Talking Point | All stories

By

One of the most talked about Czech films of the year, Dark Blue World, by Oscar-winning director Jan Sverak, tells the story of Czech pilots who served in the RAF during World War II, when Czechoslovakia was occupied by the Nazis. Well over two thousand Czech airmen joined the RAF to fight the Germans, and many took part in the Battle of Britain. In this week's Talking Point looks at the story of the Czech pilots who inspired not only a successful film, but a generation of Czechs that has gradually learned of the pilots' sacrifices and bravery.

Much of the news has been recently dominated by the trials of former officials in the former Communist regime, including those accused of torturing political prisoners in the 1950s. The news has raised renewed interested in a period in history that it is impossible to close the door on. has the story.

Have you ever wondered how the 15 member countries of the European Union communicate with one another if 11 national languages are spoken in them? Yes, of course, they need many interpreters. Is the Czech Republic prepared to join the EU in this respect too? looked deeper into the matter.

Ever since coming to office three years ago, Milos Zeman's Social Democrat government has been involved in various conflicts with the press. The latest came in mid-October, when Prime Minister Zeman took offence to an article in the critical Czech weekly, Respekt. A commentator in the paper - which has always been hostile to the Social Democrats - claimed Mr Zeman's cabinet was corrupt from top to bottom. Mr Zeman was furious, and threatened to bury Respekt in lawsuits, with the aim of forcing it out of business. There followed a fierce debate on the freedom speech in the Czech Republic. examines the issue in this week's Talking Point.

By:

The Czech Republic is in the front-line for EU membership and like many other countries, it is trying to make amendments and harmonise its legal, political and economic legislation with the EU's. This harmony will be achieved once all 30 chapters of the accession agreement are closed. By and .

By: