cafebabel.com

Obituary: Vaclav Havel, master of peace

('Annie Rutherford',) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:00:00 -0000

The dissident, thespian and president, who was a symbol of change in the 1989 velvet revolution in Czechoslovakia, died on 18 December at the age of 75 after a serious illness. Homage to a European master of peace, as a three-day mourning period officially begins on 21 December

Pan-Slavism, Slovio and Polish the 'status symbol'

('Francesca Reinhardt',) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:00:00 -0000

The Slavic languages all have their roots in Proto-Slavic. Since the twelfth century, however, they have drifted apart. One of them reached its zenith in the seventeenth century: Polish

Arab spring 2011 and Europe’s fall of communism in 1989

('Daniel Novotny',) — Tue, 24 May 2011 10:00:08 -0000

As the Maghreb goes through its transitions, a look at the lessons learned from central and eastern Europe. Opinion from Daniel Novotny, deputy director of the research centre at the association for international affairs in Prague

Easter Monday tradition in Czech Republic: beat women with twigs

('Annie Rutherford',) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:07:28 -0000

This custom, which is particularly popular in the countryside, has nothing to do with violence though. The men ring at neighbours' and relatives' houses and hit the women on the legs with woven twigs; according to tradition the vitality and the strength of the young willow twigs are meant to pass on to the person struck – but not all women are fans of the custom

Chomutov, Czech Republic: fighting prostitution with posters

('Kimberly',) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:00:00 -0000

Women wave in short dresses on posters at the main roads, created by Simona Kmonickova, who lives near the red-light district. Cross bones represent sexually transmitted diseases. The border to Sachsen isn’t far; most sex clients come from there, but despite the warning publicity, the problem has localised

Hungary's new media law no surprise for Europe

('Koen Colpaert - Brussels',) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:14:43 -0000

The 'media act' was passed on 21 December in Hungary and was implemented on 1 January 2011. It's not such a derogation in Europe, because the context of this law is nothing more than just another sign of an alarming trend in Europe

Polish vs Lithuanian language: is your surname 'bitch' or 'vulva'?

('Daiva Repe\xc4\x8dkait\xc4\x97',) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:50:56 -0000

Whilst the likes of The Economist alarmedly predict a major energy-security-everything conflict between Lithuania and Poland over spelling, many in both countries aren’t even aware that the issue has reached such diplomatic heights. In fact Poles in general might be unaware of it at all - language dispute of the week

Communism perspectives: 'discontinuous history of art in eastern Europe'

('Oliver',) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 14:00:00 -0000

3 October marked twenty years after the fall of the communist regime. One exhibition in Paris this summer asked the central question: is there any value in the question of 'east-west’ opposition today?

Claire Ruppli: ‘Erasmus generation have to create Europe now’

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:00:00 -0000

The lovemaking Swiss theatre actress is taking on a one-woman stage interpretation of a haunted figure in Prague on Parisian floorboards. She talks getting into theatre, Europe and passion

Women in politics or European calendar girls?

('English language version of cafebabel.com',) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:15:00 -0000

Between German chancellor Angela Merkel's cleavage-unleashing campaign tactics, Czech and Italian ministers posing for calendars and the Slovakian prime minister praising female arms, what is the defining priority for Europe's female politicians - being women, or being politicians?

German, Polish, Czech floods: who's to blame?

('eurotopics',) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:08:01 -0000

The Dutch, Czech and Polish media bemoan the lack of preventive measures and criticise the irresponsible behaviour of some politicians

Krystof Hadek: 'foreign characters played by English-speaking actors? Disappointing'

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:15:00 -0000

In the last month the 27-year-old Czech actor has picked up accolades at the Berlin film festival (one of the ten 'shooting stars' in Europe) and a Czech Lion for 'best actor'. We talk fame, acting genes and language in European cinema

‘University mafia’ cut corners in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany and France

('Jude Lister',) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0000

On 1 February, a new rector was allegedly appointed to the Alexander Dubcek university of Trencin in western Slovakia, after a spate of corruption scandals forced his predecessor to resign. Fake diplomas are nothing new, but these events multiplied across Europe in 2009, with Miss Worlds and prominent politicians standing accused: how can such a reality be explained?

Czech internet forums, KSCM: disillusionment and nostalgia for communist past

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:26:47 -0000

Two decades ago, the Czechs were clinking their keys to bring down the communist regime. Today, the communist party is winning some support back as some claim they they lived better under communism. Others allege that the same people hold power and that totalitarian practices persist. We scour three major Czech news website forums to weigh up the tone of the people

EU press talks of virginity and Benjamin Button as Lisbon treaty is ratified

('euro topics',) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:07:35 -0000

After months of blocking progress, Czech president Václav Klaus became the last head of state to sign on 3 November. The constitutional court in Brno had previously rejected claims brought against the legislative document by conservative senators. As the EU reform treaty can now come into effect, the Danish, Polish, Italian, Czech and Irish press react

Tories, Klaus and Kaczyński: EU 'three kings' vs Lisbon treaty

('euro topics',) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:55:20 -0000

The eurosceptic Pole Lech Kaczyński plans to sign the EU reform document in the next few days, Czech president Václav Klaus refuses and British conservative leader David Cameron again promises his country a referendum if he is elected prime minister in 2010 and the treaty has still not taken effect. The Irish, Czech, German and Hungarian press react

A counter-revolution is stirring in Czech bedrooms

('Aatish Pattni',) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:00:00 -0000

Young people today: worse off than their parents were? No chance! Today’s generation of parents in the Czech Republic can’t complain about their children when it comes to the topic of sexuality; it's the kids that are the conservative ones...

European theatre tips of the summer

('Helen Swain',) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:56:16 -0000

Sam Mendes subtitled in Greek, Oscar Wilde in the open air in Regent's Park and the British Shakespeare company with Czech director Jiri Menzel in a castle in Prague - the best music, dance and theatre doses in July and August

Czech Republic: 'we are leaving behind the eggs and going to vote'… for the right

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:08:51 -0000

The new generation of the Czech right-wing is waging its political war. Its weapons are eggs and Facebook contacts. Practices of suspect ideology. The result? A huge mishmash of ideas that mix anticommunism, liberalism and support for both Tibet and Israel. The maxim on the agenda: we do not revolt without eggs, and lots of them

What communism means to three central and eastern European women

('Kate Robinson',) — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:00:00 -0000

Twenty years since the fall of the Berlin wall, what does communism mean to Cecilia, 22, from Bulgaria, Katharina, 20, from Slovakia and Anna, 28, from the Czech Republic?

For Czech students, European travel is not a priority

('Sarah Truesdale',) — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Slap bang in the middle of the Czech Republic's six-month presidency of the EU, and not only does the state lack a little enthusiasm for European affairs, but Czech students too seem less willing to go and study in another European country

Czech Republic: EU equals protectionism equals communism?

('Lydia Bigos',) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:39:02 -0000

With different visions of the market, politics and the EU, this is a country which is torn between its new role as the centre of Europe and the rejection of any type of communism

Blue Card, Green Card: Czech Republic shows its true colours

('Andrew Christie',) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Since 1 February 2009, the EU’s first Green Card came into existence in the Czech Republic. This has pre-empted the European Union’s plans for a Blue Card

Prague: Barack Obama and the giant sleeping radar missile bid

('Catherine Neilan',) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:44:34 -0000

Some construed the president’s 5 April visit to Prague as a promising sign for the future US-Czech relationship. Barack Obama spent a full day - out of a total of eight - in his first visit to Europe since his inauguration on 20 January. Then-prime minster Mirek Topolanek hailed ‘the European speech of the year’ in advance; but others in the capital disagreed

Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia: domino game of governmental crash

('Astrid vW',) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:15:20 -0000

On 22 March, Hungary’s socialist prime minister, businessman Ferenc Gyurcsany, announced his resignation for 14 April. There is a huge amount of strategy beneath his move and it reveals a trend appearing in central and eastern Europe. Today, the Czech Republic establishes a new chapter

Vaclav Klaus versus 'totalitarian' Europe

('Alexandra Baxter',) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Following the Czech government’s approval of the Lisbon treaty, the Czech president lashes out at the EU and the European parliament. Latest titbit of news from Brussels

Lisbon treaty and recession Europe, give us a kiss

('Andrew Christie',) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

In these times of economic crisis Europe is able to laugh and is supposedly stronger for it. Even the Lisbon treaty gives a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. 2009 will be a decisive year

Turkey-EU: Cyprus, Sweden and elections in 2009

('Michelle Williams',) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:19:35 -0000

Between 19 - 20 January, Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan is in Brussels. 2009 could (once again) become a decisive year for relations between Turkey and the EU. Since the opening of negotiations began in 2005 only ten chapters have been opened

David Cerny: 'president Klaus is a d**k'

('Hanna Sankowska',) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0000

We met the politically engaged sculptor, 40, in 2007. Labelled by many as 'the scandal maker', he is back in 2009 to pinpoint the Czech presidency of the EU with his installation of national stereotypes at the European parliament, alleged to be a hoax

Czech Republic: from soviet satellite to EU presidency

('Mira Galanova',) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:07:11 -0000

On 1 January France passes the baton of the six-month rotating presidency to the east. Vaclav Klaus, the outspoken Czech president, is well known for his dislike of the EU, and considers the Czech presidency to be purely ornamental. Will attitude be the main problem in 2009?

German, Slovak media on Czech 'Lisbon treaty' yes

('euro topics',) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 13:13:55 -0000

On 27 November the constitutional court gave a green light to the Lisbon treaty. Judges in Brno rule that the treaty neither impinges on Czech sovereignty nor violates the country's constitution. Will president Václav Klaus sign the document? Press review

Photos: Prague Spring, forty years on

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:30:00 -0000

On 21 August Prague commemorated forty years of it’s famous democratic ‘spring’, which ended revolt in the capital this past century. The spontaneous protest caught the world by surprise, before it was reprimanded by the Soviet regime. Images

If Belgium became the new Czechoslovakia

('Roman Moravcik',) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:21:58 -0000

Are the Flemish and Walloons against a split like the Slovaks and Czechs were in 1992? Would it be down to politicians to decide a split? Economic repercussions, language problems and sports ratings – a Slovak perspective on how a country dissolves

Radar station for US anti-missile defence on Czech soil?

('Susannah Readett-Bayley',) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0000

But it hadn’t banked on such a large opposition from two thirds of the population and such an angry reaction from its future neighbours. A return to the cold war?

Drinking trademark Budweiser beer in Bohemia

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Czech beer came to the world’s attention again in April after a century-old dispute with the US over the naming rights to its Budweiser beer was settled in a Luxembourg court

Czech cinema in the 'Hollywood of the east'

('Ed Saunders',) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0000

Light comedies and export hits: Czech cinema rides on the wave of success. But in Prague young fresh filmmakers and independent cinemas push against the mainstream

Prague ‘Hyde Park’: dead speakers society

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0000

The Czech capital is banishing a young Brit’s project from the city centre after the first Speaker’s Corner in Europe outside of the UK became a hotspot for extremists

Czech smokers: pubs welcome Europe’s last indoor puffs

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0000

The smoking ban, in force in many of the 27 EU member states, may soon take hold in the Czech Republic. Prague’s anti-smoking lobby steps up its fight against the fog. Plus a smoking ban guide map in the EU

1968: a tour of Europe's revolts

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Spain, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Poland and Germany - spinning through Europe's uprisings during that infamous year of rebellion

Czech your beer craze

('Sarah Turpin',) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:09:00 -0000

Before you make your own brew at home, find out who were the first ancient consumers

Video cringe: Chavez, Brown, Rath

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Be it a Czech clip around the ear, a King telling a naughty Venezuelan socialist to zip it or a British prime minister playing it cool - we track Europe's chiefs losing it

The future’s a bitter pill to swallow in Prague

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:00:00 -0000

The audacious design of the new National Library in Prague unleashes intense debate

Czech and Polish missile shields as military targets?

Wed, 23 May 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Missile shields in Poland and the Czech Republic are military targets, according to Russia: if it cannot control its own airspace, Europe could become a global battleground

Czech homeless get on board

('Rebecca Caulfield',) — Tue, 15 May 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Prague has installed a new boat as a shelter for homeless people - the people left behind by modernisation within the country

Religion snoozes in Prague

('Andrew Burgess',) — Tue, 15 May 2007 12:00:00 -0000

The Czech Republic is renowned as being a predominantly atheist country. Prague is no exception to this rule, even if religious beliefs still make up the laws of the town

Prague's got a brand new bag

Tue, 15 May 2007 12:00:00 -0000

The Czech capital's tourism flow reached full capacity in 1999, having experienced its boom after the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1991. Some are unhappy at what they and their city has been left with

New wave in theatre

Tue, 15 May 2007 07:09:00 -0000

Free from the shackles of Communist oppression, Czech theatre has discovered its own identity, lying somewhere between pop culture and experimental drama. Presenting three portraits of this new generation

Eurosceptic: to be, or not to be

('Nabeelah Shabbir',) — Wed, 09 May 2007 00:00:00 -0000

An undercurrent of Euroscepticism circles the European Union. According to the Eurobarometer, only 54% of Europeans see the EU as something positive, whilst 34% consider it negative

Missiles in East Europe – for or against the EU?

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Plans to build US missile sites force Europeans to reconsider their position

Eastern ski resorts take centre piste

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 12:00:00 -0000

Longer hours of daylight, groomed slopes, cheap fares and a chance to explore über-foreign cuisine and culture. More and more are taking to Slovenian, Bulgarian, Czech and Bosnian slopes