V4 presidents adopt declaration backing EU enlargement

The declaration was adopted at Trencin Castle on 5 November. Pellegrini hosted Czech President Petr Pavel, Polish President Karol Nawrocki and Hungarian President Andras Baka, RSI reported. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined in an expanded format.

The V4 groups Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. The summit marked 35 years since the V4 group's establishment, Daily News Hungary reported. It opened on 4 November with central bank governors discussing regional competitiveness and future economic prosperity, Radio Prague International reported. Slovakia has held the V4 presidency since 1 July and has identified EU enlargement as a priority, Polish Radio reported. Trencin is the 2026 European Capital of Culture.

Declaration backs merit-based enlargement

The declaration said accession should remain fair, rigorous and predictable, with progress and concrete reforms as the basis for evaluating candidate countries. Membership must depend on meeting strict and fair conditions, with no shortcuts or preferential treatment, the leaders stressed. It voiced particular support for Montenegro, while saying Ukraine and Moldova should follow their own paths towards membership.

Baka said EU enlargement served all four Visegrad countries. He described it as a strategic investment in Europe's peace, security, stability and prosperity. He stressed accession must be based on merit, with all candidate countries assessed consistently under the same principles and conditions.

Pellegrini identified Montenegro as the most advanced candidate country. He suggested it could join the EU in 2028 if it fulfils the necessary requirements. He said the leaders were open to changes in the accession process but wanted to preserve existing member states' right to veto decisions on admitting new members.

Von der Leyen described enlargement as a geostrategic necessity that increases Europe's influence and prosperity, EUalive reported. Pavel said the Union must prepare for enlargement so that new members do not undermine its unity or stability.

Ukraine differences and winter support

The leaders acknowledged differences over the war in Ukraine, Daily News Hungary reported. Pavel called for a strong and united European response and said sanctions against Russia should remain in place. Pellegrini urged a diplomatic solution, with the EU playing a role in efforts to achieve peace.

Baka raised the rights of the Hungarian community in Transcarpathia, western Ukraine, as an important issue for Hungary. He welcomed steps that could help enforce minority rights and restore trust between Hungary and Ukraine.

The leaders agreed their countries would continue helping the Ukrainian population through the winter, including by providing technical equipment and supporting the construction of shelters. The declaration called for maintaining political, financial, humanitarian, economic and military assistance to Ukraine. "We're convinced that EU enlargement and support for Ukraine, as well as affordable and secure energy, are interlinked strategic priorities," the presidents said in the declaration.

The declaration reaffirmed support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also backed Ukraine's European future and called for a just and lasting peace.

Energy and competitiveness

High energy prices posed a challenge to Europe's competitiveness, the presidents said. They called for coordinated measures at EU and national level. They advocated immediate support alongside long-term solutions, including more investment in energy infrastructure, cross-border interconnectors and energy storage. They said affordable, secure and reliable energy supplies were essential to maintaining Europe's economic competitiveness.

Pellegrini warned that high energy prices threatened industries central to the V4 economies and called for swift EU action. Nawrocki argued the four countries should have greater influence on EU decision-making. He said EU climate policy should take account of member states' energy security and economic needs.

Baka said close relations between neighbouring countries mattered in the face of Europe's security challenges. He hoped V4 cooperation would keep contributing to the region's development and security. Baka also said Hungary wanted to become an even more committed partner in building a common Europe after the country's recent elections.