Prime ministers of Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia met to revive cooperation within the Visegrád Four (V4) group, emphasizing unity and a stronger voice in EU decision-making. Key priorities include migration, competitiveness, and energy costs.
The renewed cooperation among the Visegrád Four signals a potential strengthening of Central European influence within the European Union, particularly on issues like migration, economic competitiveness, and energy policy, as the group aims to present a more unified front in Brussels.
Prime ministers from Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia convened in Gödöllő, Hungary, to signal a renewed commitment to cooperation within the Visegrád Four (V4) framework, marking the group's 35th anniversary.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar opened the joint press conference by quoting his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, who had declared 'the V4 is back' in Brussels. Magyar emphasized that the V4 was founded on the recognition that more unites the member states than divides them, making joint success easier. He added that Central Europe is currently one of the most dynamically developing regions within the European Union.
The leaders discussed deepening their cooperation to build a V4 that delivers tangible results and possesses a strong voice in EU decision-making. Topics on the agenda included the EU's next seven-year budget, with an agreement on the importance of cohesion policy and the common agricultural policy. Magyar also proposed a high-speed rail link connecting Warsaw, Prague, Bratislava, and Budapest, alongside cultural and civic cooperation initiatives.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico detailed the priorities for Slovakia's V4 presidency, noting the challenging times facing the EU. He identified illegal migration as a key pressure point and a priority for the presidency, recalling past successful coordination on the issue. Fico also called for aligned positions ahead of European Council meetings. He outlined four core pillars for the presidency: strengthening competitiveness, which should be reflected in the EU budget, and addressing high energy costs, citing the impact on Slovakia's aluminium industry.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš expressed optimism about the group's future cooperation, stating there is 'real chemistry' among the leaders and that 'these four countries are Europe's future.' He echoed concerns about energy prices, carbon quotas, and the EU's financial framework, also mentioning discussions on the upcoming NATO summit agenda.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted solidarity as crucial for the V4's influence, suggesting that a return to mutual loyalty would make the group a significant power within Europe. He praised Magyar's energy in revitalizing the partnership and noted that past solidarity had guided other EU countries. Tusk also commented on the swift definition of Slovakia's presidency agenda and acknowledged the V4's historical ability to shape EU decisions.