25 and Counting – The Voices of Visegrad

Read Michal Vašečka’s analysis on how rent seeking drives Fico’s Brussels strategy.

Read an analysis by Kateřina Šafaříková of how Andrej Babiš’s victory will impact Czechia’s positioning in the European Union.

Read the commentary by Eva Mihočková on Slovakia’s transition from Russian gas and the opportunities it presents to the Visegrad Group.

Read the Erik Uszkiewicz’s analysis of how Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party has made hostility toward Ukraine the centrepiece of its propaganda while approaching the 2026 elections.

Watch the first video of the Voices of Visegrad series Poland Votes, Hungary Attacks NGOs, Czechia Depends on Russia.

Key questions we ask in this episode:

• How does the Polish presidential election affect democracy in the region
• Why are Hungarian NGOs under threat?
• How does Czechia navigate energy security amid Russian influence?

Watch the second video of the Voices of Visegrad series Czechia Goes to Polls, Slovakia Polarises, Hungary Leads V4.

Key questions we ask in this episode:

• Parliamentary elections in Czechia
• Karol Nawrocki’s first days as the Polish president, and sharpening anti-UA rhetoric
• Rising societal divisions and radicalisation in Slovakia
• Hungary, which took over the Visegrad Group presidency

Watch the third video of the Voices of Visegrad series Slovakia’s Fiscal Trouble, RU Drones Test Poland, EU Pressures Hungary | Voices of Visegrad #3

What’s inside this episode:

• Recent parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic;
• Slovak fiscal struggles;
• Russian drones violating Polish airspace;
• The EC approving Hungary’s request to reallocate €545 million from frozen EU funds – but only when Budapest addresses corruption concerns.

Watch the fourth video of the Voices of Visegrad series Trump – Orbán Ties, Energy Risks in Slovakia | Voices of Visegrad #4

What’s inside this episode:

• The evolving political relationship between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán;
• Slovakia’s continued reliance on Russian energy;
• Sabotage incidents targeting Poland’s railway infrastructure;
• Poland’s economic security, with insights from the Europe Future Forum in Warsaw;
• Czechia’s ongoing support for Ukraine.

Watch the fifth video of the Voices of Visegrad series Could the Economy Decide Orbán’s Fate? Why Poland Still Bets on the US? | Voices of Visegrad #5

What’s inside this episode:

• Investments in US military bases on Polish soil
• Babiš’s exploding deficit and a still-unapproved state budget
• Fico’s restoration of joint consultations with Czechia
• Hungary’s struggling economy and looming elections

The Visegrad Group holds a unique position at the heart of Europe, shaped by its geographical location, intertwined histories and shared values. Comprising countries that have undergone similar transitions on their path to democracy, and united in a common effort to join the European Union and NATO, the V4 is bound by a shared experience that sets it apart.

This common past not only reinforces solidarity among the member states but also positions them as credible voices in shaping the future of European integration and security. United by core democratic ideals, the V4 can offer valuable insights into navigating contemporary challenges, making it a vital contributor to the broader European dialogue.

Today, Central Europe is grappling with significant democratic challenges, marked by a weakened rule of law, compromised media independence and the rise of illiberal governments. These issues erode public trust and the foundations of democracy, fostering political polarisation and societal fragmentation. The situation is exacerbated by external pressures, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, which looms large on the region’s periphery. This conflict not only destabilises neighbouring areas but also amplifies economic strain and security concerns, leaving citizens feeling disoriented and under pressure.

Amid such turbulence, many struggle to reconcile national interests with democratic principles, as governments often exploit crises to consolidate power. This interplay of internal and external threats creates an environment of uncertainty, in which democratic resilience is continually tested. Addressing these challenges requires reinvigorated civic engagement, international cooperation and robust safeguards to uphold democratic norms and institutions.

The Res Publica Foundation, together with its V4 partners, has launched a unique project, The Voices of Visegrad, comprising short videos as well as explanatory texts. The campaign aims to provide media coverage of key issues relevant to the Visegrad region, raising awareness and ensuring greater access to information.

By featuring the voices of prominent stakeholders and emphasising the shared principles and achievements of the Visegrad Group countries, the project fosters a stronger sense of regional identity and solidarity while addressing issues specific to the region. Encouraging citizens to comment on the content and contribute to V4 initiatives boosts civic engagement and promotes a bottom-up approach to collaboration.

Ideas? Comments? Would you like to ask Visegrad Group public opinion leaders a question?

Please do stay in touch via: fundacja@res.publica.pl.

Project partners are:

Visegrad Insight – Res Publica Foundation
EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy
Bratislava Policy Institute
Hungarian Europe Society

Supported by the Visegrad Fund