Deputy Minister Bartosz Grodecki presided over the ministerial conference of the Visegrad Group (V4) on border issues and migration policies. The meeting was held within the framework of the Polish Presidency of the V4.
Member States of the Visegrad Group cooperate and jointly respond to issues concerning border protection and illegal migration.
During the conference, the attendees talked about entry and movement restrictions in connection with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the involvement of Frontex in border surveillance on main migratory routes and issues pertaining to the shape of the upcoming Schengen area overhaul.
The participants also highlighted the importance of effective implementation of readmission agreements between the V4 Member States, as well as the EU concluding such agreements with third countries, which is seen as a necessary condition for stopping illegal migration.
The attending ministers maintain a shared position concerning the New Pact on Migration and Asylum, stating that a certain ground has been established for discussion between the V4 and the southern EU Member States (MED5) on the external dimension of migration policy and border protection regulations.
The meeting was also attended by the heads of the V4 border guards.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland/gov.pl