This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
Prague, Czech Republic, June 11, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has brought European leaders together in a way that few could have anticipated. As the continent struggles to contain the spread of the virus, the prime ministers of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia are set to hold their first face-to-face meeting since the crisis began.
The meeting, which will take place at the grand neo-Gothic Lednice chateau in the Czech Republic, is expected to focus on the EU's 750-billion euro post-virus recovery fund. The fund, which is part of the EU's efforts to support its member states in the wake of the pandemic, has been the subject of much debate among European leaders.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has expressed reservations about the fund, arguing that it favors countries that have been less responsible in terms of debt and budget discipline. "The recovery fund criteria are tailor-made for countries which have not been as responsible in terms of debt, budget discipline or unemployment," Babis said in a statement.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the V4 countries have generally done well in containing the spread of the virus. However, the leaders will still need to observe health protocols during their meeting, including wearing masks and gloves.
Other issues on the agenda include the European Union budget for 2021-2027, the opening of borders and tourism, as well as migration. The V4 interior ministers have already sent a joint letter to Brussels rejecting mandatory quotas for the distribution of migrants.
