At the Grassalkovich Palace in Gödöllő, Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar made a striking declaration: the Visegrád Four (V4) is back. Speaking after a meeting of the group, which includes Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, Magyar quoted Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's recent remark in Brussels to underscore the renewed momentum.
"The V4 is back," Magyar said, echoing Tusk's words from a European Council summit. The comment signals a potential shift in the dynamics of the alliance, which has seen strained relations in recent years due to divergent views on the rule of law and migration. Magyar, a prominent critic of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has been positioning himself as a reformist voice in Hungarian politics.
A New Chapter for Central European Cooperation
The Visegrád Group, founded in 1991, has historically been a platform for Central European countries to coordinate on EU and NATO issues. However, internal disagreements—particularly over Hungary's stance on EU sanctions against Russia and its judicial reforms—have weakened its cohesion. Magyar's invocation of Tusk, a staunch defender of EU values, suggests a push to realign the group with Brussels' priorities.
"This is not just about nostalgia," Magyar told reporters. "It's about rebuilding trust and focusing on practical cooperation—energy security, infrastructure, and support for Ukraine." The comment comes amid ongoing tensions between Budapest and the European Commission, which has withheld billions in EU funds over rule-of-law concerns.
Magyar's remarks also tie into broader European debates about the future of regional blocs. The V4's revival could influence discussions on Moldova's EU accession, where parallel processes with Transnistria are being negotiated. A more cohesive V4 might offer a unified voice on enlargement, though differences remain.
Domestic and International Reactions
In Hungary, Magyar's statement has drawn mixed reactions. Government-aligned media dismissed it as a publicity stunt, while opposition supporters see it as a sign of a potential thaw in Central European relations. The Polish government has not officially commented, but Tusk's earlier remarks in Brussels were seen as a call for a more constructive V4.
Analysts note that the V4's revival could also affect EU energy policy, particularly as the bloc seeks to reduce dependence on Russian gas. The group's members have varying levels of reliance on Russian energy, and a coordinated approach could strengthen their bargaining position. Meanwhile, the UK's efforts to reset relations with the EU at the July summit may also intersect with V4 dynamics, as London seeks allies on trade and security.
Magyar's political trajectory has been closely watched since his EU summit debut, which marked a shift in Hungary's European policy. His ability to rally support across the V4 could test his influence ahead of the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary elections.
The Gödöllő press conference also touched on the war in Ukraine, with Magyar reiterating the need for continued support. "The V4 must stand with Ukraine," he said, referencing the bloc's role in facilitating aid and reconstruction. This aligns with broader EU efforts, including Ukraine's strategy to isolate Crimea through drone strikes on supply lines.
As the V4 looks to redefine its purpose, the coming months will reveal whether Magyar's optimism translates into concrete policy shifts. For now, his quote from Tusk has reignited debate about the alliance's relevance in a changing Europe.
