With the aim of deepening the economic cooperation of the Visegrad Group (V4), reinforcing European open strategic autonomy, and safeguarding the economic recovery of the EU, we, the Ministers of Economic Affairs of the V4 countries:
With the aim of deepening the economic cooperation of the Visegrad Group (V4), reinforcing European open strategic autonomy, and safeguarding the economic recovery of the EU, we, the Ministers of Economic Affairs of the V4 countries:
- Welcome the European Council conclusions of 17–21 July 2020 on NextGenerationEU, as an exceptional instrument on the path to a sustainable and resilient recovery and underline the importance of the national ownership of investment and reform agendas, reflecting different national circumstances in terms of starting points and country-specific policy challenges for economies undergoing the twin transition.
- Reaffirm our commitment to the Single Market as an indispensable leverage in overcoming structural weaknesses in Europe’s economy and improving the competitiveness and productivity of our manufacturing and services sector. We welcome the strong commitment of the European Commission, announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the State of the Union address of 16 September 2020, to the elimination of internal barriers and red tape and await the tangible benefits of the implementation of Single Market Enforcement Plan and to update the Industrial Strategy taking into account the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our economies.
- Reckon that the health and social challenges induced by the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the deficits induced by overreliance on unsustainable external supply chains in sectors pivotal to the societal wellbeing. In this context, we underscore the importance of developing the framework for European open strategic autonomy that will encompass not only the goals of strengthening sanitary, health and alimentary security but also reduce existing dependencies by diversifying production and supply chains by promoting ambitious trade agenda.
- Take note of the shifting landscape of global trade and investment patterns, while reiterating the necessity of maintaining open and rules based international trade with a reformed WTO at its core that ensures a level-playing field based on high social, labour and environmental standards allowing all countries and companies to compete on equal footing to offer consumers the widest possible choice.
- The decision on possible raising the climate ambition for 2030 should be taken by the European Council, as it was in October 2014, when the current targets until 2030 have been set. It is also essential to know how to implement the new targets efficiently and what resources and means for support are available to the EU Member States. The green transformation should be fair, carried out in an equitable manner, minimizing the increase of energy poverty.6. Recall the principles of the “Warsaw Declaration” of Prime Ministers of the Visegrad Group on Mutual Co-operation in Innovation and Digital Affairs. We task our administrations with deepening the Visegrad cooperation in the areas covered by declaration, with the emphasis on the cooperation on digital transformation through development of Digital Innovation Hubs, joint undertakings on Artificial Intelligence and creating a framework for stronger networking in the field of technology transfers.
September 23, 2020
