Centrum Stosunków Międzynarodowych - 16 April 2016: From "the Czech Republic" to "Czechia"

Both supporting and objecting voices are heard in the Czech Republic in light of the governmental rebranding campaign calling to recognize the name ‘Czechia’ as a synonym to the existing country’s name. The campaign is supported by the current administration led by President Zeman and Prime Minister Sobotka. The name change is expected by officials to be formally recognized by the UN. The rebranding campaign is aimed at easing the use of the country’s name in foreign languages, mainly English, and serve as a marketing technique for promotional products.

Among the voices against the name change, three main concerns are raised. First, the polls reflecting public opinion on the matter from 2013 were largely against with a majority of over 16.000 against to merely 6.000 in favor. Second, highly ranked politicians fear that the funds transferred from Brussels in support of the branding of the existing name will be asked to be returned - 1.1 billion crown (40.7 million euro). Third, some are worried by the resemblance to the name Chechnya, especially after American media accidentally blamed Czechs for the Chechnya attack in the Boston Marathon. The government has yet to approve this legislation, but the decision on the matter is expected to be published in the near future.