Abstract Strážay

Neither beautiful nor ugly, but functional: a pragmatic view on the Visegrad Group

Tomáš Strážay

Abstract: The Visegrad Four (V4) entered the third decennium of its existence as the most efficient regional cooperation in Central Europe and one of the most viable regional groupings in the entire European Union. The article suggests to hold a realistic perception of the V4 and avoid both exaggerated expectations and over criticism. It is divided in two main parts. While the first part evaluates issues connected with the functioning of the V4, especially institutional background and size of the Group, the second part focuses mostly on thematic priorities of strategic importance. The main aim is to support the hypothesis that the Visegrad Group is far from an existential crisis and has a significant potential for further development.

 

Keywords: The Visegrad Four, Central Europe