With shifting geopolitical tides and figures like Donald Trump advocating for a swift end to the war, the future of Ukrainian refugees remains unclear. Many continue to reside in Poland, Slovakia, and Czechia, and Kyiv will face a hard challenge of facilitating their return — an issue crucial for the country’s post-war recovery.
By Natália Silenská | Euractiv.sk, Nazar Hlamazda | gwaramedia.com, Aleksandra Krzysztoszek | Euractiv.pl, Ondřej Plevák | Euractiv.cz
Poland, Slovakia, and Czechia are generally supportive of EU enlargement, both eastward and southward toward the Western Balkans. However, politicians emphasise the importance of candidate countries meeting the necessary criteria. Ukraine acknowledges the long road ahead but asserts that every step toward EU membership is a step further from Russia’s sphere of influence.
By Aleksandra Krzysztoszek (EURACTIV.pl), Ondřej Plevák (EURACTIV.cz), Natália Silenská (EURACTIV.sk) and Yana Sliemzina (Gwara Media)
Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and Czechia express varied levels of support and opposition towards Ursula von der Leyen’s potential second term as the President of the European Commission. While Hungary and Slovakia voice strong criticism and unlikely backing, Poland shows a split stance within its political parties, and Czechia remains ambivalent but focused on securing influential portfolios within the EU.
Written by Richárd Demény (Political Capital), Barbara Zmušková (Euractiv.sk), Aleksandra Krzysztoszek and Krzysztof Ryncarz (Euractiv.pl), Kateřina Horáková (Euractiv Czechia)
The Visegrad Four (V4), comprising the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, have long been united by geographical proximity and shared historical experiences. However, the panel discussion featuring experts and politicians from the V4 countries reveals a complex and evolving landscape of interests as the European Union (EU) enters its next mandate.