And the ravers in Prague often look like the event might be the last of their lives too. I don’t feel that way at progressive tech-house events, for example, because the community there seems more mature. But at mainstream drum and bass events or certain techno parties in Prague clubs, I often get these feelings, and I don’t see the environment as safe.
For example, when I attended events in Prague during the pandemic, there was a constant sense of uncertainty. No one knew what would happen next. And that feeling—that sense of unpredictability and danger—has stayed attached to the experience of going to events in Prague, at the events themselves, and on the way home from them.
When I visit cities in the Netherlands, I don’t have that same feeling—that the journey to or from an event could be my last. Yes, it’s true that open-air events in the Netherlands usually happen during the day or at sunset (there are rarely open-air events after midnight), which already makes them feel safer. But even at night, I don’t feel the kind of fear I experience in Prague—or not just in Prague.
And I don’t get the sense from Dutch ravers that the event could be the last thing in their life. They don’t have that energy.
I think this difference is rooted in the values. There are more common, sustainable values in the Netherlands than in Czechia.
People in the Netherlands—including younger generations—seem to want to live healthy and wealthy lives, and they also seem more empathetic. In Czechia, I often see raving as an unsustainable path—one that could end within a few months because the lifestyle itself is unstable. There’s also the issue of theft. And many other values just feel absent in Czech reality.
For example, when I visited Liquicity events in the Netherlands, I noticed the community was younger than the Dutch techno community. That probably reflects the fact that modern drum and bass is a younger genre compared to techno. And maybe modern drum and bass music appeals more to younger generations than to older, more mature listeners. But I’m tired of hearing the excuse that “the community is changing” just because people who didn’t attend Liquicity before 2023 are now showing up.
Meanwhile, the Dutch techno community often feels quite mature. Western techno has a rich history, and a natural maturity has come with that. There are also younger people involved, of course—but there’s still that foundation of maturity. In Czechia, it’s not like that. At Czech techno and drum and bass events, it feels like there’s constant rotation—generation after generation being replaced—because the events themselves are unsustainable.
I’ve seen it many times: people end up in the free tekno scene because the regular scene became unsustainable for them. Or because, in Czechia, free tekno has almost become part of the mainstream “culture.” At free tekno events, you don’t need anything—there are no boundaries for behavior.
From my own generation, I know a lot of stories like this: people don’t want to attend (Czech) techno events anymore because of the realities there. Some of us had addictions—especially to Czech meth—and it was destroying us. We avoid events now because we’re afraid that addiction could come back. In the Netherlands, there are festivals with sustainable policies—like zero drug tolerance—and that makes a big difference.
Personally, I’m not interested in going back to that reality. After two events in Prague—a drum and bass night (where people applauded Sidney SN because, by mistake, he went to the wrong backstage), and a techno night—I ended up having hallucinations two days later. The walls around me looked like they were moving. This happened at the end of January 2022. I’ve said it before: I don’t know what substance was in my body that night. I also had Omicron that week, and I think there was a connection between the virus and whatever unknown drug affected me. The reasons are speculative—but even speculation taught me something important.
And I think the sound of mainstream neurofunk at Czech drum and bass events reflects exactly what’s happening in that scene. This music doesn’t speak to mature people—it reflects the unstable, unsustainable reality of the events themselves, especially among the 15–24 age group.
The reality can be sad, disturbing, or even laughable. Because in the end, the environment is the people. And people shape the reality for themselves. No one needs to stay somewhere they no longer want to be.
As of 2025, several European cities stand out for their exceptional quality of life, based on factors like safety, healthcare, public services, environmental quality, and cultural offerings. Here are the top 10 European cities renowned for their livability (here is five Netherlands cities in a top):
1. The Hague, Netherlands
Ranked first in Numbeo’s 2025 Quality of Life Index, The Hague boasts excellent healthcare, low crime rates, and efficient public services.
2. Groningen, Netherlands
Known for its vibrant student population and green initiatives, Groningen offers a high standard of living with a strong sense of community.
3. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Luxembourg City combines political stability, a robust economy, and high-quality healthcare, making it a top choice for residents seeking a balanced lifestyle.
4. Eindhoven, Netherlands
A hub for technology and innovation, Eindhoven provides excellent infrastructure and a dynamic cultural scene.
5. Basel, Switzerland
Basel offers a high quality of life with its strong economy, excellent healthcare system, and rich cultural heritage.
6. Bern, Switzerland
The Swiss capital is known for its cleanliness, safety, and efficient public transportation, contributing to its residents’ well-being.
7. Utrecht, Netherlands
Utrecht combines historical charm with modern amenities, offering residents a high standard of living and excellent public services.
8. Rotterdam, Netherlands
As a major port city, Rotterdam is recognized for its modern architecture, diverse population, and strong economy.
9. Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne provides a picturesque setting on Lake Geneva, coupled with high-quality healthcare and education systems.
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is celebrated for its sustainability efforts, bicycle-friendly infrastructure, and high levels of safety and happiness among residents.
These cities exemplify the best in European urban living, offering residents a combination of safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and cultural richness.
