Czech news in brief for September 13: Sunday's top morning headlines

Czechia could face a multibillion-crown EU bill over agricultural subsidies, with the government preparing to challenge the findings of a European Commission audit. Elsewhere, stricter kratom rules are heading to the cabinet, Kateřina Siniaková has made tennis history at the US Open, and free workshops are taking over Prague’s Smíchov riverfront. Good morning, here's your Sunday headline mix.

Czechia could be required to return roughly CZK 6 billion in agricultural subsidies following a European Commission audit examining whether multiple users received funding for the same land. The Agriculture Ministry disputes the findings and plans to challenge them.

What happens next: Czechia has until year-end to respond, after which further audit proceedings will follow before a final decision. Czech farmers received CZK 33.5 billion in subsidies last year.

Czech fuel prices continue to climb, with Natural 95 petrol reaching CZK 44.22 per liter by the end of last week, its highest average since August 2022. Diesel rose to CZK 47.79. Prague drivers are paying averages of CZK 45.05 and CZK 48.86, respectively, the highest prices in the country.

What’s next: Analysts expect further increases, driven partly by unusually high refinery margins. Diesel could soon exceed CZK 48 nationally and CZK 50 at some stations, while the government says it is monitoring prices and could intervene if necessary.

The Czech government will discuss tighter kratom regulations Monday that would raise the minimum purchase age from 18 to 21 and ban online sales. Municipalities could also restrict licensed stores, while excise tax would be introduced and VAT increased from 12 to 21 percent.

What could change: The proposal would tighten packaging, advertising and sales rules and raise fines to CZK 20 million. Business groups and addiction experts warn an online sales ban could push customers toward the illegal market.

Czech tennis star Kateřina Siniaková and American Taylor Townsend won the US Open women’s doubles title Friday, beating Robin Montgomery and Ashlyn Krueger 5-7, 6-0, 6-2. The victory completed a career Grand Slam for the pair.

Historic feat: Siniaková became the first player in tennis history to complete a career doubles Grand Slam with two different partners, having previously won all four majors alongside Barbora Krejčíková.

A Czech climber died in the French Alps on Thursday while ascending Mont Blanc, according to French media and Czechia’s Foreign Ministry. The man, reportedly around 40 years old, was struck by falling rocks while crossing a dangerous section of the route.

What we know: The Czech Foreign Ministry confirmed the death Saturday and expressed condolences to the man’s family. The accident occurred in a rocky section known as the Goûter Couloir.

Prague’s Smíchov riverfront will host the ninth Festival of Open Workshops Sunday, giving visitors a chance to try traditional and modern crafts for free. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hořejší nábřeží and is open to adults and children.

What’s on: Dozens of Prague workshops and community projects will offer activities involving wood, glass and textiles, alongside upcycling, animation, painting, sewing, science experiments and basic welding. Admission is free, although some stands may charge for materials.