Nawrocki said Poland, with direct access to the sea, is “co-responsible” for supplying energy to Central Europe and has “concrete offers” to deepen cooperation on gas. He said he made initial arrangements on U.S. supplies with President Donald Trump and discussed the plan with the presidents of the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
“Our common interest is to keep strengthening infrastructure connections in the region, including gas and electricity links,” Nawrocki said, calling energy independence a marker of national sovereignty and arguing that the goal is to “systematically limit Russian influence in Europe.”
The summit brought together Poland’s Nawrocki, Hungary’s Tamas Sulyok, the Czech Republic’s Petr Pavel and Slovakia’s Peter Pellegrini. Nawrocki’s visit did not include a meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban; earlier plans for talks were canceled after Orban’s recent trip to Moscow for discussions on continued Russian energy deliveries to Hungary.
Nawrocki urged closer V4 cooperation on regional security, saying resurgent Russian imperialism is a fundamental threat and that a strong U.S. and NATO presence can ensure safety in Central and Eastern Europe.
He also pressed the V4 to have the “courage to say ‘no’” to European Union climate and migration policies, which he called worrisome, arguing leaders want to shield their states from them.
Sulyok said the V4 would prioritize competitiveness, security and improved transport links. While the region’s productivity growth exceeds the EU average, he said, the gains stem from catching up, and green and digital transitions must account for industrial and economic interests.
Pavel said the four countries are bound by economic, transport and energy ties and should use the summit to expand cooperation and accelerate Central Europe’s development. Where approaches differ, he said, V4 members should explain their positions to one another to sustain good neighborly relations. He added that a V4 objective is to influence the EU and win partners for Central European positions.
Leaders noted the 25th anniversary of the International Visegrad Fund, created to promote cooperation in science, culture and tourism.
Nawrocki said its resources could also support Western Balkan states and Christian communities worldwide through humanitarian projects.
(jh)
Source: PAP