The leaders of the Visegrád Group (V4) have called for closer regional cooperation and further European Union enlargement, while acknowledging differences over the war in Ukraine. Hungarian President András Baka said Hungary wanted to become an even more committed partner in building a common Europe following the country’s recent elections.
The four countries – Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia and Poland – met in Trenčín, Slovakia, on 4–5 November for a summit marking 35 years since the V4 group’s establishment. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also attended the talks, which covered EU enlargement, European security, Ukraine and energy prices.
EU enlargement must be based on merit
Speaking after the meeting, Baka said EU enlargement was in the interests of all four Visegrád countries. He described it as a strategic investment in Europe’s peace, security, stability and prosperity.
However, he stressed that accession must be based on merit, with all candidate countries assessed consistently according to the same principles and conditions. This approach, he said, served the long-term interests of both the candidates and the EU.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini also backed enlargement, identifying Montenegro as the most advanced candidate country. He suggested that it could join the EU in 2028 if it fulfils the necessary requirements.
The V4 leaders are open to changes to the accession process, Pellegrini said, but want to preserve the right of existing member states to veto decisions on admitting new members.
Different views on Ukraine, but winter support pledged
The war in Ukraine remains an area of disagreement within the V4. Czech President Petr Pavel called for a strong and united European response and said sanctions against Russia should remain in place.
Pellegrini urged a diplomatic solution to the conflict, with the EU playing a role in efforts to achieve peace. The leaders also agreed that their countries would continue helping the Ukrainian population through the winter, including by providing technical equipment and supporting the construction of shelters.
Baka highlighted the rights of the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia, western Ukraine, as a key issue for Hungary. He welcomed steps that could help enforce minority rights and restore trust between Hungary and Ukraine.
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Energy prices and industry among key concerns
Affordable energy and the competitiveness of European industry were also major topics at the summit, Index writes. Pellegrini warned that high energy prices threatened industries that play a significant role in the V4 economies and called for swift EU action.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki argued that the V4 countries should have a greater influence on EU decision-making. Despite their differences, he said, they should work together to represent their shared economic interests. He also called for EU climate policy to take account of member states’ energy security and economic needs.
Baka said close relations between neighbouring countries were particularly important in the face of Europe’s security challenges. He expressed hope that V4 cooperation would continue to contribute to the development and security of both the region and the wider continent.
The summit was also an opportunity for the four presidents to reaffirm their commitment to continued cooperation, even where their positions do not fully align.
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