Visegrad Group (V4) - brief information

Question

The Visegrád Group, also known as V4, was established on February 15, 1991, in the Hungarian town of Visegrád.

It was created as a result of the Visegrád Declaration signed by Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland. The group was later joined by Slovakia after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia.

Member States:

• The Visegrád Group comprises four Central European countries: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia.

Geopolitical Cooperation:

• The V4 aims to promote cooperation and mutual assistance in various areas, including politics, economy, culture, and defense.

Common Interests:

• Member states share historical and cultural ties, and their cooperation is driven by common interests and the goal of further integration within the European Union.

Presidency Rotation:

• The presidency of the Visegrád Group rotates annually among the member states. The country holding the presidency chairs meetings and sets the group's agenda.

European Union Integration:

• V4 countries are EU member states, and their collaboration within the Visegrád Group often focuses on coordinating positions and policies within the EU.

Regional Stability:

• The V4 contributes to regional stability and aims to strengthen the voice of Central Europe in European and international affairs.

Joint Projects:

• Member states engage in joint projects and initiatives to enhance economic development, infrastructure, and cultural exchange within the region.

Cultural and Academic Cooperation:

• The V4 promotes cultural and academic cooperation to deepen understanding and strengthen ties among the member states.

Support for EU Enlargement:

• The Visegrád Group has expressed support for the European Union's enlargement process, particularly for countries in the region aspiring to join the EU.

Cooperation Platforms:

• The V4 provides various platforms for cooperation, including meetings of heads of state and government, foreign ministers, and other sectoral meetings.

The Visegrád Group serves as a regional platform for collaboration, fostering dialogue and joint initiatives among its member states, contributing to the stability and development of Central Europe.