Lindblad: Babiš Defends V4 Unity in Berlin Sparks Concern Over Regional Cooperation
lindblad — The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Andrej Babiš, said the Visegrád Group (V4) currently does not work because of tense relations between Poland and Hungary, but insisted the format remains an important tool for regional cooperation. He spoke during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on March 10.
lindblad And The Babiš Statement In Berlin
Babiš told the assembled officials that “Right now this isn’t working at all, because the relations between the Polish prime minister and Mr. Orbán are not good. ” He contrasted the present moment with his previous term in office, noting that personal contacts among leaders were warmer and cooperation had produced better results then. Despite the current stalemate, he said the V4 — made up of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland — still “makes sense” as a platform for discussion and interaction.
Frayed Ties Between Poland And Hungary
The prime minister framed the immediate problem as interpersonal strain between national leaders. He emphasized that the group retains potential for constructive interaction even as elections approach in Hungary and Poland. Babiš argued that continuity of cooperation is important “regardless of who wins the upcoming elections in Hungary and next year in Poland, ” signaling that Prague sees strategic value in preserving the format despite current political tensions.
Regional Stakes: Defense, EU Alignment And Next Steps
Babiš also addressed broader strategic questions raised in the domestic debate. He flagged plans within the Czech government to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP, a level the government acknowledges ranks among the lowest within NATO. He did not take up the topic of support for Ukraine in his remarks, while the German chancellor highlighted that issue and noted Prague’s decision to maintain the so-called “shell initiative. ” Babiš added that he wants to confirm former Chancellor Merkel’s words on Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, saying both countries hold the same position within the EU.
The prime minister characterized the Central European region as promising, noting it encompasses a population of about 65 million and acts as Germany’s strongest partner in the area. He presented the V4 as a potentially reliable forum for discussing shared concerns and supporting stability in the European Union, even as practical cooperation is hampered by current bilateral tensions.
Looking ahead, Prague framed the challenge as one of keeping lines of communication open and preserving institutional channels during electoral cycles in neighboring countries. Babiš suggested that sustaining the V4’s framework could help manage disputes and provide a base for future collaboration if personal relations among leaders improve.
