The V4 Countries’ Foreign Policy concerning the Western Balkans

Abstract

This contribution explores the Visegrad Four’s (V4) foreign policy initiatives in the Western Balkans by considering each state’s interests and policies and the evolution of joint V4 objectives. My underlying hypothesis is that the foreign policy‑related behaviour of individual states is shaped by certain roles that they assume and by their national interests. This work uses role theory to explain the V4 states’ foreign policies both generally and in the specific case of the Western Balkans. The V4 have prioritised cooperation with this region, and I analyse the programmes of the last four V4 presidencies (Slovakia 2014-2015, the Czech Republic 2015-2016, Poland 2016-2017 and Hungary 2017-2018) to reveal key foreign policy objectives and explore why they were selected. At the same time, I examine the interests of each V4 country and the reasons for their joint attention to the Western Balkan region. My analysis shows that the V4 perceive themselves as supportive and constructive EU and NATO members and see their policies as reflective of European values. Moreover, they believe they should contribute to EU enlargement by sharing experiences of economic and political transformation with the Western Balkan states and serving as role models.

Rethinking the Role of Visegrad Group in the EU Enlargement Process

“…This populist surge may have created normative differences between the V4 and the other EU member states, but this surge should not be a hindrance to V4's disassociation from the former Eastern bloc. The group is accepting the norms of the West-for instance, democracy, freedom, human rights, and the right to prosperity-and implementing such norms through their foreign policy (Griessler, 2018). Additionally, the group also helps shaping the agenda of the EU.…”

“…Within the EU enlargement and foreign policy, the VG affirmed its identity as a vehicle supporting EU integration and reforms in Western Balkan (Dangerfield, 2014). Moreover, Griessler (2018) elaborated that the VG group has taken more of a role in boosting their image and increasing appeal, especially as Central European EU member states with their common heritage and similar approaches to cooperation. Visegrad's "imperfect" embrace of EU identity also shapes its foreign policy.…”

“…Visegrad's "imperfect" embrace of EU identity also shapes its foreign policy. Shared EU values and guiding principles such as democracy, freedom, human rights, and prosperity are values underlined by the V4 countries (Griessler, 2018). On many occasions, such as the Declaration of the Prime Ministers of the V4 countries, celebrating the 30th anniversary of V4 in Krakow, reaffirmed EU values such as human rights, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law .…”

“…A minimal body of work highlighted the role of the Visegrad group using socio-constructivist theory. One scholar, Griessler (2018), focused on how Visegrad countries perceive themselves as part of the EU identity. Material interests are indeed essential, but they are shaped by a broader system of norms, values, and identities.…”