The ministers talked about the post-pandemic recovery of the V4 economies. The Polish MFA head pointed out that ensuring optimal conditions for economic growth in the European Union requires further strengthening of the Common Market, in particular its digital and service dimension. “We should also provide a level playing field for all member states and a good basis for the development of the European industry,” added Minister Rau.

Furthermore, the V4 heads of diplomacy covered migration and asylum issues. The top diplomats spoke about the situation at the EU’s external borders, with a special focus on routes through the Western Balkans and the EU’s eastern borders. “The reform of the asylum system needs to be based on the consensus of all EU countries, as well as a proper balance between responsibility and solidarity. We maintain our position that mandatory relocation is not a solution to the issue of illegal migration, and that European solidarity should be more flexible,” emphasised the Polish foreign minister. Minister Rau also presented measures that Poland has undertaken to support our Lithuanian friends in relation to the growing migratory pressure from Belarus. All diplomats agreed that concrete actions must be taken to show solidarity with Vilnius in this context.

The V4 foreign ministers also talked about the Conference on the Future of Europe. Minister Rau pointed out that the conference should be inclusive and take into account the opinions of all EU citizens. “The voice of Central Europe should be clearly heard in this debate. We should focus on issues which are most important from the perspective of our citizens and have a real impact on their lives,” he added.

The meeting also covered the situation regarding EU enlargement policy and relations with the Western Balkan countries. “We continued the discussion we started less than three weeks ago at the meeting of the V4 and the Western Balkans foreign ministers in Rogalin, during the Polish presidency of the Group,” said the chief of Polish diplomacy. Minister Rau stressed that for Poland and other V4 countries the priority is to bring about the launch of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia as soon as possible, and to accelerate the pace of negotiations with Serbia and Montenegro. “V4 countries will continue to actively support the European aspirations of the Western Balkans and efforts of the Slovenian presidency of the EU Council in this regard,” he added.

 

MFA Press Office
 

Photo: Gabriel Piętka / MFA