It was the first meeting in this formula. During the meeting, the deputy ministers discussed, among other topics, current issues concerning the European Neighbourhood Policy, relations with the Western Balkans countries, fight with the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, asylum and migration issues, as well as the conference on the future of Europe and transatlantic relations. The meeting was chaired by Secretary of State at the Polish MFA Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk. Spain was represented by State Secretary for the European Union Juan González-Barba, who is currently visiting Poland to hold Polish-Spanish bilateral talks. The meeting was also attended by the Czech Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Aleš Chmelař. Slovakia and Hungary were represented by M. Klus, and Péter Sztáray, respectively.

While opening the meeting, Deputy Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk emphasised that the V4 is a flexible format, open to consultations in the repeatedly proven format of V4+. “The purpose of this kind of consultations is not just to exchange positions. They allow us to better understand each other’s sensitivity, which in turn helps us work out a joint response to a number of challenges that our countries, the EU and the whole international community are currently facing,” pointed out Deputy Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk.

Polish and Spanish foreign ministers also held bilateral consultations, during which they discussed current relations and prospects for their development. “A close alliance between Poland and Spain is necessary to find good long-term solutions which will determine the future of the EU in areas such as the single market, balanced neighbourhood policy, and strong transatlantic relations,” said Deputy Minister Szynkowski vel Sęk. The deputy chief of Polish diplomacy stressed that Spain is one of Poland’s closest political partners within the European Union thanks to a regular political dialogue held at various levels. Both sides agreed that, despite the pandemic, the next round of intergovernmental consultations and a parliamentary forum planned for the first half of 2021 will help sustain close relations. Cooperation within the EU and mutual dialogue on current EU agenda are also important. Deputy ministers also talked about the Multiannual Financial Framework and the Recovery Fund.

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On 1 July 2020, Poland assumed the one-year rotating presidency of the Visegrad Group. The motto of the presidency is “Back on track”. The V4’s cooperation and coordination during the Polish chairmanship focuses on, as it is usual for this format, on current issues on the European Union agenda. The V4 holds consultations in the V4+ format with, among others, Germany, France, the Benelux countries, the Nordic and Baltic (NB8) countries, as well as the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans countries.

MFA Press Office

Photo: Tymon Markowski, Sebastian Indra / MFA