The distinctive Roma music genre halgató, known for its slow, mournful songs, could soon be added to Czechia‘s list of intangible cultural heritage. Both musicians and academics are seeking official recognition for the genre, which they describe as an important part of Roma identity passed down through generations.

The Czech Republic has sent a record number of athletes to the Winter Olympics in Milan and the country has a good track record of participation in winter Olympic sports. To find the very first Czech medal from the Winter Games, we would have to go back to St. Moritz in 1928, when Czech-German Rudolf Burkert won the bronze in ski jumping.

One of the three most prestigious film festivals in the world, the Berlinale , opens this Thursday in Berlin. Among the Czech films presented this year is Věra Chytilová’s 1979 satirical film PanelStory , or How a Housing Development Is Born.

The ceremonial outfits prepared for Czech athletes for the Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina, featuring shorts and brightly coloured sweaters, faced criticism at home ahead of the Games. But at the opening ceremony last Friday, they drew attention as well as international praise.

Czechia has scored 59 points in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index, equalling its best result to date but still lagging behind the EU average. According to Transparency International analyst Marek Chromý, the country has made clear progress since the 1990s, yet remains stuck in the middle of Europe’s corruption rankings.

Have you heard of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church? What inspires someone to become a priest? Why are pastors prone to burnout? And can a priest dance on live television? Radio Prague International spoke with Martina Viktorie Voborníková Kopecká, a priest of the Hussite Church who is also a family therapist, author, blogger, and radio host. In a country where much of the population identifies as irreligious, she is a remarkably well-known public figure.

The Winter Olympics have only just begun, but Sunday already brought two major moments for Czech sport. Snowboarder Zuzana Maděrová won gold in the women’s parallel giant slalom. Just hours later, speed skater Metoděj Jílek added silver in the 5,000 metres, marking the biggest success so far for both athletes.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) has announced that his government is seriously considering banning social media for children under the age of 15, following the example of France. While flash polls suggest that most parents would approve, many experts are dubious regarding the wisdom of an outright ban.

The Liberec native has spent the past few seasons edging closer to the very top of women’s parallel snowboarding. Strong World Cup performances were interrupted by injury, but resilience and patience proved decisive. Her Olympic triumph now confirms her place among the elite of the discipline.

The Czech Society for Ornithology has named the Eurasian blackcap (pěnice černohlavá) as the Bird of the Year for 2026. The small songbird, known for its beautiful voice, is still very common in Czechia, but in the Mediterranean it faces extensive hunting. Radio Prague discussed the species with ornithologist Petr Voříšek.