Visegrad Group Summit in Prague: Remarks on Funding, Unity, and Regional Focus
At a recent gathering in Prague, the leaders of the Visegrad Group—Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary—met to discuss priorities for the region. Polish President Andrzej Duda noted that Hungarian President Katalin Novak proposed increasing contributions to the Visegrad Fund, a move he indicated would be carefully considered and brought to the prime ministers for discussion. In response, Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized a return to the groupra roots, underscoring the importance of strong transatlantic ties and good neighborly relations. He also highlighted that the V4 maintains solid relations despite changes in national leadership and urged a clear understanding of shared goals and divergent areas where collaboration is possible or necessary.
Priorities of the Czech Presidency in the V4
During a Wednesday summit in Prague, the presidents of all four nations gathered: Andrzej Duda, Petr Pavel, Zuzana Caputova, and Katalin Novak. In the postonference remarks, Pavel described the Czech presidency as one focused on tangible actions for citizens. The aim is to return to the original spirit of the Visegrad Group by strengthening transatlantic connections and fostering constructive neighborly relations. Even as governmental leadership shifts, maintaining robust ties with neighboring states remains a central objective. The emphasis is on understanding each others viewpoints, identifying common ground, and recognizing areas where cooperation is possible alongside areas of difference.
The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary share close geographic proximity in Central Europe, which brings similar geopolitical challenges. The discussion acknowledged Russian aggression as a shared risk and reaffirmed the imperative of backing Ukraine, not only for regional security but as a fundamental humanitarian stance. Pavel stressed that V4 solidarity with Ukraine should be comprehensive and enduring.
Cooperation Within the Visegrad Group
Pavel also addressed regional broader concerns, including the Middle East, describing the situation there as a major challenge for Europe. The president stressed that defeating Hamas, preventing a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and preventing the conflict from spreading are in Europe’s best interests.
Enlargement of the European Union was another focal point of the summit. Pavel expressed conviction that neighboring countries deserve a clear EU pathway, arguing that such a step would strengthen European security and bolster regional resilience.
Beyond geopolitics, the meeting covered concrete initiatives in education, culture, and social campaigns that could benefit citizens across the four nations. Discussions also touched on infrastructure developments with the potential to modernize economies, including road networks and highreased rail links.
Pavel expressed optimism that ongoing cooperation would continue at an appropriate level and that the core priorities identified during the Czech presidency would be implemented in the near term.
Proposal to Increase the Visegrad Fund
In a joint press conference, President Duda highlighted that the discussions centered on the Visegrad Fund and its impact on development across Central and Eastern Europe. Novak’s proposal to boost contributions to the fund was noted, with Duda saying that the idea would be considered and forwarded to the four prime ministers for deliberation. In addition to funding, the leaders emphasized infrastructure development, economic growth, and security as key topics of the talks, with Duda noting the significance of V4 coordination for the Three Seas Initiative.
Duda described the Visegrad Group as the heart of the Three Seas Initiative, stressing investments in roads and rail, which would support not only development but regional security. He noted that improved connectivity would facilitate the delivery of aid to Ukraine from Baltic ports and stressed continued support for Ukraine as part of a stable regional order.
V4’s Commitment to Innovation
Slovakia’s president underscored that the fund remains a vital tool for regional cooperation and highlighted the focus on building an innovative, integrated economy. She reminded listeners that Slovakia had moved quickly from a planned to a market economy and should now shift toward research and development that adds value. The Slovak leadership has adopted a 2030 development and innovation strategy, aimed at making Slovakia a stronger partner within the V4 and beyond. Education and labor market reforms were identified as essential complements to investments in research and development. The discussion also touched on road and rail connectivity and steps to strengthen energy independence in the region.
The Slovak head of state emphasized the broader international landscape and the need to maintain stability in the region as a shared interest, particularly in light of the situation with Russia.
V4’s Ongoing Support for Ukraine
Novak, representing Hungary, described the Visegrad Group as vibrant with a strong future. She affirmed that the V4 remains an active, connected entity and an unwavering channel for regional coordination. She portrayed the Visegrad Group as a central pillar of Europe and an essential contributor to regional security, while also highlighting the importance of protecting Schengen external borders. The discussion covered the war in Ukraine, with a unified stance that Russia cannot win and ongoing commitments to assist Ukraine’s defense and resilience. Novak also called for safer, less disrupted travel across Europe by reducing internal border controls and enhancing cooperation among V4 partners.
On other fronts, the leaders addressed energy collaboration, including the potential expansion of nuclear energy, to achieve long-term energy independence away from Russia. Novak also touched on border security and the desire to keep European travel seamless, closing with a call for continued coordination to ease border checks and maintain open borders where possible.
In closing, the participants acknowledged the ongoing need for practical collaboration on infrastructure, energy, and humanitarian support for Ukraine. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to pursue the identified priorities and to sustain a strong, concerted V4 approach for the region.
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Source: wPolityce