Blanar Describes Visegrad Four as Necessary Group Amidst Rapid Global Changes

Bratislava, 16 February (TASR) - Amidst rapid global changes, the Visegrad Group (V4) represents a relevant and necessary partnership of four countries – Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary – for coordinating their views within the region and the European Union, according to Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar's (Smer-SD) statement marking the 35th anniversary of V4's establishment, TASR has learnt from the Foreign Ministry's communications department. "The current geopolitical situation requires swift and coordinated reactions, while intensified dialogue among the Visegrad Group countries can also help us better respond to the challenges we're facing," stated Blanar. According to him, it's natural and necessary to strengthen a unified voice of Central Europe, not only as a continuation of historical tradition but also due to being able to take action and deliver solutions. As a successful example of unity within V4, Blanar highlighted the group's aligned position on the ETS2 emissions trading system when the countries jointly called for its postponement. "This approach has demonstrated the Visegrad Group's ability to come up with unified and constructive positions in energy and environmental policies," stated Blanar. According to him, Slovakia wants to build on this momentum during its upcoming V4 presidency as from July 1 this year. "Our ambition is for the Visegrad Group to function as an effective platform for coordinating positions. Currently, this partnership is crucial in co-deciding on the priorities of European policies and our shared European future," confirmed Blanar, stressing that it's important for the voice of the Central European region to be heard and to carry real political weight. Established on 15 February 1991 with the Visegrad Declaration signed by the then-presidents of Czecho-Slovakia, Hungary and Poland in the Hungarian town of Visegrad, the V4 group builds on the natural geographical and historical proximity and long-standing relationships in culture, education, science, politics, economy and social life, currently bringing together nearly 65 million people. Hungary has been the presiding country since 1 July 2025. jrg