Czech news in brief for September 16: Wednesday's top morning headlines

Austria is keeping border controls with Czechia for another six months, though travelers should see little change to routine journeys. Elsewhere, police could gain powers to shut shops selling dangerous products, Slovakia is warning about Czech-bottled mineral water, and Prague is marking European Mobility Week. Good morning, here's your Wednesday headline mix.

Austria will extend controls along its border with Czechia for another six months as part of measures targeting illegal migration and human smuggling. The extension also applies to Austria’s borders with Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia.

What travelers should know: Austria has shifted many checks away from individual border crossings and into the wider border region, meaning routine journeys should face minimal disruption. Travelers can still be stopped by police and should carry a valid passport or national identity card.

Czech police could gain powers to temporarily close businesses selling products that pose a serious health threat under legislation backed by the government Monday. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš linked the measure to Prague shops selling questionable psychoactive substances that have hospitalized tourists.

How it would work: Police could close a business for up to 14 days if dangerous sales could continue. Businesses could appeal the decision, while the proposal must still pass parliament.

Slovak health authorities have warned consumers not to drink a specific batch of Natura mineral water bottled in Czechia after detecting a suspected corrosive substance. Testing found a pH level of 14, indicating a potentially dangerous strongly alkaline substance.

Check the bottle: The warning concerns half-liter bottles from batch L61481/00:20, sourced from the Natura spring in Teplice nad Metují. Officials said consuming the affected water could cause chemical burns and potentially life-threatening digestive injuries.

Fake emails sent under former Václav Havel Library director Tomáš Sedláček’s identity contributed to the turmoil that engulfed the institution this year, Sedláček said Tuesday. The offensive messages were sent to prominent Czech intellectuals and appeared to come from his genuine email address.

Wider context: Police investigated the identity theft but reportedly closed the case without identifying the sender. Sedláček resigned in August amid staff departures and criticism of his leadership, while the institution was renamed the First Presidential Library last week.

Prague is marking European Mobility Week with events encouraging residents to explore alternatives to driving, including public transport, walking and cycling. The annual Europe-wide campaign runs through Sept. 22, with activities taking place across the Czech capital.

What’s happening: Wednesday’s program includes events focused on safer and more sustainable travel, while further activities continue throughout the week. The campaign culminates Tuesday with World Car-Free Day, when cities across Europe highlight ways to get around without relying on private cars.