- Acronym: V4
- Type: Intergovernmental Organization
- Membership: 4 member states
- Establishment: Established on 15 February 1991
- Official Language(s): Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Slovak
- Headquarters: N/A (The Visegrád Group does not have a formal headquarters; meetings rotate among member countries)
The Visegrád Group, also known as the V4, is a cultural and political alliance of four Central European nations – Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, aimed at fostering mutual cooperation and solidarity. The group was named after the Hungarian town of Visegrád, where the leaders of Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland met in 1335.
Visegrád Group History
The V4 was formed in Visegrád on 15 February 1991 by the leaders of Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland. After the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993, the Czech Republic and Slovakia became separate sovereign states and continued their membership in the V4. The primary goal was to collaborate in areas of common interest within the process of European integration.
Visegrád Group Structure
The V4 is not a formalized structure like the EU or NATO. It is a flexible forum for discussing and coordinating policies and positions on various issues. The presidency of the V4 rotates annually among the member countries. The Prime Ministers’ Summit is the highest level of political cooperation, with meetings held at least once a year.
Visegrád Group Membership
The V4 includes the following Central European countries:
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Poland
- Slovakia
Visegrád Group Objectives
European Integration
Promoting and supporting the efforts of all countries to integrate into European and Euro-Atlantic structures.
Regional Cooperation
Strengthening mutual ties in various fields of interest, including economic, energy, and infrastructure development.
Collective Representation
Coordinating on regional issues and representing the group’s interests in larger international forums.
Visegrád Group Funding
The V4 operates on contributions from its member states. The International Visegrád Fund, established in 2000, is the group’s primary instrument for financing collaborative projects, scholarships, and artist residencies.
Visegrád Group Projects
Cultural Exchange
Organizing cultural, educational, and exchange programs to promote cultural understanding and cooperation among the member states.
Economic Cooperation
Facilitating economic collaboration and removing barriers to trade and investment within the V4 region.
Security Collaboration
Cooperating on regional security issues, including defense, border protection, and cyber security.
Visegrád Group Members
Full Members
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Poland
- Slovakia
The Visegrád Group continues to serve as a crucial platform for the Central European countries to voice their collective interests, collaborate on shared goals, and address regional challenges, ensuring the prosperity and security of the V4 region within the broader European framework.