In a report published today, the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) calls on the Czech authorities to make substantial reforms to strengthen the prevention of corruption among parliamentarians, judges and prosecutors.

According to the recently published IMF report Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe: Effective Government for Stronger Growth, with profit margins near 2009 lows in some and falling appreciably in other CESEE EU countries, the current solid growth may be difficult to sustain. Without a rebound in productivity, which takes time, it may be difficult to achieve durable growth.

Around a year ago Chris Johnstone of Radio Praha traced some of the achievements of the Czech Republic’s nano technology companies, many of which are making an impact on the European and global scene. Twelve months on, he went back to the source, chairman of the Czech Nanotechnology Industries Association, Jiří Kůs, and asked him how companies and key sectors are faring in this cutting edge part of the market.

According to the Czech Statistical Office, the number of older workers in management positions (mainly specialists) has been rising. Life expectancy for Czech women is 81.7 years, 75.8 for men (2014 data), compared with 50 and 47 years, respectively, in 1920. PwC Golden Age Index: How well are OECD countries harnessing the power of their older workers? measures the labour market impact of workers aged over 55 in 34 OECD countries, including employment, earnings and training. The Czech Republic ranks 18th, improving steadily.