9/4/2025 - Nice Ladies
Language: Russian, Ukrainian
Subtitles: English

Debate

Alina Kokhanko, Founder of the Ukrainian Voices Refugee Committee

Olena Chyzhova, Volunteer, Cultural Mediator, IOM (2022-2024)

Lyubov Smachylo, Head of the Analytical Department, Media Initiative for Human Rights

Moderated by: Danielle Piatkiewicz, Research Fellow, EUROPEUM; Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Alliance of Democracies

10/4 - Black Snow
Language: Mongolian, Russian
Subtitles: English


Debate

Ulla Hakanen, Deputy Head of EEAS Russia Unit

Nadiia Ivanova, Director, Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, People in Need

Moderated by: Nora Wehofsits, International Advocacy Officer, Human Rights House Foundation


11/4 - CLOSING CEREMONY - Screening of the winning film chosen by the jury

Debate

Best Film: No Other Land
Special Mention: Wings of Dust






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One World in Brussels 2025

“The next era is not about what Europe is saying, but what Europe is doing.”That powerful message from Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the EU Vladimir Bärtl set the tone for yesterday’s inspiring discussion.

Panelists:

H. E. Mr David Konecký, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to NATO

H. E. Mr Vladimír Bärtl, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the EU

Jiří Šedivý, Director of European Defense Agency

Rikard Jozwiak, Europe Editor for RFE/RL in Prague, focusing on coverage of the European Union and NATO

Moderator:

Jan Macháček, President of the Strategeo Institute

Discussion Topics: 

•	State of NATO and challenges for NATO. How to increase defense spending. How vulnerable is the eastern flank of NATO?
•	Cooperation of Europe and US as far as potential armistice or peace agreement in Ukraine is concerned. Will Ukraine get security guarantees? Who will provide them?
•	Trade and business relationship. Welcome to the world of new protectionism, trade wars and tariffs.
•	Do we still share the same values on both sides of the Atlantic? Are we still allies or just partici-pants in some business transactions?    


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Debate: Atlantic Relations In Crises

Camera Car, Revolutionising Parking Zone Monitoring in Prague.
In 2022, Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, introduced an AI-driven technology to enhance parking zone monitoring. The initiative, led by the city's fully owned company TSK, aimed to replace the existing service with smart, camera-equipped cars for more efficient monitoring of parking and road conditions. The project was awarded to Iterait, a start-up that developed advanced AI technology capable of license plate recognition, identifying parking violations, and assessing road conditions such as damaged traffic signs, markings, and surfaces.

The project followed a thorough needs analysis and market consultation, involving both Czech and international partners to maximize data usage. Seven applicants participated in the qualification phase, with four suppliers undergoing real-world testing. A unique, state-supervised lottery determined the evaluation of monitoring routes, ensuring fairness and setting a precedent for transparency in public procurement. Evaluation criteria included quality (60%), price (30%), and innovation (10%).



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TSK won first place in the EU award for innovative approach to public procurement

The discussion focused on two key topics:

Future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028+
The Permanent Representative presented three main pillars of the upcoming framework – national plans, a competitiveness fund, and the Global EU Fund. The delegation emphasized the need to maintain strong cohesion policy, enforce a genuine partnership approach, support cross-border cooperation, and significantly simplify project implementation.

EU Security Strategies
The meeting also addressed the new ProtectEU strategy and the EU Preparedness Union Strategy, both recently introduced by the European Commission. These initiatives aim to strengthen the EU’s resilience to future crises, including natural disasters, cyber threats, and geopolitical shocks.

We thank our colleagues from the Permanent Representation for their hospitality and the open and constructive exchange of views.


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Plenary session of the European Committee of the Regions

The exhibition presents the conflict between the industrial world and natural environment, reflecting their intermingling, dialogues, and symbioses. On one side stands the industrial heritage, symbolized by heavy materials, such as (sheet) metal and technical constructions which shaped our landscape and society at the end of the 19th century. It is the spirit of the Pragovka Factory site and places alike having witnessed the transformation of the industrial era: from the excitement of progress in the early 20th century to the current skepticism about the gentrification of places with such a genius loci and the transformation of factories into new functional units.

This historical movement shows how humanity has attempted to separate itself from nature while still being a part of it. On the other hand, it perceives nature—land, soil and natural materials—as a fundamental element of human existence which is often overlooked in favor of technological progress. Throughout the project, this apparent contrast becomes the starting point of questioning our relationship with our surroundings and our place in the ecosystem.

The exhibition features two different artistic approaches. Some of them focus directly on the former genius loci of Pragovka. They explore the memory of the place through plaster, imprints, and layers of dust which become a testimony to the past and a trace of time. Others use materials associated with craftsmanship and sculpture, but with a slight irony and humor, they reflect on disturbed natural systems which have been deformed and destroyed by men which is why they must search for stability and meaning in them again. Other authors focus on the industrial past of former Pragovka. They analyze the factory history and its transformation into a post-industrial space bearing traces of past lives, work, and collective memory. Through these different positions, the exhibition explores the traces left by human activity and how nature and the industrial landscape constantly shape our perception of space and time. The title “Between the Dust and Whispers of Leaves” refers to this dual nature of the place and its transformations. Dust symbolizes the past of Pragovka as an industrial building, but also the concrete physical matter that some artists work with directly, such as prints and dust as carriers of memory and time. The whispers of leaves evoke the transience and loss of nature itself, of natural sounds in the urban environment. This subtle, almost forgotten sound of leaves becomes a symbol of the natural world gradually disappearing under the onslaught of gentrification and urbanization. Just as the old factory dust is a silent witness to past eras, the whisper of falling leaves reminds us that natural rhythms and sounds are still present, though often overlooked or suppressed.

The exhibition offers a space not only to reflect on the relationship between man, machine, and nature, but also on our responsibility towards the environment. This conflict resonates in the title of the exhibition, capturing the atmosphere of the old factory that no longer serves its original purpose, and nature, which still listens quietly and is patient. All these changes are the years and centuries when the leaves fall and the environment changes.

The exhibition thus becomes not only a visual experience, but also a challenge to our values and thoughts on sustainability and shared responsibility for the world we shape together.

The exhibition will run until May 6, 2025. 
Book your visit at praguehouse@praha.eu

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Exhibition Opening: "Between Dust and Whispering Leaves"

"Between the Dust and Whispers of Leaves"

In addition to the Prague Mayor, the delegation also included the Prague City Councilor for Infrastructure Michal Hroza, who actively participated in the negotiations with CEDEC representatives in Brussels and, together with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of THMP Tomáš Jílek, presented the ambitions of the capital city and the specific benefits that THMP membership can bring to the organization and other members. CEDEC represents more than 1,500 municipal and regional companies in 12 European countries, which together serve over 85 million customers.

“We see CEDEC as a strategic platform for the development of Prague in key segments of energy efficiency. This cooperation will open up new opportunities for Prague in the field of European projects and technological innovations. Energy, digitalization and smart infrastructure are key topics today and Prague wants to play an active role in this regard,” said the Prague City Councilor for Infrastructure Michal Hroza.

The program also included a working meeting with the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom of Belgium, Jakub Skalník, during which Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda spoke about the current European priorities of the capital and the possibilities of their reflection in European politics.

“We want Prague to be perceived as a self-confident European metropolis that actively contributes to the formation of policies in areas such as climate neutrality, digital transformation and circular economy. Building direct links to European institutions is a natural part of this ambition,” said Mayor of the City of Prague Bohuslav Svoboda.

The Mayor also praised the strength of Czech regional representations to the EU during a visit to the European Office of the Pilsen Region in Brussels: "It is gratifying to see how actively and coordinated the Czech regional houses in Brussels are operating, which overall strengthens the position of the Czech Republic in the European space. Within the Prague House this year, we are focusing on strengthening cooperation in the areas of digitalization of public administration, sustainable urban transport and accessible housing. These priorities of Prague are also closely linked to the EU agenda for the period 2024–2029," added Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda.

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Prague strengthens European partnerships, the city company joined the prestigious association

Prague strengthens European partnerships

“The meeting with Roberta Metsola, of course, concerned the situation in the European Union, especially in terms of both Russian aggression against Ukraine and the current position of the United States of America and President Donald Trump. We discussed how the European Parliament will respond to the situation in the world,” said Senate President Miloš Vystrčil after the meeting.

“We have two problems in Europe. The first is that Europe has long neglected its defense capabilities, and the second is that we have become less competitive than, for example, the United States of America or China today. Everything needs to be done to make up for this deficit. One of the options is the activities of the European Parliament, the activities of the European Commission and the use of the funds that the member states jointly provide as their membership contribution for the functioning of the European Union institutions,” added the Senate President.

The President of the Upper Chamber began the program in Brussels with a meeting with Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defense and Space. They also talked about the need for greater defense capabilities and economic competitiveness of the EU. They also discussed the so-called The White Paper on the Future of European Defence, which was presented by the European Commission exactly a week ago, on 19 March, and which Commissioner Kubilius is a co-author of. The “White Paper” proposes ways in which EU Member States can invest in defence, acquire defence systems and build the preparedness of the European defence industry.

At the end of the working day in Brussels, the President of the Senate met with Czech MEPs and Czech men and women working in the institutions of the European Union at the Prague House.

President Vystrčil has met with President Metsola in the past, among others in February 2024, when the President of the European Parliament visited the Czech Senate. The main topic of the meeting at that time was the upcoming European elections.

Sabina Netrvalová, 26.03.2025

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President of the Czech Senate Miloš Vystrčil in Brussels

Two screenings took place at the Prague House: Opening Ceremony Wednesday March 19 | Public screening of Dajori + Q&A with a glass of wine The film will was followed by a Q&A with the film's director Nicolas Kourek.

Thursday March 20 | 19:00 | Public screening of World Between Us.

The Echoes of Ji.hlava IDFF in Belgium are held under the auspices of H.E. Jakub Skalník, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom of Belgium, and with the support of the City of Jihlava, the Vysočina Region and the Delegation of Prague to the EU.

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13th edition of the Echoes of Ji.hlava in Belgium

Katarína Kožúriková is an accomplished violinist with a depth of orchestral and solo performance experience. She is a graduate of the Prague Conservatory and is currently completing her master’s degree at the Janáček Academy in Brno. Katarína has performed at prestigious festivals such as the FIMU Festival in Belfort, France, and Dvořákova Praha with the Youth Philharmonic Dvořák Prague. In 2023, she performed with the Janáček Ensemble, interpreting works by Bohuslav Martinů, and represented the Janacek Academy at the ANO Festival on the Greek island of Syros. She has toured extensively, performing in Austria, Germany, France, and Italy with chamber and symphonic ensembles.

Karolína Alena Bartoňková is a versatile soprano with a repertoire encompassing opera, sacred music, and choral works. Currently pursuing her master’s degree at the Janáček Academy in Brno, Karolína has also studied at the Evangelical Academy Conservatory in Olomouc and trained abroad at the Conservatory of Santa Cecilia in Rome under the leadership of Amelia Felle. Her operatic repertoire includes classical roles such as Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro, the Kitchen Boy in Rusalka, which she has performed in The Moravian Theatre in Olomouc. Demonstrating her interest in contemporary music, Karolína participated in performance of Tvorování by Noemi Savková in Chamber Opera JAMU. A contributor to classical music platforms, she blends her musical talent with her studies in Italian and journalism.

Kamila Holíková is a classically trained pianist known for her dedication to 20th-century Czech composers. A graduate of the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno and the Evangelical Academy Conservatory in Olomouc, Kamila excels as a soloist, chamber musician, and accompanist. She also works as a piano teacher, sharing her passion and expertise with the next generation of musicians. Her accolades include the Bohuslav Martinů Award for piano accompaniment, a featured role in an upcoming documentary about Vítězslava Kaprálová alongside Karolína, and performance of the Shostakovich Second Piano Concerto at the Archbishopric of Olomouc. Additionally, Kamila has led innovative workshops about Sonic Meditation in cooperation with Infame Radio and co-created the musical programme for the Czech-German Journalism Awards.

Together, these three artists promise an evening of rich musical expression, showcasing their shared passion for classical and contemporary works from Czech composers.

programme
J. Suk: Píseň lásky (Song of Love), op. 7, No. 1 - violin and piano

B. Martinů: Písničky na jednu stránku (Songs on one page) - voice and piano

L. Janáček: Po zarostlém chodníčku (On an Overgrown Path) - piano
Lístek odvanutý (A Blown-Away Leaf)
Pojďte s námi (Come With Us!)
Štěbetaly laštovičky (They Chattered Like Swallows)
Frýdecká panna Maria (The Madonna of Frydek)
Dobrou noc (Good Night)

V. Kaprálová: Songs - voice and piano
Píseň milostná (Love Song)
Jitro (Morning)
Osiřelý (Orphaned)
Navždy (Forever)
Sbohem a šáteček (Waving Farewell)

B. Smetana: From the Homeland - violin and piano
I. Moderato
II. Andantino

The event was organised with the kind support of H. E. Jakub Skalník,
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom

The event was organised with the kind support of H. E. Jakub Skalník,
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom.

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PH Concert Series: From the Homeland

JAMU

Born in Prague in 1960, Michal Kaňka completed his studies there under the guidance of esteemed professors. He later refined his artistry in Los Angeles with André Navarra, Maurice Gendron, and Paul Tortelier. From 1980 onwards, he won numerous prestigious awards and was invited to perform with leading international orchestras. A devoted chamber musician, he has been a member of the renowned Pražák Quartet and Beethoven String Trio since 1986, recording extensively and performing worldwide. Today, he teaches in his hometown and serves on the artistic board of the highly esteemed Prague Spring Festival.

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Cello Masterclass with Michal Kaňka

Masterclass - violoncello

Programme
Sergey Rachmaninoff: Sonata for Violin and Piano in G minor Op. 19 (arr. Jascha Heifetz, Ivan Ženatý)
Bohuslav Martinů: Sonata for Violin and Piano in C major H 120

Violin virtuoso Ivan Ženatý and pianist Martin Kasík have been closely associated with the festival for decades, and this from the moment each of them in their own discipline took away the top prize in the Prague Spring International Music Competition. In 2025 they return to the Prague Spring to perform in a joint recital with the highly evocative Sonata in G minor by Sergey Rachmaninoff (1873–1943), its demanding piano part reflecting the mastery of its pianist creator, and the early Sonata in C major by Bohuslav Martinů (1890–1959), which blends the musical language of the 19th century Romantics with the nascent yet distinctive, fervent melodies that were to become so characteristic for Martinů.

Ivan Ženatý first started to make waves when, at the age of twenty, he reached the finals of the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. This was followed by his debut with the Czech Philharmonic under conductor Libor Pešek and a series of further engagements, among them, appearances with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Symphony. He has worked with artists Yo-Yo Ma, Yehudi Menuhin and Sir Neville Marriner, and he developed a particularly close musical partnership with Jiří Bělohlávek, with whom he performed on countless occasions and also made a critically acclaimed recording of Josef Bohuslav Foerster’s violin concertos. After Ženatý’s appearance in New York’s Carnegie Hall, Rorianne Schrade, writing for the New York Concert Review, was full of superlatives: “It was a dream!”. Ivan Ženatý plays on a rare instrument crafted by celebrated Cremonese violin maker Giuseppe Guarneri.

Likewise Martin Kasík can also boast a whole series of major global successes, in particular, his triumph at one of the largest and most challenging international events, the Young Concert Artists competition in New York, which opened the doors to some of the world’s most illustrious concert venues: Carnegie Hall in New York, Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Tonhalle Zürich and the Berliner Philharmonie. Conducted by the likes of Jakub Hrůša, Tomáš Netopil, Marin Alsop and Ingo Metzmacher, he has appeared with prominent orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Tonhalle-Orchester Zurich and the Czech Philharmonic.



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PH Concert Series: Ivan Ženatý & Martin Kasík

The members of the new delegation:

MEMBERS
Roman Línek (chairman of the delegation), Richard Vereš (vice-chairman of the delegation), Pavel Branda, Kamila Bláhová, Zdeněk Hřib, Petra Pecková, Martin Půta, Radim Sršeň, Šárka Šimoňáková, Dagmar Škodová Parmová, Rudolf Špoták, Jan Zámečník

ALTERNATES
Iva Dvořáková, Jan Chabr, Tomáš Chmela, Martin Příborský, Jiří Růžička, Josef Suchánek, Jaroslav Zámečník, Robert Zeman

The discussion with the Secretary General of the ERC, Petr Blížkovský, was one of the key moments of the first meeting of the national delegation. Petr Blížkovský welcomed the members of the delegation to the inaugural plenary session and summarized several recommendations that could increase the efficiency and impact of the members' work in the ERC. In particular, he appealed to the members of the delegation to be innovative and concrete in promoting the interests of Czech regions and cities at the European level. He stressed, for example, the importance of drafting opinions in the pre-legislative phase, which makes it possible to influence the legislative process at an early stage.

The key topic of the delegation and the plenary session in the coming months will of course be the draft legislation on the new multiannual financial framework and the regional dimension within cohesion policy. Cooperation in areas such as energy, affordable housing and a strong defence industry will also be essential.

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