The V4 cooperation can currently be referred to as the most clearly profiled initiative in Central Europe. The backbone of this cooperation consists of mutual contacts at all levels – from the highest-level political summits to expert and diplomatic meetings, to activities of the non-governmental associations in the region, think-tanks and research bodies, cultural institutions or numerous networks of individuals.

Cooperation between the respective ministries constitutes an important part of the activities within the V4 framework, whether at the level of the ministers or in the form of joint expert teams. A number of joint projects are currently being implemented particularly in the fields of culture, environment, internal security, defence, science and education. At the same time, cooperation in the field of justice, transportation, tourism, energy or information technologies is also intensifying.

The meeting, in Bratislava, of presidents, prime ministers, ministers of foreign affairs and members of parliaments of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Hungary began a process of creating foundations and new forms of political, economic and cultural cooperation of these countries in the altered situation in the Central Europe.

The similarity of the situation that has evolved over the past decades has determined for these three countries convergent basic objectives:

• full restitution of state independence, democracy and freedom;
• elimination of all existing social, economic and spiritual aspects of the totalitarian system;
• construction of a parliamentary democracy, a modern State of Law, respect for human rights and freedoms;
• creation of a modern free market economy;
• full involvement in the European political and economic system, as well as the system of security and legislation.

The identity of objectives, as well as similarity of ways of achieving them in many fields, poses identical tasks before the three neighbouring countries. Coordination of the efforts – with respect for national peculiarities – increases the chances of attaining the desired goals and brings closer the realization of their objectives.

A favourable basis for the intensive development of cooperation is ensured by the similar character of the significant changes occurring in these countries, their traditional, the historically shaped system of mutual contacts, cultural and spiritual heritage and common roots of religious traditions. The diverse and rich cultures of these nations also embody the fundamental values of the achievements of European thought. The mutual spiritual, cultural and economic influences exerted over a long period of time, resulting from the fact of proximity, could support cooperation based on natural historical development.

The cooperation of nations and civic communities of the three countries is essential for joint creation of conditions that will contribute in each of the countries to the development of a democratic social system based on respect for the fundamental human rights and freedoms, liberty of economic undertakings, rule of law, tolerance, spiritual and cultural traditions and respect for moral values.

Simultaneously, the signatories of the Declaration respect the right of all other nations to express their own identity. They emphasize that national, ethnic, religious and language minorities, in accordance with traditional European values and in harmony with internationally recognized documents on human rights, must be able to enjoy all rights in political, social, economic and cultural life, not excluding education.

In unified Europe, to which the three countries wish to actively contribute, it is possible to maintain the culture and national character while fully realizing the universal system of human values. A systematic fulfilment of the idea of civil society is the key question to the spiritual and material development of the Central European region and an indispensable condition for the establishment of a mutually beneficial cooperation with developed countries and European institutions.

Drawing on universal human values as the most important element of the European heritage and own national identities should serve as the basis for developing a society of people cooperating with each other in a harmonious way, tolerant to each other, to individual families, local, regional and national communities, free of hatred, nationalism, xenophobia, and local strife.

It is the conviction of the states-signatories that in the light of the political, economic and social challenges ahead of them, and their efforts for renewal based on principles of democracy, their cooperation is a significant step on the way to general European integration.

The signatories of the Declaration shall jointly undertake the following practical steps:

• in accordance with the interests of the particular countries they shall harmonize their activities to shape cooperation and close contacts with European institutions and shall hold regular consultations on the matters of their security;
• they shall endeavour to create free contacts between citizens, institutions, churches and social organizations;
• in order to support the free flow of labour force and capital, they shall develop economic cooperation, based on the principles of the free market, and mutually beneficial trade in goods and services, moreover they shall strive to create favourable conditions for the direct cooperation of enterprises and foreign capital investments, aimed at improving economic effectiveness;
• they shall focus on the development of the infrastructure in communications, with regard both to links between the three countries and those with other parts of Europe, mainly in the north-south direction, and shall coordinate the development of their power systems and telecommunication networks;
• they shall increase cooperation in the field of ecology;
• they shall create favourable conditions for free flow of information, press and cultural values;
• they shall jointly develop multilateral cooperation to ensure optimum conditions for full realization of the rights of national minorities living on the territories of their countries;
• they shall support mutually beneficial cooperation of interested local self-governments of their countries and establishment of sub-regional contacts.

The signatories of the Declaration state that their cooperation in no way will interfere with or restrict their relations with other countries, and that it will not be directed against the interests of any other party. The cooperation of the signatories will be realized through meetings and consultations held at various levels and in various forms.

Done in Visegrád on February 15th, 1991 in three identical originals in the Polish, Czech and Hungarian languages, equally valid.

Contents of Visegrad Cooperation approved by the Prime Ministers' Summit Bratislava on 14th May 1999. 

I. Substantive Elements of the Co-operation

Foreign affairs.

1. Towards the maintaining of the Visegrad regional profile ("image–PR"): consultations and issues, as and when the need arises, of joint statements on issues of common interest, regular meetings of V4 ambassadors.
2. Regular meetings and consultations of experts (on bi-, tri-, or quadrilateral basis):
   • exchange of information on long-term strategies and concepts of foreign, security and defence policy, exchange of views on the stability and security of the Central and Eastern European region;
   • exchange of information and consultation on particular regional crises,
   • transfer of experience on the preparation for NATO membership and on the NATO accession process, possible areas and forms of co-operation to support Slovakia's ambitions for accession;
   • developing further the co-operation within the framework of EAPC and PfP. A problem complex to be given special emphasis is the role of PfP in the development of regional co-operation;
   • transfer of experience on the theme of the communication strategy and methods relating to NATO and EU (PR aimed at the public at large),
   • transfer, on a mutual basis, of experience on EU integration (exchange of experience and information on positions in preparing for accession negotiations and implementation of the acquis, consultations on securing of the Pre-accession funds /SAPARD, ISPA, etc./).

Internal affairs.

1. Co-operation in border and immigration affairs in the context of EU accession: consultations on Schengen agreement related issues.
2. Harmonisation in combating illegal migration, illicit drugs transport and distribution, weapon smuggling, organised crime and terrorism:
   exchange of views in process of preparation of legislation in this area.

Education, culture, society, youth and sport.

1. The possibility of joint fundraising for and co-operation in:
   1. Cultural programs:
      • Central European arts projects: transfrontier festivals, performances and joint exhibitions by young artists, operating creative camps, support for journalism focusing on Central European themes;
      • creating a list of existing national events, open for participation from other V4 member countries;
      • co-operation in the field of education of diplomats and civil servants, with a perspective of creating a joint educational facility (e.g. a diplomatic academy);
      • the foundation of Visegrad Prize to honour personages and all institutions who have made serious efforts to promote co-operation between the states of the Central-Eastern European region;
      • the problems of human rights and co-operation with NGOs;
      • cultural heritage, protection of historic buildings and sites;
      • offering scholarships and awarding prizes for competition essays dealing with Central Europe;
      • creation of a common Visegrad homepage on the Internet;
      • steps towards launching a foundation of a common TV program related to Visegrád issues in national TV stations;
      • steps towards creating a joint fund for financing joint activities in the field of education, culture and sport.
   2. Sporting and youth contacts:
      • supporting youth contacts, especially among schools and settlements,
      • exchange programmes for sports experts,
      • supporting the participation of handicapped athletes in exchange camps, conferences, joint championship

Science, technology.

1. Promoting scientific-technological contacts, transfer of experience and preparing joint projects for participation in the EU's 5th Research and Technological Development Framework Programme and with a view to implementing regional co-operation.

Environment.

1. Opportunities for co-operation in the field of environmental protection and risks:
   • exchange of information about long-term strategies and projects for sustainable development and other environment-related issues;
   • safety issues concerning nuclear energy;
   • questions related to boundary waters and flood prevention;
   • co-ordination in the construction of equipment for waste recycling;
   • creation of a system for monitoring and exchange of information on the transfrontier movement of waste;
   • co-operation in preparing and creation of protected landscape in regions near the common borders;

Infrastructure.

1. Opportunities for the alignment of infrastructure developments, telecommunications, transport, and power generation systems:
   • exchange of information on long-term infrastructure strategies and projects;
   • co-operation in the TINA (Transport Infrastructure Needs Assessment) task force, which devotes itself to appraising the transport development demands and funding needs of the Central and Eastern European countries;
   • discussions on and co-operation in the diversification of energy supplies;
   • to co-operate on common projects to develop the trans-European network.

Cross-border co-operation.

1. Stimulating cross-border co-operation schemes. Themes of the experts' consultations:
   • use of Pre-Accession Funds, information and recommendations for joint participation in the EU programmes;
   • participation in and creation of horizontal community programmes;
   • use of PHARE projects in the case of cross-border programmes, exchange of experience, drafting of joint studies.

II. The structure of the Visegrad intergovernmental co-operation

Prime Ministers' meetings with a coordinating chairmanship on a rotating basis (in the order Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia), the mandate for one year. 

Frequency: once a year an official meeting in the chairing country, once a year an unofficial meeting (the first one in October 1999 in Slovakia); 

Main topics: state of co-operation, EU accession talks, strategic questions of Central Europe

Meetings of other Government members

Venue and frequency: as and when the need arises

Main topics: particular questions in charge of corresponding ministries

Meetings of State Secretaries of Foreign Affairs

Frequency: twice a year 

Main topics: preparation of prime ministers' meetings, working out draft recommendations for the tactic and strategy to be pursued in the co-operation

Ambassadors'meetings – format 4x3 + authorities of the hosting country, rotating venue

Frequency: regularly, in the chairing country at least 4 times a year

Main topics: discussion on the state of Visegrad co-operation

Meetings of Visegrad Co-ordinators

Frequency: twice a year, as and when the need arises, alternately in the four countries

Main topics: reviewing and coordinating the co-operation, preparation of the state secretaries' and prime ministers' meetings

It is foreseen that the Visegrad co-operation will not develop only between the governments, but also other forms of co-operation will be encouraged, such as the meetings of the heads of state, the regular communication between the parliaments, the intensive contacts between "intermediary bodies" of civil society, etc.

In 2002 the V4 decided to indicate the role of V4 President and update the agreement of cooperation

Annexe to the Contents of Visegrad Cooperation approved by the Prime Ministers summit Bratislava on 14th May 1999. 

In accordance with theContent of Visegrad co-operation approved by the Prime Ministers summit at Bratislava, the respective Visegrad countries hold a presidency on a rotating basis (in the order – the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia) with the mandate for one year.

The role of the Presidency is based on the following principles. 

Within the external dimension:

1. If a proposal is made for a top-level meeting in the V4+1 format, such initiative will first be discussed among the Visegrad countries and only then presented to a third country by the V4 presiding country. 
2. The same mechanism will apply to meetings at lower levels or expert talks held in the V4+1 format.

Within the internal dimension:

1. Expert talks (e.g. at the level of departments of individual ministries) can any time be called by any V4 country. Expert talks need not take place in the presiding country. 
2. The ministries themselves organize cooperation between individual ministries.

The presiding country at the beginning of its mandate works out a document summing up the priorities of its Presidency and call expert consultations on this document. The document will include a part devoted to planned inter-ministerial cooperation in the drafting of which all parties will participate. The Prime Ministers at their summit assess results of the implementation of the document and take relevant political decisions in those cases where needed. The fulfilment of such decisions is a subject of an assessment of the next Summit.

Declaration of Prime Ministers of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Poland and the Slovak Republic on the cooperation of the Visegrad Group countries after their accession to the European Union. 

The Prime Ministers of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Poland and the Slovak Republic, assembled on 12 May 2004 in Kroměříž, state with full satisfaction that the key objectives set in the 1991 Visegrad Declaration have been achieved and declare their determination to continue developing the cooperation of the Visegrad Group countries as Member States of the European Union and NATO.

The Visegrad Group countries regard their accession to the European Union and NATO as a significant step towards the reunification of Europe and as a historic milestone on the path of their democratic transformation, integration efforts and mutual cooperation. The integration of the Visegrad Group countries into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures opens up new opportunities and poses new challenges for their further cooperation on the issues of common interest.

The cooperation of the Visegrad Group countries will continue to focus on regional activities and initiatives aimed at strengthening the identity of the Central European region. In this context, their cooperation will be based on concrete projects and will maintain its flexible and open character.

The Visegrad Group countries are strongly determined to jointly contribute to the fulfilment of the European Union's common goals and objectives and to the successful continuation of the European integration. They reiterate their commitment to the enlargement process of the European Union. They are ready to assist countries aspiring for EU membership by sharing and transmitting their knowledge and experience. The Visegrad Group countries are also ready to use their unique regional and historical experience and to contribute to shaping and implementing the European Union's policies towards the countries of Eastern and Southeastern Europe.

The Visegrad Group countries are committed to closely cooperating with their nearest partners in the Central European region. They are also ready to cooperate in specific areas of common interest with countries within the wider region, with other regional groupings in Europe as well as with third countries and international organizations.

The Prime Ministers of the Visegrad Group countries express their deep conviction that further cooperation between their countries, rooted in centuries of interlinked history and based on similar political, economic and social developments in the past decades, will enrich the community of European nations and contribute to the building of a reunited, democratic and prosperous Europe.

15 February 2011 the Visegrad Group had updated the Declaration. The Bratislava Declaration of the Prime Ministers of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Poland and the Slovak Republic on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Visegrad Group

The Prime Ministers of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Poland and the Slovak Republic, acknowledging that:

• the establishment of the Visegrad Group represents an important event in the modern history of our nations and countries. It significantly contributed to overcoming the division of Europe imposed after World War II and facilitating the integration of our countries into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures; the "Declaration on Cooperation between the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic, the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Hungary in Striving for European Integration", signed in Visegrád on 15 February 1991, 20 years ago, laid the foundations and put in place a long-term framework for the modern forms of political, economic and cultural cooperation. The Visegrad Group countries seized the historic opportunity afforded by the fall of Communism in 1989, developed a successful cooperation and based their mutual relations on friendship, good neighbourliness and shared values. The Visegrad cooperation continues to enhance democracy and civil society in Central Europe;
• nowadays, the Visegrad Group is a recognised symbol of successful political and economic transformation and, in many areas, also a model for regional cooperation. The Visegrad Group (V4) countries have become constructive, responsible and respected partners in Europe in implementing EU key priorities and programmes and, through their input, have contributed and will continue to contribute towards the processes of political and economic integration in Europe, including EU and NATO enlargement, in order to promote the prosperity, security and stability of the continent;
• the 10-year successful operation of the International Visegrad Fund (IVF) provides a tangible example of support to various civic, cultural, scientific, educational and innovative projects. Hence, the V4 countries are interested in assuring that the IVF continues to contribute even further towards fostering the civic dimension of V4 cooperation and deepening mutual trust and recognition beyond the V4 boundaries.

Confirming their determination to continue and further develop mutual cooperation aimed at contributing towards a strong, stable and democratic Europe and strengthening its position in the global arena in the interest of peace and sustainable development, they intend:

• to actively contribute to a strong Europe and promote and implement projects aimed at fostering cohesion and enhancing the competitiveness of the V4 and EU in a global context, so as to overcome the impacts of the global financial and economic crisis. In negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework, of which well-targeted cohesion policy and reformed Common Agricultural Policy must remain an integral part, the V4 countries will advocate respect for the principles which strengthen the internal convergence and external competitiveness of the EU. We consider the cohesion policy, which should be the cornerstone of the EU budget to consolidate 2004 and 2007 EU enlargements, to be one of the main factors helping to narrow the existing regional gaps/disparities in the individual Member States. Together with the support of culture, education, research and development, the cohesion policy puts the EU as a whole in a stronger competitive position on the global scene;
• to place strong emphasis on the need to foster European energy security by extending and deepening the internal energy market and by enhanced V4 regional cooperation within the EU framework, to diversify the routes, sources and suppliers of energy carriers and to develop the energy infrastructure, especially by the implementation of the North-South gas interconnections and modernisation of the oil and electricity networks;
• to promote the swift development of the V4 countries' transport infrastructure (road, rail and river) strengthening thus their growth potential, the accessibility for their citizens and cross-border cooperation;
• to develop the principles expressed in the values of the four freedoms which opened up new opportunities for jobs, economic cooperation, trade, investment and contacts among citizens. The V4 countries welcome the full liberalisation of access to labour markets across the EU to be completed in 2011 and will continue to support social and educational inclusion, with special regard to the integration of the Roma communities, based on mutual responsibility;
• to enhance the visibility of the Visegrad Group in third countries both through deeper V4 cooperation within the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU and through activities beyond the Union level. The V4 countries will be more determined in translating their unique transitional experience and political perspective into the EU's external policies;
• to facilitate the process of enlarging the area of stability and democracy in the EU neighbourhood and actively contribute towards the implementation of European and Euro-Atlantic ambitions of the countries of Eastern Partnership and continue to support the Western Balkans countries in their EU and NATO integration. The added value of the unique know-how of the V4 and pooled resources of IVF may effectively assist partner neighbourhood countries to turn their integration and democratisation endeavours into success;
• to support and advocate the fostering of Euro-Atlantic links, including the development of close strategic complementarities between NATO and the European Union, which is considered essential for the long-term security of our countries and the entire Euro-Atlantic area. The current international environment poses increasingly complex challenges of a universal nature which go far beyond the means of individual countries. The Visegrad Group will actively contribute towards international efforts in combating terrorism, human and drug trafficking, illegal migration, extremism and other security threats and challenges, including those in the area of cybersecurity, that jeopardise our values and the freedoms of our citizens; to pay significant attention to the endeavours by the EU and its Member States, as well as by the international community, to tackle challenges arising from climate change, support the fight against poverty, and facilitate efficient provision of development assistance.