Radio Prague International - latest articles

A visit to Letohrad exposed an embarrassing gap in my knowledge: the town had changed its name not once but twice in the years after the Second World War. It also brought me back to a question that has resurfaced at the highest political level: Czechia or the Czech Republic? 

The Jewish Museum in Prague is marking its 120th anniversary with a new exhibition at the National Museum, which opened to the public on Friday. It showcases rare objects from its collections, including religious objects, textiles and manuscripts, many of which have never been on public display before. 

Czechia's refusal to participate in European loan guarantees for Ukraine could seriously damage its own national interests, according to Czech Radio's European affairs analyst Viktor Daněk. He warns that the policy could weaken Czechia's influence in Brussels, hurt its defence industry and squander the goodwill earned through its earlier support for Kyiv. 

The public initiative Okno svobody (Window of Freedom), organised by the Kutná Hora-based community association Kutnopolis and the NGO Milion chvilek pro demokracii (Million Moments for Democracy), offers one way to take part in the November 17 commemorations marking the events of 1989.

Czechia is not taking part in an international military exercise in Poland aimed at preparing for possible peacekeeping in Ukraine after the war. While the PM says the government didn’t even discuss participation, the president says the Czech Republic ought to be there.

A year after Czechia introduced regulated kratom sales, the government wants to tighten the rules. Its plans include a higher purchase age, an online sales ban and new taxation. Addiction specialist Viktor Mravčík says the existing system has helped grow the legal market, but warns that restricting it could benefit illegal sellers. Speaking to Radio Prague International, he explains why he questio...

Kizomba is a partner dance originating in the central African nation Angola. Balumuka Events organized a Kizomba Festival in Prague on the first weekend of November this year, and brought together dancers, designers and artists from across Europe. 

A new exhibition dedicated to František Křižík, one of the pioneers of electrical engineering in the Czech lands, has opened at the National Technical Museum in Prague. Entitled František Křižík: A Knight of Electrical Engineering , it explores the life and achievements of the famous inventor.

Czechia’s annual trade show for cannabis, Cannafest, took place on the first weekend of November at the PVA exposition center in Letňany, Prague. With none other than the first lady of the Czech Republic, Eva Pavlová, as patron, the exhibition brought together experts from law to medicine, and enthusiasts alike, to enjoy goodies from vendors, live music and public debates regarding cannabis.

Czech fighter pilot Aleš Svoboda is preparing for a mission to the International Space Station, marking an important step for Czech participation in European space exploration. Belgian astronaut Frank De Winne, a former head of the European Astronaut Centre, was directly involved in his selection. He told Czech Radio science reporter Martin Srb why he believes Svoboda possesses the qualities neede...

Comments the Czech minister of foreign affairs made about women’s ice hockey prompted a strong backlash, including from Czech players in the NHL. Petr Macinka has now apologised, saying he regretted his “very inappropriate” language.

A new exhibition at the Prague City Gallery's Municipal Library venue looks back at the life and work of Jaroslav Čermák, a Czech painter who enjoyed considerable success across Europe in the 19th century but gradually faded from public memory.

Lurdes Gloria Manuel, who this year became indoor world champion in the 400 metres, has been named Czech Athlete of the Year for 2026. At 21, the sprinter is the youngest recipient of the award in the history of independent Czechia.

On Monday, former US astronaut Andrew “Drew” Feustel was a special guest at Prague’s Planetarium as part of Czech Space Week. Feustel, whose wife Indira Feustel has Czech roots, famously took a Krtek (Little Mole) toy with him on two space flights, and enjoys close ties with this country. Both Drew and Indira Feustel were interviewed live on stage at the Planetarium in Prague by Czech Radio host L...

A new exhibition currently underway in Prague explores the story of Equilibrium, the iconic sculpture that stood beside the Barrandov Bridge for almost four decades before collapsing last summer. It also looks at plans to bring the sculpture back. 

Czechia has received a collection of historical books and publications from Czech and Slovak emigrant communities in the United States. The collection was officially handed over at a ceremony at Černín Palace in Prague on Tuesday.

More people in Czechia are turning to artificial intelligence for health advice, including mental health support. While chatbots can help explain medical information and give basic advice on minor ailments, doctors warn that relying on them for diagnoses or treatment decisions can be dangerous. A new guide aims to help patients use the technology safely.

Czech astronaut Aleš Svoboda could be heading to the International Space Station as early as next year. The national Czech Journey to Space project has now unveiled a selection of objects he may take with him, reflecting the country's history, culture, ingenuity and everyday life.

The international media have dubbed Ondřej Surý “the man who saved the internet” and “the unsung hero of the internet”. After serious flaws were recently discovered in PHP, a code used in most websites, the Czech – an expert in the field – managed to create a patch for the problem before attackers got a chance to do potentially enormous damage. I asked Surý what the specific risk to website operat...

There has been a broadly critical response in Europe to a decision by a top sports court to overturn a ban on Russia in international ice hockey competitions. Here in Czechia, ex-player Dominik Hašek has demanded legislation to block events featuring Russians – and come out strongly against states withdrawing from hosting international championships over the situation.

The Czech government is due to discuss a new military development strategy looking ahead to 2040, which identifies Russia as a major security threat and calls for substantial improvements in the country's defence capabilities. But former chief of the Czech general staff Jiří Šedivý (now CEVRO University) warns that planned funding will not be sufficient to meet those ambitions. Speaking to Czech R...

With aggression among children and teenagers on the rise, Czech schools are stepping up their readiness for crisis situations. Experts say recognising warning signs early and knowing how to respond can help prevent violence and save lives.

Among the recipients of state awards on Wednesday’s Czechoslovak Independence Day was Kumar Vishwanathan, an Indian-born social worker who has devoted decades of his life to helping Czechia’s Roma community. Vishwanathan quit a teaching job to work with Roma who lost their homes in flooding in Ostrava in 1997 and eventually helped set up the city’s Coexistence Village , which he still heads.

For the first time in the term of the current Czech government, an MP has left the party for which they were elected. David Pražák says he quit the ANO benches for a variety of reasons. In any case, the coalition retains a comfortable majority.

Next Monday will see the opening of the 15th live charity auction organised by Cesta domů , a leading Czech non-profit organisation. Cesta domů plays a vital role in ensuring that professional care for people at the end of life and their loved ones remains accessible and affordable in the comfort of their own homes. Held once a year, the event combines a charity auction with direct support for tho...