Strengthening the cooperation of the Visegrad Group countries in the field of defence was the main topic of the meeting of the V4 defence ministers held on 12 June in Štrbské Pleso, Slovakia. The meeting was the culmination of the Slovak chairmanship of the V4 group and provided an opportunity to take stock of activities to date and discuss current security issues in the region.
The defence ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary focused their discussions on the changes in the European security environment caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and NATO and European Union actions in response to these events. In the context of further assistance to Ukraine, the ministers also discussed the implementation of the Madrid NATO summit and developed positions for the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius.
Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, Mariusz Blaszczak, stressed the importance of strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and the need for coordination in this regard. One aspect of this cooperation is the modernisation of the armed forces, which is a priority for the V4 Group. Minister Blaszczak indicated Poland’s readiness to share its experience in the modernisation of the armed forces and to cooperate in the deployment of modern equipment with western NATO member states.
Poland, as one of the Visegrad Group countries, is also committed to developing joint ventures within the European Union. In particular, Minister Blaszczak emphasised the importance of the ‘military mobility’ project, which is important both for defence and for strengthening relations between the V4 countries, also on the economic level.
During the meeting, the defence ministers signed a political declaration on the continuation of the Air Policing mission, which includes the protection of Slovakia’s airspace. Proof of close cooperation within the V4 Group is also provided by the third edition of the V4 countries’ combat duty, which will last until the end of June this year.
Minister Blaszczak also expressed support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. He stressed that Ukraine strives for independence and rejects Russian domination. Poland supports Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and strives for a successful end to the conflict so that Ukraine can exist as an independent state within its internationally recognised borders.
The meeting of the defence ministers of the Visegrad Group countries in Štrbské Pleso confirmed the strong cooperation and commitment of the V4 countries to enhance defence capabilities and maintain stability and security in the Central European region. Through exercises, the modernisation of the armed forces and joint actions in the international arena, the V4 countries aim to strengthen their position and ensure security for their citizens.