Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki has announced his intent to restore the Visegrad Group to its former prominence, emphasizing the bloc’s role in enhancing regional influence within Central Europe. The Visegrad Group, comprising Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, has long been a key player in shaping political and economic policies of Central Europe. However, President Nawrocki’s vision faces significant challenges, particularly due to the deepening divisions over Ukraine’s conflict and the region’s stance towards Russia.
Czechia and Slovakia have generally aligned with Western sanctions against Russia, while Hungary has expressed reservations, maintaining closer ties with Russia. Poland’s position remains more aligned with NATO and the EU, but tensions with Budapest over issues like the rule of law and migration have exacerbated the disagreements within the group. These internal disputes have made the prospect of a united Visegrad Group increasingly uncertain, raising questions about the feasibility of Nawrocki’s ambitions.