Press Advisories

12. 11. 201517:22

Countries of the Visegrad Group will increase their contribution to Africa and strengthen capacities of Frontex and EASO

The states of the Visegrad Group agreed to strengthen their solidarity activities to address the migration crisis at the Valletta summit. The Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary promised in the common declaration to increase their joint financial contribution to the Trust Fund for Africa by EUR 400 thousand. Each of the countries will send another 75 experts to Frontex and EASO. The Visegrad Group thus proved its commitment to extend solidarity activities again.

Today's common acceptance of the declaration of V4 countries confirms that the central European region puts strong emphasis on solidarity as a part of comprehensive solution to the migration crisis. The efficient assistance and cooperation with countries of origin and transit is a key prerequisite for the successful management of migration flows.

The countries of the Visegrad Group especially decided to further increase their contribution to the Trust Fund for Africa. The states of V4 increased their existing shares by their joint contribution of EUR 400 thousand which will go to the support of stability in Africa together with contributions of the other member states. The Trust Fund for Africa should contribute to the improvement of migration management and the settlement of causes for destabilisation, mainly by the support to economy, safety, development and equal opportunities.

The Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary will also strengthen capacities of European agencies engaged in the solution to the migration crisis at the borders of the Schengen Area, where each of the countries will send another 75 experts to the services of Frontex and EASO above the framework of the previously announced additional nominations. This offer is still open to the same Polish contribution which would mean the total increase in capacities by the countries of the Visegrad Group to 300 people.

The decision to extend help to Africa as well as to the agencies operating at the borders of the Schengen Area comes before the afternoon informal meeting of the heads of the states and prime ministers of the EU states. The interests of Poland will be protected at the afternoon meeting by Bohuslav Sobotka, the Czech Prime Minister, who was authorised to do so by the Polish Prime Minister Ewa Kopaczova.