Webinar on preparations for Poland’s V4 presidency
02.07.2020
“Back on track” is the motto with which Poland takes over the Visegrad Group (V4) presidency. “The slogan is not only about economic recovery or a simple return to pre-pandemic projects and activities. It is about restoring mutual trust and effective solidarity in the face of unprecedented challenges and, at the same time, about rethinking Central Europe, our values, and aspirations which are in line with the new conditions,” emphasised Minister Jacek Czaputowicz during a webinar organised by the Polish Institute of International Affairs and the Centre for Eastern Studies.
“Signed in 1991, the Visegrad Declaration initiated closer cooperation in Central Europe. It also marked a significant step for our countries towards regaining the rightful place in Europe,” said Minister Czaputowicz, speaking about the benefits of regional cooperation.
The chief of Polish diplomacy outlined the main elements of Poland’s V4 presidency programme. As has been the case so far, the current EU agenda will feature prominently in the presidency programme. “At the same time, we would like to give a renewed impetus to relations between the Visegrad Group members. We will implement all initiatives on the basis of three main pillars: the economy and connectivity, security, and society,” said Minister Jacek Czaputowicz. Actions will focus on four main goals:
- a strong Visegrad Group in a strong Europe,
- return to the (new) normal after the COVID-19 pandemic,
- people-to-people contacts, as well as integration and cohesion efforts within the V4,
- developing cooperation in the field of digital affairs and innovation.
The calendar of meetings of the four countries’ representatives is expected to be very busy. The Polish presidency will be officially launched at a summit of prime ministers in Warsaw on 3 July, during which Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will present the priorities of Visegrad cooperation for the year ahead. The summit will focus on coordinating positions in areas such as the Multiannual Financial Framework negotiations and actions to stimulate the European economy. During the summit, the V4 will also adopt a declaration on cybersecurity. The summit will be followed by a meeting of the V4 foreign ministers in Wadowice on 7 July.
As of 1 July, Poland took over the presidency of the Visegrad Group for the sixth time. On this occasion, the Polish Institute of International Affairs and the Centre for Eastern Studies organised an online seminar attended by Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz and representatives of think-tanks associated with Think Visegrad – V4 Think Tank Platform.
MFA Press Office
Photo: Sebastian Indra / MFA
