Visegrád countries to contribute to Libya border control

Prime ministers of the Visegrád Four countries have agreed to contribute 35 million euros to finance a border control programme in Libya, according to a joint declaration released by the Hungarian prime minister’s office on Thursday.

The funds are aimed at facilitating a border protection programme managed by the Italian government with assistance from the European Commission.

The prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia have also offered their cooperation in the implementation of the programme, and voiced their conviction that the migration pressure on Europe can only be eased by protecting the external borders and removing the causes of migration.

The four prime ministers have consulted EC head Jean-Claude Juncker and Paolo Gentiloni, their Italian counterpart, over the matter, the Hungarian prime minister’s office told MTI.

In a video message published on Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Facebook page, the PM said: “We all know that Hungary protects the land borders, and the maritime borders must be protected by Italy. Our personal and national security and the security of our families depend on this. The future and safety of our children, their security and terror-free life depends on this, on the Hungarians and the Italians being able to protect the external borders of Europe on land and on sea.

“The Visegrád Four decided today to provide significant financial support and assistance to help Italy to protect its maritime borders and thus protect Europe and us as well.

We made this statement, we informed the Italian prime minister and we also announced this to the press with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. We are looking good at the end of the first round. The scorecards show a victory for us today. There will be two other important meetings. I will keep you informed”.

Featured image: www.facebook.com/OrbánViktor

Source: MTI