The Visegrad Group: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slo…Joint Statement of the Heads of Governments of the V4 Countries
22/09/2022, 08:46
Joint Statement of the Heads of Governments of the V4 Countries
Brussels, 15 December 2016
We, the Prime Ministers of the Visegrad countries, convening in Brussels on 15 December 2016 in the margins of the
European Council, adopt hereby the following Joint Statement. The Visegrad Group countries welcome the focus of the
December European Council on key challenges which the EU needs to face.
Migration
The Visegrad countries appreciate important efforts of the Slovak Presidency to broaden consensus concerning the
application of the principles of solidarity and responsibility in the context of migration policy. They recognize that good
progress has been made in the convergence of views on various aspects, including the external dimension of migration
and the protection of EU external borders. At the same time, further effort is needed to reach consensus on the internal
dimension of the migration policy. The Visegrad countries are ready to continue working towards this objective. They
believe that any new European migration policy can only be built for a common area where full control of external borders
is ensured and migratory pressures can therefore be resisted effectively.
Security
Internal security agenda remains of crucial importance. Instruments enhancing citizens’ confidence in safe environment
are of major importance. That is why Counter Terrorism Directive should be adopted and Passenger Name Record
Directive implemented.
The Prime Ministers of the Visegrad countries underline their commitment to the strengthening of the Common Security
and Defence Policy in line with the Council conclusions of 17 October and 14 November.
To respond to the deteriorating security environment, we must make the security of the EU, its Member States and
citizens our top priority. Therefore, we call on the Member States to act responsibly and step up efforts to tackle the
threats and challenges of the present day, notably hybrid and cyber threats or terrorism, in a coherent and effective way.
In line with the European Council Conclusions of December 2013 on security and defence, the Visegrad countries
reiterate the need to enhance the effectiveness of the CSDP and the development and maintenance of Member States’
defense and security capabilities, supported by a more integrated, sustainable, innovative and competitive European
Defence Technological and Industrial Base, with full participation of SMEs, which also contributes to jobs, growth and
innovation across the EU and can enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy, strengthening its ability to act autonomously
when and where necessary and with partners wherever possible.
The Prime Ministers of the Visegrad countries emphasize that close cooperation of the EU and NATO is a vital to
enhance the Common Security and Defence Policy and the security of Europe. In this light, they welcome the progress
on the implementation of the EU-NATO Joint Declaration which provides for measures to advance the practical
cooperation of the two organisations. Avoiding unnecessary duplication and ensuring complementarity between the EU
and NATO will guarantee that our resources and capabilities are used efficiently.
AA/DCFTA with Ukraine
The Visegrad countries reiterate their support to the process of ratification of the Association Agreement with Ukraine and
emphasize their will to look for a solution that will allow for a swift conclusion of this process by all Member States of the
EU.
The Prime Ministers of the Visegrad countries reaffirmed the importance of the Association Agreement/Deep and
Comprehensive Free Trade Area (AA/DCFTA) with Ukraine. It is an important element of the Eastern Partnership policy,
which the Visegrad countries consider as a strategic dimension of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
The implementation of AA/DCFTAs is a key commitment of all contracting partners, the associated states as well as the
Community and its Member States. Therefore, the Visegrad countries reaffirmed the importance of full application of the
Agreement as soon as possible. Only then cooperation with the EU will be more effective and bilateral ties will be
strengthened.
The Visegrad countries reiterate their support to the European aspirations and the European choice of concerned
Eastern Partnership partners. In this respect, Visegrad countries note that the decision of the heads of states or
governments concerning the ratification of the AA/DCFTA EU-Ukraine does not contradict art. 49 of the Treaty on
European Union.
The procedure leading to the lifting of visa requirements for Ukraine should be completed without any further delay.
https://www.visegradgroup.eu/documents/official-statements/joint-statement-of-the-161215-1
Page 1 of 2