Top diplomats of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary discussed issues related to the future of Visegrad cooperation in a new international situation following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The ministers also spoke about their vision for the development of Central Europe in the coming years and the role of Visegrad cooperation in this context.

The heads of V4 diplomacies agreed on the need to continue Visegrad cooperation. “Our countries have many structural and socio-economic similarities as well as shared interests in many EU policies,” emphasised Minister Rau. He added that transport policy is a case in point, where common V4 positions on e.g. the TEN-T revision have made the voice of our member states stronger. According to Minister Rau, a pre-requisite is to identify the V4’s common interests at an early stage of the EU decision-making process.

The participants appreciated the work that the International Visegrad Fund (IVF) has been doing to strengthen Visegrad cooperation, also in collaboration with partners from countries of the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans. They also decided that the Fund, in addition to the currently implemented projects, will further support Ukraine and Moldova in providing heat and electricity to households there to address the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Speaking about the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Minister Rau stressed that the current situation is also creating a new momentum in the EU, which Central European countries should use to strengthen their voice in the Union. “However, for this to happen, we need to remain united and determined to support Ukraine: in its current defence war, post-war reconstruction, and European integration,” added the minister. Poland’s top diplomat also noted that the common goal should be to rebuild Ukraine as a country ready for EU membership.

As regards security issues, the Polish foreign minister pointed out the need for practical V4 cooperation in defence, to strengthen the security of NATO’s eastern flank. In this context, he drew attention to the forthcoming third standby duty of the EU’s Visegrad Battlegroup.

Minister Rau stressed the need for continuing strong pressure on Russia through sanctions. In his view, further restrictions are necessary on exports of high technologies and imports of additional products that generate revenue for Russia. He also called for measures to combat Russian propaganda and for introducing new sanctions against individuals and entities which support the war in Ukraine.

The heads of V4 diplomacies also highlighted issues related to migration challenges. They agreed that effective instruments are needed to prevent an increase in migratory pressure and that strengthening the protection of the EU’s external borders should be a priority.

Today’s ministerial meeting was the first at this level and in this format since Slovakia took over the annual presidency of the Visegrad Group on 1 July.

 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Spokesperson