Johannesburg: SiltaNews – News Desk
The Visegrad Group, often referred to as the V4, was born out of a pivotal moment in Central European history. On 15 February 1991, three visionary leaders – Václav Havel of Czechoslovakia, Lech Wałęsa of Poland, and József Antall of Hungary – gathered in the Hungarian town of Visegrád to chart a new course for their nations. Their goal was clear: to strengthen cooperation among post-communist states, accelerate integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions, and ensure that the region’s voice carried weight in shaping Europe’s future.
This modern alliance deliberately echoed a medieval precedent. In 1335, the kings of Bohemia, Hungary, and Poland met in Visegrád to forge trade routes and political ties, laying the groundwork for regional solidarity centuries before. By invoking this historical congress, the 1991 founders signaled continuity between past and present, embedding their modern cooperation in a deep cultural and political tradition.
The group expanded in 1993 when Slovakia joined after the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia, completing the quartet of Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Together, they became a bloc that not only supported each other’s democratic transitions but also coordinated strategies for joining NATO and the European Union. Over time, the Visegrad Group evolved into a platform for cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and political alignment, often acting as a collective voice within the EU.
The Visegrad idea remains a testament to the enduring power of regional solidarity. Rooted in medieval diplomacy yet reborn in the crucible of post-Cold War transformation, it continues to symbolize the determination of Central Europe to shape its destiny through cooperation, resilience, and shared vision.