Radosław Sikorski announced on 1 September 2026 after the gathering of the abroad ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary in Tomášov that the Visegrad Group had returned. The V4 countries want to agree on common positions again. For Poland, this means an chance to defend the interests of the region more powerfully if concrete decisions follow the declarations.
V4 again at 1 table
The gathering in Tomášov close Bratislava was inaugurated at the level of the heads of diplomacy by the yearly Presidency of Slovakia in the Visegrad Group. Radosław Sikorski, Juraj Blanár, Petr Macinka and Anita Orbán sat at the table. The talks were besides held in the V4 expression plus Japan with the participation of nipponese abroad minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
After the meeting, Sikorski stated that the groups could trust each another again and establish joint actions. He besides stressed the request to bring positions closer to the next discussions of European ministers. This is an crucial declaration, but its meaning will only be measured after the results. The Visegrad Group has a period of sharp differences, especially in the assessment of the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia.
Japan returns to dialog with the region
By Communication from the Slovak Ministry of abroad Affairs The V4 dialog with Japan at ministerial level was resumed after 5 years. The talks included the economy, science, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, energy safety and geopolitical situation. The countries of the region and Japan besides talked about resilient supply chains and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
These are areas where Central Europe should not just stay a marketplace for and implement another people's strategies. Partnership with Japan can service the Polish economy, technology and security, but must be based on reciprocity. Warsaw should enter specified formats with its own list of objectives, not with its readiness to sign a joint communication.
Sikorski points to Russia's actions
The head of Polish diplomacy stated that Poland solidaritys with the victims of Putinian Russia. He accused Moscow of acts of sabotage, arson, political assassination and state terror. He besides recalled the effort to blow up a train in Poland. These allegations came from the minister's mouth and require a consistent consequence from the state: efficient services, infrastructure protection and allied cooperation.
The Russian threat must not be brought into another conference formula. Sikorski has already warned against the risks of Russia. If the V4 countries have indeed brought the threat assessment closer, this should translate into rail and energy protection, military mobility, information exchange and effective prosecution of the Russian diversion.
Poland needs tools, not decorations
Visehrad makes sense where 4 countries can jointly defend the interests of Central Europe. The June meetings of Prime Ministers and Defence Ministers showed the fields of possible cooperation: energy, migration, agriculture, cohesion policy, fuel infrastructure and military exercises. The Chancellery of the Prime Minister indicatedthat compatible V4 countries can more effectively influence decisions in Europe.
For Poland it is practical. The 4 capitals acting together have more strength vis-à-vis Brussels bureaucracy and the Union's largest states than each individual. This does not mean consent at all costs. Warsaw cannot ignore differences concerning Russia or safety in Ukraine just to keep a good image from the meeting.
The return of talks is beneficial if it serves the sovereignty, safety and wallets of citizens. The real test will come in the first dispute over money, energy, migration or politics towards Moscow. Then we'll find out if V4 actually came back, or if it just came back a diplomatic sign.
Source: Polish Radio, Ministry of abroad Affairs of the Slovak Republic
Source: Bankier.pl
