In the framework of the Hungarian V4 Presidency, continuing strategic dialogue with key allies in the V4+ format, defence ministers of the Visegrad Group met with Christine Lambrecht, defence minister of the German Federal Government, on the margins of the FAC/Defence Ministerial meeting on 21 March 2022. Alongside the German defence minister, the meeting was attended by Tibor Benkő, defence minister of Hungary, Mariusz Błaszczak, defence minister of Poland, Jaroslav Nad’, defence minister of Slovakia and Daniel Blažkovec, deputy minister of defence of the Czech Republic.
The V4 countries and Germany exchanged information on the assessment of the Russia-Ukraine war and on cooperation within the EU-NATO alliance system, especially in the context of the emerging new NATO Strategic Concept and the EU Strategic Compass.
Also on 21 March, the Strategic Compass was adopted, by which the EU Member States committed themselves to strengthening European defence cooperation, developing defence capabilities and enhancing the Union's resilience and responsiveness. The main objectives of the Common Security and Defence Policy, the measures and the steps to be taken to achieve them were defined.
The Russian aggression against Ukraine has further underlined the importance of the EU's ability to act with unity and determination in the face of challenges and threats. This requires adequate military capabilities, a more effective response, resilience to hybrid and cyber threats and close cooperation and coordinated action with partners. In all areas, the Compass sets out concrete proposals for the way forward to strengthen defence capabilities.
