Press Advisories
18. 12. 2015 11:56
Premier Sobotka Meets with President Tusk prior to European Council Session
Sobotka informed Tusk of the position of Visegrad Group countries on migration. The key issue for the V4 is the protection of the external borders of the Schengen Area, where V4 members are resolved to take any action necessary to preserve the Schengen arrangement in its current form. In this regard, the Czech prime minister mentioned the Visegrad Group's solidary activities so far, including an increase in their scope, such as the joint contribution of 300 specialists for the Frontex and EASO agencies.
Another topic, to be debated by the heads of state and prime ministers of EU countries this evening, will be the United Kingdom's reform proposals. The Visegrad Group supports an open discussion about the British demands, but considers the preservation of the free movement of persons a key issue and refuses to accept any discrimination in this regard.
Tomorrow, the EU's leaders will debate energy security and other energy-related issues. Prime Minister Sobotka thanked President Tusk for including this topic in the program of the meeting of the European Council because energy security has key importance for the Central European region. V4 emphasizes that all new infrastructure must be built in accordance with current laws and the principles of the Energy Union.
Today's meeting between Premier Sobotka and President Tusk is the latest addition to their regular consultations. The last time the two officials met was in October. Since the beginning of its tenure, the Czech government considers regular encounters with its European partners a key aspect of the Czech Republic's policy toward the European Union.
