The Czech Republic continues to enjoy a high level of positive perception among Ukrainians, although in August 2026 the share of favorable assessments decreased compared to March. 61.3% of respondents view the country positively, 5.1% negatively, while nearly one-third of respondents hold a neutral stance, according to the Experts Club information and analytical center.
According to the results of the August survey, 18.8% of Ukrainians view the Czech Republic entirely positively, and 42.5% view it mostly positively. A neutral stance was chosen by 32.1% of respondents. 4.1% view the country mostly negatively, 1% view it entirely negatively, and another 1.6% were undecided.
The balance of positive and negative assessments stands at plus 56.2 percentage points. This is the highest figure among the Central and Eastern European countries included in the study. Following the Czech Republic in this regional group are Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia.
Compared to the previous wave of the survey, attitudes toward the Czech Republic have deteriorated somewhat. In March 2026, 23.3% of respondents rated the country entirely positively, and 44.1% rated it mostly positively—meaning the total share of positive responses was 67.4%. 28.2% had a neutral attitude, and about 3% had a negative one.
Thus, over the course of five months, the share of positive assessments fell by 6.1 percentage points—from 67.4% to 61.3%. Negative responses increased by approximately 2.1 percentage points, while neutral responses rose by 3.9 percentage points. The balance between positive and negative attitudes decreased from approximately plus 64.4 percentage points to plus 56.2 percentage points.
At the same time, these changes do not indicate a fundamental shift in Ukrainians’ attitudes toward the Czech Republic. Positive assessments outnumber negative ones by more than 12 to 1, and the main shift in responses was toward a neutral stance. The Czech Republic also remains significantly higher than most other countries in Central and Eastern Europe in terms of the balance of public perception.
Maksym Urakin, founder of the Experts Club information and analytical center and a candidate of economic sciences, commenting on the results of a previous study on the Czech Republic, attributed the high level of positive sentiment to the nature of bilateral relations.
“Ukrainians’ positive attitude toward the Czech Republic is explained not only by historical proximity but also by Prague’s active support for Ukraine. At the same time, economic relations between the countries are characterized by a significant imbalance—imports from the Czech Republic substantially exceed exports. This creates opportunities for developing new areas of cooperation, particularly in the fields of high technology, investment projects, and energy,” Urakin noted.
The latest wave of the survey shows that the overall positive image of the Czech Republic among Ukrainians remains, although its intensity has decreased compared to the spring. At the same time, the increase in neutral assessments is more noticeable than the rise in negative ones.
The survey, conducted in August 2026, used self-administered online questionnaires from the SunFlowerSociology panel among 800 Ukrainian citizens aged 18 and older. The previous survey in March also included 800 respondents; the sample was representative by age, gender, and region, and the maximum theoretical margin of error for indicators at the 50% confidence level was ±3.5 percentage points.
ACTIVE GROUP, Central Europe, CZECH REPUBLIC, EXPERTS CLUB, international relations, PUBLIC OPINION, SOCIOLOGY, UKRAINE, URAKIN
The Czech Republic and Moldova have the highest net sentiment—the balance of positive and negative attitudes—among Ukrainians among the Central and Eastern European countries included in the study—56.2 and 48.2 percentage points, respectively. At the same time, the balance of attitudes toward Poland turned negative in August 2026, while assessments of Slovakia and Hungary improved significantly compared to previous waves. This is evidenced by the results of the third wave of the study “Ukrainians’ Attitudes Toward Countries Around the World,” conducted by Active Group in collaboration with Experts Club, according to the Experts Club Information and Analytical Center.
The Czech Republic received the highest share of positive assessments in this group—61.3%. 32.1% of respondents have a neutral attitude toward it, 5.1% have a negative attitude, and another 1.6% were undecided. The balance of positive and negative attitudes stands at 56.2 percentage points, compared to 64.4 percentage points in March 2026 and 58.7 percentage points in August 2025.
Regarding Moldova, 55.4% of respondents have a positive attitude, 35.6% are neutral, and 7.2% have a negative attitude. The balance stands at 48.2 percentage points, which is lower than the 54.7 percentage points recorded in March but higher than the 46.6 percentage points recorded in August of last year.
Regarding Romania, 45.2% of respondents expressed a positive attitude, 42.3% were neutral, and 9.8% were negative. The balance fell to 35.4 percentage points from 41.7 percentage points in March. In Bulgaria, positive assessments accounted for 42.7%, neutral ones for 47.6%, and negative ones for 7.4%, with the balance standing at 35.3 percentage points, compared to 51.5 percentage points in March.
Unlike most countries in the group, attitudes toward Slovakia showed a noticeable improvement. It is viewed positively by 40.7% of respondents, negatively by 12.1%, and neutrally by 44.4%. The balance rose to 28.6 percentage points from 16.1 percentage points in March 2026 and just 1.6 percentage points in August 2025.
The sharpest negative trend was recorded regarding Poland. 34.6% of Ukrainians view it positively, 37% negatively, and 25.4% neutrally. As a result, the net balance stands at minus 2.4 percentage points, whereas in March 2026 it was plus 41.7 percentage points, and in August 2025—plus 44 percentage points. The deterioration in attitudes toward Poland was one of the most notable shifts in the third wave of the survey.
Hungary remains in the negative zone: 22.9% of respondents expressed a positive attitude, 35.6% a negative one, and 37.4% a neutral one. At the same time, its balance improved to minus 12.7 percentage points compared to minus 33.6 percentage points in March and minus 39.7 percentage points in August 2025.
Maksym Urakin, founder of the Experts Club Information and Analytical Center, deputy director of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, and candidate of economic sciences, emphasized that public perception of countries must be analyzed in parallel with Ukraine’s actual economic ties.
“That is why it is very important for us to analyze our main partners. The first recommendation is to regularly showcase concrete projects, specific actions, and the presence here of foundations, embassies, teams, and diplomats in the humanitarian sphere and in science. We also need to use our sociological data to draw conclusions and strengthen our relations, particularly trade relations,” Urakin noted.
Oleksandr Pozniy, director of the research firm Active Group, highlighted the practical significance of the study’s findings for economic and diplomatic policy.
“We should focus on developing more than just general awareness. First and foremost, business associations, the Ministry of Economy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs need to work to develop bilateral relations and improve the balance of trade. We must expand cooperation with countries where we can achieve a positive trade balance,” Pozniy noted.
The survey was conducted in August 2026 using self-administered online questionnaires in the SunFlowerSociology panel among 800 Ukrainian citizens aged 18 and older. According to the organizers, the sample is representative by age, gender, and region, with a maximum theoretical margin of error of 3.5%. This is the third wave of the study, following surveys conducted in August 2025 and March 2026.
ACTIVE GROUP, BULGARIA, Central Europe, CZECH REPUBLIC, EASTERN EUROPE, EXPERTS CLUB, HUNGARY, MOLDOVA, POLAND, Pozniy, ROMANIA, SLOVAKIA, SOCIOLOGY, UKRAINE, URAKIN
Poland became the largest gold buyer among the world’s central banks in January-August 2026, increasing its reserves by approximately 98 tonnes, according to an Experts Club analysis based on World Gold Council (WGC) data published on October 6.
In August, global central banks continued actively increasing their gold reserves, purchasing another 39 tonnes on a net basis compared with 23 tonnes a month earlier. However, the ranking of cumulative purchases since the beginning of the year differs noticeably from the results of August alone.
According to the WGC, the largest gold buyers in January-August 2026 included:
Poland – about 98 tonnes
China – about 80 tonnes
Uzbekistan – about 50 tonnes
Kazakhstan – about 36 tonnes
Czech Republic – about 14 tonnes
The National Bank of Poland retained first place thanks to the continuation of its large-scale precious metal accumulation programme. In August alone, the Polish central bank purchased another approximately 7.8 tonnes.
As a result, Poland’s gold holdings approached 648 tonnes, while the National Bank’s strategic target is 700 tonnes.
China ranks second. In August, the People’s Bank of China was the largest buyer in the world, increasing its reserves by as much as 20.2 tonnes.
In January-August, China purchased about 80 tonnes of gold, while its official gold reserves reached approximately 2,387 tonnes. Gold accounts for about 9% of the country’s international reserves.
At the same time, China has continued buying the precious metal for 22 consecutive months, making it one of the most consistent buyers among the world’s largest central banks.
Uzbekistan ranks third, having increased its gold reserves by approximately 50 tonnes since the beginning of the year. In August, the country purchased another approximately 7.8 tonnes. The total volume of gold in Uzbekistan’s reserves reached approximately 439 tonnes, with the precious metal accounting for about 90% of the country’s international reserves.
Kazakhstan ranks fourth, with purchases of approximately 36 tonnes over eight months. In August, the National Bank of Kazakhstan added about 7.4 tonnes, bringing its gold holdings to approximately 377 tonnes. Gold accounts for about 79% of the country’s international reserves.
The Czech Republic rounds out the top five largest buyers. The Czech National Bank purchased 14 tonnes since the beginning of the year, including approximately 1.7 tonnes in August. The country’s total gold reserves reached around 86 tonnes.
Notably, the Czech Republic has been increasing its gold holdings for 42 consecutive months, implementing one of the most consistent reserve expansion programmes among European central banks.
At the same time, Turkey and Russia became the largest gold sellers since the beginning of 2026. Turkey reduced its reserves by approximately 82 tonnes, although in August it returned to purchases and bought about 2.9 tonnes. Russia sold about 56 tonnes in January-August, including approximately 6.2 tonnes in August.
The World Gold Council notes that the continued presence of the same countries among active buyers indicates the long-term nature of gold accumulation policies. Monthly changes in purchase volumes largely reflect the implementation schedules of these programmes, market conditions and the liquidity needs of individual countries.
According to the WGC, in January-August 2026 central banks reported net purchases of approximately 170 tonnes of gold. At the same time, officially recorded changes in reserves do not necessarily reflect total public-sector demand, as some central bank transactions become known with a delay or are not disclosed.
The World Gold Council regularly tracks changes in central banks’ official gold reserves based on data from the International Monetary Fund, national regulators and other official sources. The WGC regards central bank demand as one of the key factors in the global gold market.
Central banks, CHINA, CZECH REPUBLIC, EXPERTS CLUB, GOLD, gold reserves, KAZAKHSTAN, POLAND, UZBEKISTAN, WORLD GOLD COUNCIL
The Czech oil and gas company MND is considering investing at least $60 million in hydrocarbon production projects in Ukraine as part of a partnership with the Naftogaz Group.
Naftogaz and MND signed a memorandum of understanding on potential cooperation regarding three existing production-sharing agreements between Ukrgazvydobuvannya and the Ukrainian government. The document was signed during the Carpathian Eight Summit, the group reported.
If the agreements are implemented, MND will be able to participate in the development of Ukrainian fields and contribute its own capital, technology, and operational expertise to the projects.
The initial investment under the three agreements could total $60 million. However, the Czech company’s participation has not yet been finalized—it will depend on the results of the relevant competitive selection process.
Naftogaz views attracting international oil and gas companies as one of the tools for increasing its own gas production amid regular Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Serhiy Fedorenko, acting head of Naftogaz, noted that the group is interested in international partners capable of bringing investment, modern technologies, and practical experience.
In turn, Yana Gamrshmidova, CEO of the energy division at MND Group, stated that the company is already contributing to Ukraine’s energy resilience and intends to introduce new technologies and create jobs.
MND is of particular interest as a strategic investor because it is not a financial institution but an active European energy company with its own expertise in hydrocarbon exploration and production.
For Ukraine, attracting such a partner could mean not only an inflow of foreign capital but also access to field development technologies and management expertise from the European oil and gas industry.
The memorandum is not yet a final investment agreement. The parties must still agree on the terms of cooperation, and MND’s potential participation in production-sharing agreements must go through the procedures required by law.
However, the announced initial investment of $60 million makes the initiative one of the most significant new projects involving private European capital in Ukraine’s extractive industry.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš stated that current developments in the international situation could lead the world into World War III, and called on Europe to pay more attention to a diplomatic resolution of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Babiš made these remarks on September 17 while delivering the opening address at the IISS Prague Defense Summit 2026 in Prague. The Czech government and the conference organizer—the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)—have confirmed that the speech took place.
“I’m not afraid to say this out loud. The path the world is currently on does not lead to security. It leads straight to the gates of hell. It is leading us toward World War III,” Babiš said, according to the Czech news agency ČTK.
According to the Czech prime minister, the European security debate focuses too much on the military aspect and not enough on finding a diplomatic solution. He noted that Europe, together with the United States, must push for direct negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin with the aim of ending the war.
At the same time, Babiš emphasized that he considers Russia an aggressor. As reported by the Czech press, the prime minister stated that Putin’s actions are “completely unacceptable,” but diplomacy, in his view, must remain one of the main tools for ending the war.
Babiš also drew attention to the duration of the war. According to him, as of September 17, Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine had been ongoing for 1,666 days—99 days longer than World War I. The prime minister stated that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have not only military but also serious economic consequences, including rising costs for energy and food, as well as pressure on European industry.
At the same time, Babiš did not advocate abandoning efforts to strengthen Europe’s defense; rather, he proposed creating a joint European missile defense system called Euro Patriot. Under his plan, European countries could pool their industrial and technological capabilities—similar to the creation of Airbus—and develop their own system to defend against ballistic missiles and drones.
“We must learn from the war in Ukraine and seek solutions, first and foremost in the area of defense against ballistic missiles,” the Czech prime minister said. In his view, such a project would simultaneously strengthen Europe’s contribution to NATO and create additional opportunities for the European defense industry, including the Czech defense sector.
The IISS Prague Defense Summit is taking place in Prague from September 16–18, 2026. It is attended by political and military leaders, representatives of international organizations and the defense industry, as well as experts. The main topics of the conference are the development of European defense capabilities, military mobility, arms procurement, missile defense, and the future of transatlantic cooperation.
Residential real estate prices in the Czech Republic rose by 10.06% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2026; adjusted for inflation, real growth stood at 8.33%, marking the highest rate since the 2021 housing boom, according to data from the Czech Statistical Office analyzed by Global Property Guide.
According to data from Ukraine’s largest international real estate agency, Homium, the nominal value of residential real estate in the Czech Republic has more than doubled over the past 11 years and is now 18% higher than the previous cyclical peak in the third quarter of 2022.
At the same time, the growth rates of the primary and secondary markets have virtually evened out. New housing prices rose by 10.01% over the year, while existing housing prices increased by 10.07%.
According to Homium, a company that deals in Czech real estate among other markets, price growth is being driven by a combination of limited supply of new housing and a recovery in mortgage demand. The company is also seeing particularly high interest in Prague and Brno, where the supply shortage is most pronounced.
“The Czech market is currently interesting because, following the 2022–2023 correction, it returned to growth fairly quickly. At the same time, buyers are becoming more price-sensitive, so demand is gradually shifting toward small apartments in Prague, outlying areas, and resale properties. For investment buyers, not only the potential appreciation of a property but also its liquidity in the rental market is becoming increasingly important,” Homium commented on the situation.
According to Homium, in May–June 2026, studio apartments and 1+kk apartments in central Prague were listed for approximately 248–414 thousand euros, in the capital’s outskirts for 186–269 thousand euros, and in Brno for 145–207 thousand euros. For 2+kk apartments, the price range was 331,000–580,000 euros, 248,000–373,000 euros, and 207,000–331,000 euros, respectively.
Prague remains the country’s most expensive market. According to data from the Global Property Guide, the average price of an apartment in the capital in 2025 was approximately 5,44 thousand euros per square meter, which was about 82% higher than the Czech average of approximately 3 thousand euros per square meter. In the Prague new-construction market, the average asking price reached about 7,310 euros per square meter, and in the most expensive district, Praha 1, it was about 10,850 euros per square meter.
Older residential properties remain more affordable. The average price of apartments in prefabricated buildings is estimated at approximately 2,94 thousand euros per square meter, while new housing from developers costs on average nearly twice as much—about 5,8 thousand euros per square meter.
Rapid price growth has already become a factor in the country’s monetary policy. On June 18, 2026, the Czech National Bank raised its key two-week repo rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.75%. The regulator points to persistent inflationary pressures, including those stemming from housing and service costs.
In addition, in June, the CNB decided to increase the countercyclical capital buffer for banks from 1.25% to 1.5% starting in July 2027, citing active lending, rising household and corporate debt, and further increases in apartment prices as reasons for the decision.
The average gross yield on long-term residential leases in the Czech Republic in the second quarter of 2026 was 3.39% per annum. In the most expensive district, Prague 1, yields on individual apartments ranged from approximately 2.3% to 3.3%, while in more affordable areas of Prague, they could approach 4%.
Homium believes that, in the medium term, the main market drivers will remain limited construction rates, the cost of mortgage financing, and sustained demand for housing in major cities. At the same time, following the sharp growth of recent quarters, investors should evaluate the yield of a specific property more carefully, as purchase prices in Prague are rising faster than potential rental yields.
Homium has been operating in the international real estate market for over 10 years and offers properties in the Czech Republic, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Croatia, Poland, and several other countries. In the Czech Republic, the majority of the properties listed by the company are concentrated in Prague and Karlovy Vary.
The primary source of price statistics is the Czech Statistical Office; the market analysis was published by Global Property Guide and updated in August 2026.
Source:
Global Property Guide – https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/europe/czech-republic/price-history
Homium – https://homium.ua/czech-republic/
CZECH REPUBLIC, housing. Homium, INVESTMENT, PRAGUE, REAL ESTATE
