will become an annual event, with the next forum planned for April 2024.
“We are delighted with the success of the first Caspian Energy Investment Forum 2023, and we would like to extend our gratitude to all our partners, sponsors, and participants who helped us make this event possible,” said Zaur Gadirov the Managing Partner of Financial Chain Corporation and the Chairman of the Caspian Energy Club Czech Republic. “We hope that this forum will serve as a platform to bring together diverse groups and forge new partnerships, opening up new economic opportunities for both countries.”
The Caspian Energy Club Czechia is pleased to announce the continuation of CEO breakfasts every month starting January 2023. The breakfasts will allow CEOs to network and discuss important topics affecting the business industry in Czechia and abroad.
In addition to the CEO Breakfasts, the Caspian Energy Club is also planning to hold CEO Meet-ups with government representatives and business tours. The business tours will allow participants to learn about the business environment in different regions, while the CEO meet-ups will provide a platform for dialogue between industry leaders and government officials.
The Caspian Energy Club’s next business tour is planned for Olomouc in June 2023. Olomouc is a city in the Czech Republic that is known for its rich history and thriving business community. Participants will have the opportunity to visit local businesses and meet with industry leaders, as well as learn about the city’s energy sector.
“We are excited to announce these new initiatives, which we believe will strengthen the Caspian Energy Club’s position as a leading industry association in the region,” said Mr. Zaur Gadirov, CEO of the Caspian Energy Club Czechia. “We look forward to bringing together CEOs, government officials, and other stakeholders for productive discussions and networking opportunities.”
For more information about the Caspian Energy Investment Forum 2023, visit the Caspian Energy Club website or contact the event organizers directly.
Time Out, the publisher of global city guides, polled 20,000 people in 50 cities to find out how they feel about their local mass transit systems.
To help you escape being stuck in cities with hellish public transport, Time Out has found the top 19 cities around the world with the best public transport with a little help from the locals.
The list was topped by the reliable, safe and comfortable public transport in Berlin.
97 percent of Berliners raved about their city’s transport network, with their metro U-Bahn offering travellers 175 stations across nine simple-to-navigate lines. The city also offers the S-Bahn, an urban-suburban rail system that links the suburbs to the heart of the city.
Second place was earned by Prague, with 96 percent of locals saying their city was easy to get around by public transport.
Tokyo was crowned third, and if you’ve seen any of the viral videos showing just how many locals use public transport in the city, you’ll probably agree that Japan’s capital deserves the nod. Not only is it brilliantly maintained and easy to navigate, but it has become increasingly easy to use for non-Japanese speakers, too.
Stockholm, in seventh place, was one of the cities praised for its beautiful subway stations. Many of its Tunnelbana stations feature colorful and dramatic designs, earning it the nickname “the world’s longest art exhibit.”
Here are the top 19 cities with the best public transport in the world:
1. Berlin, Germany
2. Prague, Czech Republic
3. Tokyo, Japan
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
5. Stockholm, Sweden
6. Singapore
7. Hong Kong
8. Taipei, Taiwan
9. Shanghai, China
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands
11. London, UK
12. Madrid, Spain
13. Edinburgh, UK
14. Paris, France
15. New York City, US
16. Montreal, Canada
17. Chicago, US
18. Beijing, China
19. Mumbai, India
- The Czech Statistical Office has reported that Prague’s population has grown by over 10,000, with a natural increase of 296 residents. However, the growth was mainly due to migration, with over 41,000 people moving to the city. The number of births is decreasing, but Prague remains the only region in Czechia where the birth rate exceeds the death rate.
- President Petr Pavel is set to represent Czechia at the coronation of the UK’s King Charles III in London in May, his spokesperson said on Wednesday. In an unusual move the head of state and his wife Eva Pavlová are due to fly to the British capital on a regular commercial flight with a small entourage.
- Just over 325,000 Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection status were present in Czechia at the start of this month. The number includes Ukrainians who have extended previously granted visas and those who have applied for the first time this year.
- Czechia is planning to provide between CZK 600 million and CZK 700 million in military aid to Ukraine, the country’s defence minister, Jana Černochová, said after a meeting with President Petr Pavel on Wednesday.
- Finland’s accession into NATO is a historic step for the security of Europe, said Czech PM Petr Fiala (ODS) yesterday. Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky (Pirates) added that the Russian aggression in Ukraine has shown Finland that neutrality will not ensure its security, and that the newest NATO member will be a strong ally.
Václav Havel Airport Prague celebrates its 86th birthday with a special program for the public.
Its rich history, which includes hundreds of thousands of landings, tens of millions of handled passengers, and historical twists and turns, will be reminisced through an interactive exhibition, special airport tours, and podcasts with period witnesses and the current chairman of the board, Jiří Pos.
The first plane landed at the airport in Prague-Ruzyně on 5 April 1937. It was a domestic flight on the Piešťany – Zlín – Brno – Prague route.
Since then, the airport, which has borne the name of former President Václav Havel since 2012, has experienced many ups and, more recently, downs: its great rise during the First Republic era, German occupation, the planned communist economy, the huge development after the Velvet Revolution, and the critical pandemic years of 2020 and 2021.
Last year, a special www.letisteslavi85.cz website was launched. Visitors can find videos there with period witnesses talking about the history of the airport.
They recall their strongest experiences and guide us with their stories through the entire history of the airport from the launch of its operations to the present day.
These videos are complemented by a series of special podcasts with former employees, and even a pilot and a co-pilot.
The viewers will find the history, current operations, and future development plans of the airport in one place.
On the day of the anniversary, passengers will also have the opportunity to take advantage of discounted airport services, such as airport lounge visits, a consumption from Runway Restaurant, and purchases made at the airport gift shop.
Already the sixth edition of Metronome Prague, where a number of world stars will shine, takes place on 22-25 June 2023 and promises unforgettable music experiences.
Thanks to its top-notch line-up, location in the centre of Prague and the fact that it is happening at the most beautiful time of the year, Metronome Prague is one of the most popular metropolitan festivals in Europe.
This year’s programme features an impressive line-up of internationally renowned artists including JAMIROQUAI, M83, ZAZ, AURORA, MODERAT, TOVE LO, EDITORS, WHITE LIES, JANA KIRSCHNER and many more.
Over 40 international and local music acts will perform on a total of 8 large stages during four days. In such a rich mix of musical genres, every visitor, regardless of age, will find what they like.
“With Metronome Prague we have set ourselves two main goals. To invite visitors to Prague for a unique music experience that they will enjoy in high comfort. And we have certainly fulfilled both of them. This year’s event consists of over 80 international and domestic acts and the established venue in the city centre offers plenty of comfort and a whole range of other services. From a rich gastronomic offer to chillout zones and Wi-Fi to sanitary facilities. In addition, we can also arrange accommodation in Prague for our visitors, which we offer in a special package together with tickets on metronome.cz”, one of the promoters D. Gaydečka told us.
In addition to a quality music programme, Metronome Prague will also impress with its visitor comfort.
There are rest and relaxation zones, high-capacity Wi-Fi, a wide range of food and beverages – lovers of Czech and international cuisine, vegetarians, vegans, beer drinkers, wine drinkers and coffee drinkers will all find something to enjoy – and of course modern sanitary facilities. For those who want to enjoy the event in absolute comfort, there is a VIP zone.
Tickets for Metronome Prague 2023 can be obtained easily on the official website www.metronome.cz, where you can choose both the type of tickets and the method of payment.
Three out of every four Czechs are dissatisfied with the food choices at supermarkets.
Their discontent is primarily focused on the product’s quality, expensive prices, or a lack of supply on the shelves.
Two-thirds of Czechs are ready to spend up to 50% more for higher-quality goods.
According to an Ipsos for Meriton study, half of the Czechs polled were surprised that the food quality in supermarkets did not match the high price. A quarter of them complained about a dearth of higher-quality food, and one in every six wished for a more diverse variety of healthy foods.
87 percent of Czechs are more concerned about food quality than they were five years ago. As a result, artisanal goods and locally produced vegetables are becoming increasingly popular.
Almost 70% of individuals think about the provenance of their food imports. When it comes to higher-quality and healthier meals, they prioritize composition (60%), price (45%), and nation of origin (41%).
Czechs also read the ingredients of the food they buy in most cases. Only one-third of respondents were not interested in them.
Seven out of ten respondents are willing to reach deeper into their wallets for higher-quality food; two-thirds would even pay up to fifty percent more. Five percent would even pay double.
The US company Westinghouse will supply both Czech nuclear plants with fuel, so the country can quit importing Russian nuclear fuel until the end of 2023.
The Czech nuclear plant in Dukovany has used fuel from the Russian company TVEL, which is part of the Russian state holding Rosatom since the plant began operation almost 40 years ago.
However, after the outbreak of war in Ukraine, Czech energy company ČEZ which operates the nuclear plant decided to replace the supplier for safety reasons.
“Securing a Western supplier of fuel assemblies for Dukovany is a significant step not only for the Czech power industry but also for the entire Czech Republic. It is another significant strengthening of energy security,” said Daniel Beneš, the CEO of ČEZ Group.
Czechia is not the only nuclear country that wants to replace Russian nuclear fuels, which are not subject to EU sanctions.
Meanwhile, Slovakia’s largest electricity producer, Slovenské elektrárne (SE), is also selecting a new supplier of nuclear fuel.
“We clearly need to have enough fuel from safe sources, which is why we are trying to move away from the Russian source as quickly as possible,” Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger said after his meeting with Czech counterpart Petr Fiala on Monday.
So far, there were rumours that there is no alternative to replace the Russian fuel for the Dukovany-type reactors.
However, according to ČEZ, Westinghouse has recently accelerated its development and can now supply fuel to the plant.
The fuel will be produced by Westinghouse’s plant in Sweden. It will use a similar fuel type to that developed for nuclear power plants in Ukraine. However, it will differ in some technical details.
Westinghouse and the French company Framatome will also supply nuclear fuel to the Temelín plant from next year. It means that both Czech plants will get rid of the Russian fuel imports till the end of the year.
- The US company Westinghouse will supply both Czech nuclear plants with fuel, so the country can quit importing Russian nuclear fuel until the end of 2023.
- The price of eggs in Czechia increased the most of any EU country in February, the German statistical office reported on Tuesday. Year-on-year, egg pricess rose by 95.1 percent, while the EU average was 31.1 percent. The price of eggs in Czechia was also the highest in the EU in January.
- Renáta Kellnerová, widow of the late billionaire Petr Kellner, who died in a plane crash in the US two years ago, is the wealthiest Czech and 101st wealthiest person in the world, according to an annual rich list published by Forbes on Tuesday. The market value of her assets is estimated at CZK 355.9 billion.
- The natural environment in the Czech Republic remains one of the worst in the European Union, with the country ranking 22nd out of 27 EU members according to the annual Index of prosperity and financial health, released today.
- The best-selling American writer Robert Fulghum is among the high-profile guests set to attend the upcoming 28th edition of the annual Book World Prague, the organizers announced on Tuesday. Also set to attend is the Russian novelist Vladimir Sorokin.
The Czech Republic has announced some new rules regarding housing and free health insurance for Ukrainian refugees, which changes came into force on April 1 of this year.
As reported by VisitUkraine.today (Ukrainian information portal for help), such a move came due to changes in the law on refugees from Ukraine, “Lex Ukraina V”, signed by the Czech president.
The updated rules for free accommodation include the point that the maximum duration for free accommodation for Ukrainians is 150 days, starting from the date of receiving temporary protection. At the same time, the period of free accommodation before the entry into force of Lex Ukraine V should also be taken into account.
Based on these new rules, Ukrainian citizens will lose their right to free housing if they refuse to live in the apartment or leave it without a good reason. This means that the person has exhausted the maximum term.
In addition, if the 150-day period has already been exhausted before the entry into force of Lex Ukraina V or within 90 days thereafter, then there remains a protection period of 90 days from the date of entry into force of Lex Ukraina V.
As a result, Ukrainian refugees even after 150 days will be able to stay for another 90 days without payment, which will give them some time to find another place to live.
On the other hand, after 150 days of stay in the Czech Republic, the state will no longer automatically pay health insurance for Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 64. The state will continue to pay for such insurance only in cases where a person’s serious health condition prevents them from working.
This includes those people who are bedridden, women with dangerous pregnancies and people with terminal cancer who need palliative care.
In December last year, the authorities of the Czech Republic decided to extend the period of validity of the temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees until March 31 of this year.
In this regard, the Ministry of Labor of the Czech Republic also announced that the country has decided to reduce the amount of financial aid that Ukrainian refugees receive in the country, where the refugees’ income will be taken into account when calculating the aid. The same emphasised that the first payment will not be automatic.
According to the Ministry, the amount of financial assistance for Ukrainians will be a smaller amount for displaced persons instead of 5,000 crowns, which means they will receive 4,860 crowns for adults and 3,490 crowns for children.
U Pinkasů is an excellent beer garden and pub in Prague to mix with locals while tasting Pilsner Urquell on the tap.
This pub is highly recommended because of its authentic Czech food and the fair prices. Be sure to try pickled cheese, nakladany hermelin, and wash it down with Pilsner on the tap.
How it All Began
When Mr. Pinkas came back from a visit to Pilsen where he tasted a new type of beer, he wanted his friends in Prague to have a similar experience.
Hops from Zatec and bottom fermentation made this beer stand out. This new beer was such a success that in 1843 Mr. Pinkas wanted all people in Prague to enjoy Pilsner Urquell and he decided to open a pub; U Pinkasů.
Beer Garden or Restaurant?
U Pinkasů is both a beer garden and a restaurant. In summer tables spill out on to an outdoor area. This attractive, hidden garden is overlooked by the Gothic Church of Our Lady of the Snow.
Downstairs is a traditional-style Czech pub with wooden tables. As this is a popular pub, it is often crowded and sharing a table is very common.
If you want a meal, you go upstairs to the wooden-paneled restaurant. Try goulash with bread dumplings or even better pork knee with mustard and horseradish sauce. Be sure to leave some space for the dessert – apple fritters with caramel sauce are too good to be ignored.
How will this year’s anniversary be celebrated? The restaurant’s selected staff has already brewed its own special under the expert supervision of brewers in Pilsen, which will be slightly stronger than the traditional Pilsner Urquell, while Pilsner brewers led by Václav Berka will prepare the famous Pinkas sausages.
From 4 April until the end of June, the Pinkas’ will display historic beer glassware that has been used here from the end of the Second World War to the present day.
The 13th edition of the prestigious „Pinkas’ Nightmare“ – a 45–step run from the U Pinkasů basement holding 10 half–litre glasses full of beer. The race will start at 4:00 p.m. And the reason for this race?
Jakub Pinkas was originally a tailor so he wasn’t tied down by any of the gastronomic stereotypes of that time, such as serving beer by pouring from larger pitchers on the table. So that’s why Pinkas, since the beginning, served beer directly in half–litre glasses which he would fill from the barrels in the basement and bring out to the guests.
That required endlessly running upstairs and downstairs, which at U Pinkasů lasted for many years and became a “nightmare” of the staff because by the end of their shift, they were exhausted.
The celebration will also include the presentation of a special beer pint from the prestigious Rückl glassworks, which is prepared as a unique gift for the most loyal regulars of the establishment.