Russia and the Visegrad Group – more than a foreign policy issue
Russia and the Visegrad Group – more than a foreign policy issue

Summary/Abstract: The article analyzes Visegrad Group policy towards Russia by comparing the national policies of participating countries. In contrast to the joint activities carried out within the EU Eastern Partnership, Visegrad Group countries have rarely adopted a common position on the Russian Federation on account of their different perceptions of security risks and national interests. In spite of their common strategic goals, divergence over relations with Russia can sometimes undermine confidence between the V4 countries, and this may weaken Visegrad cooperation in the future. The recent conflict between the EU and Russia caused splits not only between V4 countries but also within them. This has been particularly true in Slovakia and Hungary, and to some extent in the Czech Republic, where debate on the foreign policy direction of their countries have been reignited.

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