The Visegrad Group's operations are based solely on the principle of periodical meetings of the member states' representatives on all levels (prime ministers, heads of states, ministers, experts, etc.). Official prime ministerial summits take place on an annual basis. Between these official summits—usually in June each year—one of V4 countries holds presidency over the group.
On July 1, 2025, Hungary took over its seventh presidency of the Visegrad Group (V4). The motto of the Hungarian Presidency is "Competitive Visegrad". The three priority areas of the "Competitive Visegrad" Presidency programme are 1. Competitiveness; 2. Security; and 3. Connectivity.
In order to improve the competitiveness of our region, the Hungarian V4 Presidency will continue to cooperate in the field of technology, with a special focus on supporting partnerships between our companies and institutions related to the defence and space industries. Cooperation will continue between tax and customs administrations in V4 and V4+ formats, as will the exchange of experiences between export credit agencies (ECAs). In the field of research, development and innovation (R&D&I) we attach great importance to the exchange of views on European R&D&I policy and the support of the regional start-up ecosystem. There will also be coordination and exchange of experiences between our tourism agencies. As regards cooperation in agricultural policy, we consider it important to exchange views on the simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027 and the legislative package setting the framework for the post-2027 CAP, as well as to strengthen cooperation under the BIOEAST initiative. With the aim of improving the efficiency and functioning of our public administrations, Hungary will once again organise the 'Good Governance Forum' in V4+ format, the 2025 edition of which will examine the impact of digital transition on public administration. The negative demographic trends affecting Europe and our region will reduce the competitiveness of our countries in the long term. Therefore, we consider it vital to restart our discussions on family policy. In the field of justice, particular emphasis will be placed on the pressing issues of digitalisation and the use of artificial intelligence, as well as improving the efficiency of cross-border judicial cooperation. We also continue to engage in cooperation in the field of regional development. A strong and stable cohesion policy is a key prerequisite for the balanced development of all regions, including the enhancement of competitiveness across the entire EU. For these reasons, we will jointly strive for an adequate, clearly defined,stand-alone legislative framework for cohesion policy.
Our V4 presidency programme places a strong emphasis on security, in other words, strengthening the stability and resilience of our region, which serves as the basis for our countries' competitiveness. As part of this, particular attention will be dedicated to defence and home affairs cooperation between our countries. We aim to take effective joint measures against illegal migration, drug trafficking, organised crime, forced labour and human trafficking, and we will further cooperate on cyber security and the fight against drugs. Strengthening crossborder cooperation on disaster management, adaptation and enhancing resilience of ecosystems, and healthcare is essential to address the challenges of climate change, natural disasters and global health emergencies. We also consider defence cooperation as a priority area: we intend to carry on with our existing excellent military cooperation, and we would like to relaunch pragmatic defence cooperation in as many areas as possible. This includes also military cooperation, for example in the area of joint training and exercises. As our security is closely linked to our membership in NATO and the European Union, specific cooperation projects will take place within their frameworks and initiatives and will focus on creating synergies in terms of defence capacities development.
The third priority of the Hungarian Presidency is connectivity, which refers on the one hand to the development of infrastructure links in Central Europe and the strengthening of ties between our citizens on the other hand. For this reason, we will pursue infrastructure and energy cooperation between our countries and seek to deepen our social, educational, youth and cultural relations through our programmes and initiatives. We consider enhanced cooperation in the transport sector a key enabler of regional connectivity. In particular, we aim to support the development of cross-border transport infrastructure, including road, rail, and multimodal networks, and improve mobility and economic integration within the V4 region. We wish to strengthen cooperation in higher education between our countries, particularly in terms of youth exchanges, joint programmes and mutual recognition of degrees. In the field of public education, we aim to promote interaction between students and increase their knowledge of the historical and cultural heritage of the V4 countries through cultural and artistic competitions and contests. We are committed to continue and further develop cooperation on disability and social policy. In order to strengthen our cultural relations, we will organise a number of exciting cultural events in Hungary and abroad with the participation of our prominent institutions and companies.
The Hungarian Presidency supports the operation and programmes of the
International Visegrad Fund, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. This occasion provides us with an opportunity to highlight social relations between our countries and to strengthen the Central European identity through cultural, youth, educational and sports events. We consider it important to continue the Fund’s grant and scholarship programmes for the countries of the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership, thereby contributing to the development of our wider region.
Presidencies of the Visegrad Group:
[.PDF]
