Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
european Flags Fly in the
Czech republic
Today, the blue flag of the European Union flies alongside
the Czech flag on the roof of government buildings, such as
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Czech Republic entered
the EU along with nine other countries on May 1, 2004. Most
Czechs are disappointed they weren't admitted much earlier.
The former president of the Czech Republic, Václav
Havel, said the EU offers Europe the historic chance to finally
get together and resolve issues over a table, rather than on
the battlefield. But there are Euro-skeptics, including the
right wing, the communists, and the current Czech president,
Václav Klaus, who argues that the country is surrendering
too much of its autonomy to Brussels. Still, most Czechs are
optimistic about their future in the EU, and the majority of the
government feels that membership will benefit the country.
The year following Czech entry into the EU saw the largest
GDP growth since 1989, as well as growing foreign invest-
ment. Japanese and Korean companies now find it advanta-
geous to produce goods in the Czech Republic (or Slovakia),
since assembling their final products within these member
countries exempts them from EU tariffs.
During the first half of 2009, the Czech Republic has
a chance to shape the European agenda, as it will assume
the rotating presidency of the European Union. The Czech
Republic won't adopt the euro until 2012 at the earliest.
“No way.” While she managed to avoid the marriage, it angered
her father, who crucified her. The many candles here are from
people suffering through unhappy marriages.
Take a left just before the exit and head upstairs, follow-
ing signs to the treasury—a room full of jeweled worship aids
(well-described in English). The highlight here is a monstrance
(Communion wafer holder) from 1699, with more than 6,000
diamonds.
Enjoy the short carillon concert at the top of the hour; from
the lawn in front of the main entrance, you can see the racks of
bells being clanged. (At the exit, you'll see a schedule of English-
language Masses and upcoming
pouť
—pilgrimages—departing
from here.)
• On the opposite side of the square is...
Černín Palace
—his palace once belonged to one of the most
cosmopolitan Czech families, and so in 1918, it was turned into the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In May of 2005, a memorial to the first
secretary of state of Czechoslovakia, Edvard Beneš, was unveiled
in front of the Ministry. This second president of Czechoslovakia,
