Positive and negative aspects of the Visegrad Group states’ activities in the period 1991–2018

Abstract

The article presents the origin and the development stages of cooperation
between the member states of the so-called Visegrád Group established in
1991. Its main aim is to present the integration and disintegration related
aspects of the policy of Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary
towards the EU. The main hypothesis consists in the ascertainment that the
Visegrád Group, against its image propagandised in the Polish media, does
not constitute a monolith because in practice its member states, in accordance
with the theory of classical realism, have their own particular aims and
interests, which they try to achieve in international relations, including in the
European Union, often at the expense of a neighbour (an ally). Moreover,
the author states that there are both positive and negative elements in the
Visegrád Group states’ policy towards the Union, which influence the EU
functioning and it role on the international arena.
Despite the critical assessment of the Visegrád Group states’ functioning,
the author concludes and emphasises that it should exist and continue working
because its member states as well as the EU, which is at a turning point
in its history, need it. However, the V4 group should support the European
Union and not act against the interests of the Union or other EU Member
States. If necessary, it should counterbalance the “old” fifteen states led by
Germany and France and have softening impact on their selfish policy in the
Communities.