Innovative Visegrad

Programme of the Czech Presidency of the Visegrad Group 2011–2012

• Respected and competitive as a community of countries acting as a reliable, innovative and effective partner not only within European and Euro-Atlantic structures, but also in relation to third countries, other regional groupings and international organizations;
• Which is concrete and practical, not just in its pursuit of foreign policy goals, but especially in relation to the actual needs of our countries' citizens;
• Outreaching and inclusive, where citizens' cooperation is based on the involvement of NGOs and their common projects are to be supported from the International Visegrad Fund;
• Visible and understandable inside and outside the region, an objective best achieved by actively and consistently striving towards the three above mentioned aims.

• Ongoing cooperation and coordination of meetings at all levels in the implementation and preparation of the future financial framework of EU and in light of the starting negotiation on the Cohesion Policy regulation package;
• Continue to promote mutual cooperation by setting-out common positions in the process of preparing of implementation mechanism of EU Cohesion policy after 2013;
• Ongoing cooperation and coordination of meetings at all levels in the process of preparing of strategic approach of future EU Cohesion policy.

• Continuation of activities related to the Common Spatial Development Document—the search for various levels where cohesion is lacking in order to identify proposals for development axes and transport networks, with a view to formulating a common spatial development strategy for the V4+2 countries in a European context.

• The continued intensive joint promotion of tourism in the V4 region on distant markets, and an analysis and actions on traditional (Russia, USA, China, Japan) and new prospective destinations (e.g. India, Brazil, the Gulf Countries, Australia, Taiwan);
• V4 marketing campaign—promotion of the V4 brand "European Quartet", brand building, and promotion of the slogan "European Quartet—One Melody" on common tourism events executed in target markets;
• Introduction of uniform marketing tools for focused and intensive cooperation with experts and the media—European Quartet products (advertising spot, brochures, promotional items, joint website, flash and PowerPoint presentations); closer cooperation with private entities in the promotion of speciality products and the attractions of V4 countries;
• Greater cooperation with V4 missions in target markets, coordination of the activities of national tourism headquarters and missions in order to increase the effectiveness of campaigns.

• Further coordination of the position of V4 to the new TEN-T guidelines, based on the Joint statement of the position of V4, which was presented to the vice-president of the European Commission S. Kallas and officially approved during the meeting of the V4 transport ministers on 26th October 2010 in Vysoké Tatry, Slovakia;
• Enforcing the common interests during the negotiations of the new TEN-T guidelines in the Council of the EU concerning mainly the new financing model of the network and keeping the principles of the cohesion policy, while supporting the modernization, as well as the capacity and network density improvement of North-South and West-East road and railway connections among V4 countries;
• Invitation of other Member States for the common cooperation (V4 +) and interconnection of TEN-T to the third countries, in general and to the countries of the Eastern partnership and the West Balkans, in particular.

• Discussion about the new EU strategic document and further exchange of views on implementing the main targets of the document set up by the Commission.

• Development and exchange of knowledge gained in the Space policy with the aim to support other V4 states on their efforts to joint the European Space Agency;
• Endeavour to establish the Central-European cluster in the field of satellite navigation in order to create the user-friendly background for Galileo programme.

• Development of air force capacities and enhancing cost-effectiveness of their effective use (through multinational solutions (logistic support for helicopters and aircraft, contracting of strategic transportation, common training);
• Regional use of the capacities offered by Centres of Excellence—JSBRN, Military Police, EOD, Military Medicine (in order to increase their potential for NATO and EU purposes);
• Promotion of the Multinational Logistics Coordination Centre to the status of an international organization within NATO;
• Greater interoperability of V4 countries through common mechanisms, standardization and quality assurance;
• Development of capacities employable in framework of Comprehensive Approach to operations;
• Joint development of non-military defence capabilities (HNS, repairs, maintenance, utilization of reserves);
• Improving defence planning (exploring the best practices in strategic planning, use of analytical tools for determining capability requirements; streamlining the processes).

• The sharing of experiences in deployment of forces, and the equipment of the armed forces capability acquisitions of the V4 countries in missions run by the international community, in particular the ISAF;
• Establishment of the V4 EU Battle Group (preparation for the formation of V4 EU BG in the first half of 2016);
• Examination of possibilities of joint participation in NATO and other international operations.

Research and development

• Reconciliation of V4 positions in the award of new EDA projects;
• Cooperation in protection against weapons of mass destruction (WMD), protection against improvised explosive devices (C-IED) and joint tactical air control (JTAC);
• Joint scientific research projects and teams;
• Cooperation and collaboration in the scientific research activities of military schools and educational establishments.

Training and education

• Joint bio-protection training and education, aviation personnel training and language training. Joint exercises of units and staffs assigned to NATO and the EU, training in C-IED, JTAC (both with the participation of Ukraine and Western Balkan countries), training in combined capabilities;
• ERASMUS and cooperation aimed at exchanges of young officers from EU Member States ("Military ERASMUS"), lifelong education, specialized courses, training for senior officers, harmonization of the educational framework (provision of an International Security And Defence Course);
• Joint use of training facilities, including airspace.

Armaments

• Improvements in current cooperation under the V4 Memorandum of Understanding, with a focus on NBC, air defence, 21st Century Soldier, strategic and tactical transportation, and offset policy.

• Regular meetings of the personnel management of the armed forces of the V4 countries in order to unify procedures and exchange experience;
• Assistance to third countries seeking to integrate into NATO and the EU (the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe);
• Explore possibilities and interest of Eastern Partners on cooperation on CSDP.

• Negotiations and coordination in the implementation of the Multi-annual programme 2010-2014 regarding the area of freedom, security and justice (the Stockholm Programme) and the Internal Security Strategy;
• Coordination of activities to promote V4 candidates to various EU agencies;
• Support for the enlargement of the Schengen area to include Bulgaria and Romania;
• The strengthening of solidarity in visa reciprocity;
• The coordination of V4 activities with the activities of the Salzburg Forum.

• Surveillance on methods of entry and routes used by illegal immigrants, and on methods for the attempted legalization of their stay in V4 countries and crime connected with the illegal migration;
• Common definition of high-risk countries, cooperation with these countries and exploitation of best practice in the work of immigration police officers in high-risk countries as well as in the framework of police cooperation, including police intelligence exchange, regional threat assessments and police actions;
• Identification of high-risk groups of foreigners residing in V4 countries;
• Greater cooperation between border guard institutions at the international airports of V4 countries;
• Practical cooperation in cross-border surveillance and hot pursuit (the organization of joint exercises, the creation of standard forms);
• The coordination and standardization of joint police cooperation centres at the border;
• Cooperation in the use of the SIS and cooperation between SIRENE bureaux—nurturing of the tradition of a Central European conference of SIRENE operators, a common approach to the SIS II project, the sharing of experience in the implementation of new SIS II functions, cooperation in the search, in particular for missing children, and in target search, practical cooperation in further developing of international cooperation among European Network Fugitive Active Search Teams.

• Continued implementation of the Joint Declaration on Building Migration Partnerships and the promotion of cooperation with Eastern and South-Eastern partner countries involved in the Prague Process;
• Support of the Polish EU Presidency in the preparation of the second Prague Process Ministerial Conference in Poznan (3-4 November 2011);
• Close coordination ahead of the Schengen evaluation in 2012-2013.

Security policy

• Closer cooperation in combating extremism within the V4/Austrian Working Group on Combating Extremism, and the involvement of other Central European countries;
• Initiation of the possibility of including, on the agenda of the Polish EU Presidency, the issue of extremist websites maintained by European extremists in third countries, and the initiation of talks on this matter with foreign partners.

• Increasing our efficiency in the prevention of and response to natural disasters; in particular floods.

• The preparation of a study comparing the codes of ethics in the public administrations of the V4 countries, a workshop on working with the code and on ethics in the present time;
• Lecture and round table discussion on employee motivation in times of economic crisis;
• The preparation of a study on the measures taken in public administration in response to the economic crisis, round table discussion concerning impact of the crisis on the both central and local and regional government, crisis as a reform and transform opportunity;
• Discussion on the disbursement of resources from Structural Funds for public administration projects and introducing best practices.

• Arrangements for a common V4 approach to consultations on the revised EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the review of the Council Directive on the identification and designation of European Critical Infrastructures by the Council's Working Group on Civil Protection (PROCIV).

• Cooperation by V4 countries in the field of fire protection, civil protection and civil emergency planning at national, regional and local level.

• Consultation on the EU's next multiannual financial framework starting from 2014. Apart from the EU budget expenditure policies the consultation will be also focused on own resources, flexibility, utilisation of financial instruments and possible scope for project bonds.

• Consultation on the national fiscal rules in connection with the impact of the global crisis and modification of the Stability and Growth Pact.

• Regular High level coordination meetings to discuss matters of common interest such as EU legislation proposals, cooperation in enforcement of excise duties and customs legislation, general matters of excise duties and customs, common measures and cooperation at the EU external border;
• The development of V4 cooperation in preventing, detecting and combating violations of customs and tax legislation—particularly with regard to excisable goods, especially in the area of monitoring of movement of mineral oils, and textiles; the development of cooperation between customs administrations in the protection of intellectual property rights. More effective V4 cooperation within the EU in the fight against VAT evasion through administrative cooperation;
• Support the possibility of exchange of information about the goods moving through the eastern external border of the EU to ensure safety and security, trade facilitation and proper application of the customs legislation.

• Support for the implementation of specific projects agreed in the framework of cooperation among the culture ministries of the V4 countries:
• Colloquium of V4 library and information workers;
• Working group on cultural heritage;
• Summer School of UNESCO Heritage Conservation and Management;
• Coordination in the process of preparing for the future programming period after 2013;
• Continued exchanges of information and experience in the use of Structural Funds;
• Discussion of political and social changes in 1989 and their influence on theatre in the V4 countries;
• Support for the establishment of a European digitization registry in order to reduce duplication in the creation of digital documents;
• Support for the preservation, promotion and presentation of traditional folk culture, support of the awareness of regional identity in V4 countries;
• Initiation of a debate on the opportunities for joint presentations of Visegrad Group countries at major international events (book fairs, film and theatre festivals, etc.).

• Further the interconnection of electricity markets between the Czech Republic and Slovakia, promote the introduction of market coupling in other profiles of V4 Member States and strengthen connections between V4 Member States in relation to neighbouring countries (in particular, all ENTSO-E countries);
• Development of gas interconnections, searching for possible alternatives to supply from the Druzhba pipeline in the oil sector;
• Coordination at the level of Council working parties (particularly WP H7—Energy) and European Commission committees, the High Level Group on Energy (especially when dealing with infrastructure projects), Energy Council meetings and the High Level Group on North-South Interconnections.

• Closer bilateral and joint economic and trade cooperation, the promotion of trade and investment at joint multilateral and regional levels;
• Exchanges of experience in economic and trade policy and in the implementation of the Europe 2020 strategy;
• Workshops for the staff of SOLVIT centres and Product Contact Points.

• The provision of information to partners on the pilot project to reduce administrative burdens—seminar and panel discussion, exchange of experience.

• Continuation and full support of the ClusterCOOP project, initiated on the basis of the Memorandum (signed on 26 November 2009) on cooperation of V4 countries in the field of clusters, led by the Hungarian Ministry of National Economy in the framework of the EU's Central Europe Programme.

• Implementation of a Memorandum on Cooperation in information technology, the creation of a joint working party to address collaboration between the IT experts of different ministries;
• The provision of legal aid in cross-border disputes (the implementation of Council Directive 2002/8/EC of 27 January 2002);
• Cooperation in the field of judicial training, developing joint training modules, sharing information, organising exchange programs;
• Intense cooperation and possibly coordination of positions concerning EU legislative proposals negotiated within the field of civil and criminal law and judicial cooperation;
• Closer cooperation between the V4 and countries in the Western Balkans—invitations to ministers from Western Balkan countries to attend some meetings of V4 justice ministers.

• Regular consultations on the positions of V4 countries regarding the legislative proposals currently discussed in EU bodies;
• Preparations for the implementation of the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the application of patients' rights in cross-border healthcare;
• Continued deepening of cooperation between public health protection and support authorities, with a particular focus on the exchange of information regarding the epidemiological situation in the border regions of V4 countries.

• Promotion of the employment of older workers, promotion of learning new skills for new jobs (including exchange of information and experience on the European regulation of professions in the field of professional qualifications for the introduction of European professional cards);
• Promotion of the employment of parents (the reconciliation of work and family life, functioning and development of child care institutions and alternative forms, spreading of family-friendly employment, including exchange of information and experience and considering possible follow-up of the HU PRES and PL PRES in family policy and demographic issues and potentials of a possible 2014—European Year of Families);
• Promotion of employment, education and training of persons with disabilities (incl. development of V4 cooperation and coordination of national positions towards the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020);
• Supporting alternatives of modern attitudes towards foster care and deinstitutionalisation of children´s homes (including exchange of information and experience).

• A ministerial/senior officials meeting on education issues reflecting the priority areas of the Czech V4 Presidency;
• Enhancing close cooperation within the EU structures reflecting common regional challenges and priorities especially with respect to the agenda of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council;
• Increase in the number of high-school exchange visits by assisting in the search for partner schools abroad, e.g. cooperation with educational associations and Czech missions;
• Exchanges of experience between teachers in the field of entrepreneurship education, by means of professional training programmes for teachers at foreign schools and, where appropriate, companies.

• The shared use of existing infrastructures, the creation of a database of technological innovations;
• The preparation of common positions on the Eighth Framework Programme and the Innovation Union; cooperation in the spending of European funds from the current Seventh Framework Programme, with a possible emphasis on cooperation with Eastern Partnership countries;
• Closer cooperation with Western Balkan countries on the transfer of knowledge and assistance in research and development;
• Enhancement of the cooperation between research and academic centers of V4 countries in the area of the most sophisticated Technologies and research: information technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, alternative energy sources and fuel systems;
• Coordination of inter-university language learning projects.

• Meeting of V4 countries' experts on youth issues, follow-up on the conclusions from the meeting during Slovak Presidency;
• Support for young volunteers in the European Year of Volunteering 2011, including a special focus on countries on Eastern Partnership countries during the PL PRES;
• Establishment of supporting structures for national delegates of V4 countries for preparations of common positions for negotiations in Youth Working Party, Youth in Action, Programme Committee and European Steering Committee for Youth of the Council of Europe.

• 18th meeting of the V4 Steering Committee of the "Olympic Hopes" sports competitions (experts/representatives of the V4 ministries in charge of sports issues) in the Czech Republic.

• Discussion on the preparation for the EU's Seventh Environment Action Programme and its priorities;
• Environmental dimension of the Europe 2020 Strategy and National Reform Programmes;
• Discussion on the EU's 2014-2020 budgetary framework and its environmental aspects;
• Configuration of the future cohesion policy for the environment after 2013 (water, waste, soil, air, climate change, protection against flooding and droughts), with a particular focus on climate and energy policy in relation to the future of the Environment Operational Programme;
• Discussion on air quality measures;
• The Czech Republic will seek to coordinate V4 countries' positions in the preparation of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro to mark the 20th anniversary of the Earth Summit and to exchange V4 countries' positions/views in the preparation of the UN Conference on climate change in Durban, South Africa.

• Joint promotion of fair conditions under the CAP after 2013 for farmers in all EU Member States;
• Discussion on the topic of "active farmer";
• Coordination of risk and crisis management, which, according to a current Commission proposal, should be incorporated into the second pillar (the efficiency of the new tool proposed by the Commission and compatibility between the first and second pillars);
• Discussion on the potential impacts of greening as a mandatory component of direct payments, the optimal cohesion between the first and second pillars, and the elimination of overlapping measures under the pillars;
• Discussion on the state-of-play of LFA;
• Discussion on other current CAP topics following the publication of legislative proposals on the future CAP.

• Coordination in a discussion on the proposal for a regulation of the EP and of the Council on the provision of food information to consumers.
• Coordination in the field of quality policy—a discussion on the proposal for a regulation of the EP and of the Council on agricultural product quality schemes and on the proposal for a regulation of the EP and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 as regards marketing standards.

• Joint approach in aquaculture, the common promotion of the interests of inland fishermen;
• Discussion on the draft legislative measures for the dairy sector—the "Milk Package";
• Discussion on a possible legally binding agreement on forests in the pan-European region and a discussion on the potential impact that new EU legislation to combat illegal timber will have on the V4+2 countries;
• Discussion on the situation of the monogastric animal breeding sector, particulary pigs and poultry, whose regulation in the CAP is very liberal despite of dramatic structural changes as well in the V4 countries—searching of the possibility of finding a joint position.