Leaders from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia met in Hungary on Tuesday, signaling a revival of their Visegrád Four (V4) regional alliance. The summit, held at the Grassalkovich Castle in Gödöllő, was the first for the group in more than two years, a period marked by fractured relations largely due to former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s pro-Russian stance and its impact on the war in Ukraine.
Péter Magyar, the Hungarian Prime Minister who succeeded Orbán in May, hosted the meeting and has emphasized the importance of revitalizing the V4. At a news conference following a one-hour discussion with his counterparts, Magyar proposed developing a high-speed rail line connecting the four countries' capitals. The leaders also discussed finding common ground on energy security, agricultural policy, and illegal immigration.
"The V4 is back," Magyar stated. "The heart of Europe is beating in Central Europe today." Magyar, whose Tisza party secured a significant parliamentary majority in a recent election, has pledged to shift Hungary's foreign policy towards constructive cooperation while still defending national interests. He also expressed a desire to expand V4 cooperation to include other countries, aiming to create a more influential bloc within European decision-making.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed the sentiment for renewed cooperation, suggesting the V4 countries coordinate their positions before European Council meetings to present a united front. He described the group as a potential "beacon of hope" for influencing EU policies.
Magyar's election has already marked a change in Hungary's approach to Ukraine. His government recently reached an agreement with Kyiv to restore rights for a Hungarian ethnic minority in western Ukraine, which led to Hungary lifting its veto on the EU's initiation of membership talks with Ukraine. This contrasts with the policies of the previous administration under Orbán, where Hungary, along with allies Czech Republic and Slovakia, had reduced or halted military and financial aid to Ukraine.
Despite past policy differences, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš expressed optimism about the renewed cooperation, declaring the group "once again fully operational." He added, "These four countries are the future of Europe."
Hungary currently holds the rotating presidency of the V4, a role it will transfer to Slovakia at the end of the month. The renewed focus on cooperation aims to re-establish the V4 as a significant voice in regional and European affairs.