The leaders of the Visegrad Four have agreed to strengthen cooperation and coordinate their positions ahead of European Council meetings. The prime ministers of Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary met at Bratislava Castle on Thursday, joined by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, whose country currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU.
A key topic was the EU’s next long-term budget for 2028 to 2034. The V4 leaders stressed the need to preserve the Common Agricultural Policy, reduce regional disparities and reflect the higher defence and border-protection costs faced by countries on the EU’s eastern flank.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) said reducing high energy prices would also be a major common priority, as they undermine European competitiveness. The leaders discussed the EU emissions trading system, electricity pricing and fuel costs.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said his country’s EU presidency would present a proposal for the next European budget within weeks. The V4 also plans further talks with key European partners, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Source: TASR
