Karel Maier — Czechia

Abstract

In this national profile, Karel Maier outlines the legal and political framework of spatial planning in Czechia. He describes the dual nature of planning: legally strong but politically contested, especially at the local level where planners are often accused of serving developers rather than communities. The article highlights tensions between environmental concerns and economic interests, the growing influence of civic groups, and the use of the internet for planning activism. Maier also discusses the limited theoretical foundation of planning in Czechia, the weak professional identity due to the absence of specialised educational programmes, and the modest impact of EU guidance, which often results in superficial compliance. The article calls for a gradual convergence in European planning practice through shared ethics and improved education.