Foreign ministers from Central European states met under the Central 5 (C5) format to discuss the current situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, illegal migration, and the expansion of the European Union. The meeting of ministers from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia took place on Thursday in the village of Tomášov (Senec District).
According to Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár, all five ministers condemned the violation of Polish airspace by drones during the Russian attack on Ukraine. “We are united in terms of the approach to aid and solidarity. (…) We want a definitive solution supported by continuing the peace efforts initiated by the administration of the U.S. President,” Blanár said. Regarding the situation in the Middle East, the ministers agreed on the importance of respecting international and humanitarian law, which they consider essential.
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated that the shared goal is to achieve peace in Ukraine that guarantees long-term security and safety for its citizens, calling for increased pressure on Russia. Austria, she said, advocates for a change in the perception of illegal migration and the establishment of a new migration pact, with rules designed to stop illegal migration while upholding human rights.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó pointed out that Central Europe faces common challenges, with migration being the most significant. He recalled that Hungary built a fence on the EU’s external border, which he said has prevented over a billion illegal migrants from entering Europe. Szijjártó assured the ministers that Hungary will continue protecting the EU from illegal migration in this way. However, he added, Hungary is daily fined by the EU for this fence, whereas Poland received promised financial support for its border fence. “This is a huge injustice. It is a double standard, and that is why I asked my colleagues for solidarity on this issue,” Szijjártó said.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský noted that the ministers found agreement regarding the Western Balkans. “It is precisely integration into the EU. Bringing these countries closer to the European Union will help improve their economic situation, but it must also include a values-based and security aspect so that we can find consensus on these fundamental matters,” he said. He added that the meeting also touched on the situation in the Middle East, noting that the humanitarian situation there is poor and that the peace process must continue.
Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon called on partners to recognize Palestine as a state, as Slovenia has done. She also emphasized efforts to accelerate EU enlargement to Western Balkan countries. Fajon recalled that recently, together with Italy and Croatia, they sent a letter outlining how the process could be sped up, aiming for two to three Western Balkan countries to join by 2030. Slovenia also supports ongoing negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
Source: TASR
