Leftist Czech political parties are in seventh heaven. Opinion polls conducted by the major agencies all put the Social Democrats (ČSSD) well in front should parliamentary elections be held now (and a third of the Senate seats are up in the autumn). The Communist Party (KSČM), meanwhile, is also gaining ground, ready to bank on attracting protest voters uninterested in its ideology – all the way to second place.

Czechs have joined the status stamped where everyday objects can become status symbols as the government clears the purchase of customized car plates.

The Czech Republic is one of the least religious countries in the world. Oddly, though, most major cities are filled with churches ranging from historical landmarks to hidden gems. Many are only open to the public a few minutes before or after services, and some not even that much. On Church Night (Noc kostelů), these venues reach out to the general public with music, services and tours.

Michal Bílek had few surprises in his 23-payer squad for the European Championships, the midfield switch of Vladimír Darida in place of Daniel Pudil already having been given a lot of local coverage. The main worry is still the health of captain Tomáš Rosický, although he insists he is on the road to recovery from a calf muscle strain, and the Polish hotel.