Bratislava, Belá, December 13, 2011 – The historical premises of the Chateau Béla hosted the 3rd edition of the informal meeting of the V4 countries’ foreign policy and security community over the weekend. The two-day event entitled Central European Strategic Forum Chateau Béla welcomed four dozens of top foreign policy makers, experts and diplomats from Central European countries, Germany and the United States. Also this year they discussed the current foreign policy developments affecting the Central European region. The event was organized by the Slovak Atlantic Commission (SAC) in cooperation with the Centre for European Studies (CES).
The hottest topic nowadays is the future of the EU and of the euro zone and Slovakia’s position in a “new” Europe. The Forum built directly on Brussels negotiations and presented potential consequences for Central Europe. “Slovakia and other small countries are concerned mainly about shifting a considerable part of decision-making powers concerning key issues on intergovernmental level. In such a case we would be exposed to decisions of stronger countries. This could reduce our ability to participate in important decisions of the Union,” was heard in the discussions.
For small countries such as Slovakia, a platform similar to the Visegrad one could be a way out: “To me, the V4 is the most natural space and instrument for a joint fostering of the interests of our four countries,” said Slovakia’s Permanent Representative at the EU Ivan Korčok who came directly from the EU Summit in Brussels. “Even if something outside of the Lisbon Treaty was to be established, thus applying the principle of intergovernmental cooperation to a greater degree, this is a very important tool also for the Slovak Republic. In such a case it will be necessary to build coalitions of likewise-minded countries or countries defending joint interests,” stated Korčok concerning the V4 group.
