V4 leaders’ declarations of friendship are oftentimes at odds with reality, but on some issues the group still speaks in one voice.

Unia szykuje zieloną rewolucję na rynku energetycznym. Obrona interesów przemysłu węglowego staje się coraz trudniejsza nie tylko dla polskiego rządu, ale też dla polskich europosłów. Przekonał się o tym Adam Gierek, którego sprawozdanie o efektywności energetycznej pogrzebała jego własna frakcja.

The divide between the capitalist West and the communist East was alimentary as much as political. Over 25 years after the fall of communism in Europe, V4 leaders believe that in their countries citizens still buy second rate food.

The divide between the capitalist West and the communist East was alimentary as much as political. Over 25 years after the fall of communism in Europe, V4 leaders believe that in their countries citizens still buy second rate food.

The EU seeks to ratify the so called ‘anti-violence’ convention which has been at the centre of heated debates in Poland and other Visegrad countries. Only the Czech Republic views it with relative calm.

The V4 MEPs, especially from Slovakia, Poland and Hungary do not support the EU intervening in the internal affairs of the member states, even if the fundamental rights might be in danger. The Commission does not seem convinced either that imposing sanctions will be the best way to solve the conflicts with Polish and Hungarian governments. It is high time to break this deadlock.

Pressuring journalists not to speak ill of those in power has become commonplace in the Visegrad countries. While the governments take over or sue newspapers and TV stations, the opposition is reluctant to discuss the issue on the international stage and the EU lacks the tools to intervene.