Foreign Ministers of Central European Countries on EU Foreign Policy

Bratislava – The foreign ministers of the informal group Central 5, which includes Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia alongside Slovenia, discussed a range of current topics at a meeting in Slovakia, including EU enlargement and migration, Ukraine, and the situation in Gaza. Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon emphasized the importance of cooperation with Central European partners.

“Meetings in the Central 5 (C5) format confirm our readiness for dialogue even on issues where our views differ somewhat. The exchange of opinions and positions can also help in coordinating at the EU level, which is crucial for decision-making in the EU’s common foreign and security policy,” Fajon said, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The C5 ministers also discussed EU enlargement, agreeing that it must remain a political priority. “In this context, we emphasize the importance of ensuring stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans and support the countries of the region on their path to the European family,” the Slovenian minister emphasized.

They also expressed further support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and advocated for a lasting and just peace. The ministers agreed that the EU must participate in negotiations regarding security in Europe.

They also spoke about the situation in Gaza, with Fajon emphasizing that the EU must unite and that real change is only possible through decisive action at the union level.

The informal C5 group was established in 2020. The last meeting was hosted by Minister Fajon in Ljubljana last March. (September 11)