Czech news in brief for August 23: Sunday's top morning headlines

President Petr Pavel is pushing for easier US business visas for Czech entrepreneurs, Babiš is backing away from a joint coalition presidential candidate, and Czech helicopters are heading to Serbia to fight wildfires. Good morning, here's your Sunday headline mix.

President Petr Pavel discussed E-1 business visas for Czech entrepreneurs with four US congressmen during a meeting at Prague Castle on Friday. The visas could make it easier for Czech businesspeople to live and work in the US while operating companies involved in international trade. The delegation included members of both major US political parties.

Business ties: Pavel has raised the issue previously, including during a May meeting with six US lawmakers that also covered NATO, trade, energy and defense cooperation.

Czech development aid is helping restore drinking-water infrastructure in eastern Ghouta, Syria, where millions still lack reliable access to clean water more than a year after the end of the civil war. Damaged pipelines have left many families dependent on private water deliveries, which can be costly for households with limited incomes.

Czech support: The project includes restoring a water reservoir, connecting a well, installing treatment equipment and rebuilding distribution infrastructure. Work could be completed within several months.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said he is no longer considering a joint presidential candidate for 2028 from his ANO movement and coalition partners SPD and Motorists. ANO has not yet chosen a candidate of its own, he said, adding that the issue is not currently a priority.

Presidential race: Babiš previously supported a joint coalition candidate who could unite voters, but said he has since changed his mind. President Petr Pavel is expected to announce his reelection plans next year.

Two Czech-operated UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters are heading to Serbia to help battle wildfires, with the aircraft expected to remain there for five to seven days. The privately operated helicopters are departing from bases in Mělník and Přerov and are equipped with high-capacity water buckets.

Firefighting support: Each bucket can carry 3,450 liters of water. Czech firefighters have also provided wildfire assistance in Greece and France this year.

Prague’s popular Šemíkův skok lookout at Vyšehrad will be partially restricted from September as repairs begin on the historic 36th bastion. Visitors will still be able to pass through the area using a designated corridor while construction is underway.

What to expect: Work is expected to continue through the winter and will include drainage repairs, masonry restoration, replacement of the absorbent fill damaging the structure and installation of new railings.