Polish Presidency of the Visegrad Group

“It is important that we continue to talk and present our perspective. The Visegrad Group put forward its main proposals and points of view on key issues,” noted Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who was accompanied by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš.

 

EU budget

The politicians talked about the quickest possible conclusion of the budgetary procedure and releasing EU money for 2021-2027. Many European Union member states are looking forward to receiving the funds.

“The decisions made at the previous European Council must be respected,” emphasised the head of the Polish government.

During the July summit of the European Council, Poland negotiated over PLN 750 billion from the EU budget and the European Recovery Instrument. This money will make it possible to rebuild and strengthen the Polish economy after the coronavirus pandemic and achieve EU goals in 2021-2027.

The adopted budget package is a major investment injection for the whole Europe, and is necessary for economies to recover quickly after the crisis. Poland managed to secure significant funds from cohesion policy and common agricultural policy resources.

Plan for Belarus to be presented to EU leaders

During the meeting in Brussels, the “Economic Plan for a Democratic Belarus” was presented. It provides for infrastructure investments, among other solutions. The plan was prepared on Poland’s initiative and agreed on by the Visegrad Group prime ministers.

“The plan consists of very specific proposals. It gives Belarusians an assurance that they will not be left on their own,” pointed out the head of the Polish government. He also added that Poland wants to present the plan for Belarus at the next European Council meeting.

The plan provides for, among other things, proposals concerning a stability package from institutions such as the International Monetary Fund as well as infrastructure investments from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank. 

European Commission’s new proposals on migration

Consultations of Polish, Czech and Hungarian prime ministers with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also focused on the new pact on migration and asylum put forward by the European Commission.

“The Visegrad Group holds a very clear view on border controls,” said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. “There are certain rules that we abide by regarding the need to ensure the most stringent and effective policies concerning border controls, and assistance in places from which potential migrants can migrate to Europe,” he explained.

The head of the Polish government also reminded that Poland is providing assistance to Greece by donating 156 modular homes to a site recently damaged by a tragic fire. The fire broke out on one of Greek islands, leaving many people homeless.

 

Photo: Krystian Maj / Chancellery of the Prime Minister