Czech-Slovak rift may limit Visegrad effectiveness

Significance The unprecedented move is the first rift since the two countries peacefully parted more than three decades ago. It came soon after the Visegrad Four (V4) of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia affirmed the importance of their cooperation, despite diverging foreign policy stances at a summit in Prague. Impacts A Pellegrini presidency could strengthen Bratislava’s anti-Kyiv stance, accentuating the tensions in V4 further. Moves against Slovakia’s rule of law have alarmed Brussels, which may take a tougher stance to avoid the mistakes made with Hungary. A Trump victory could add more uncertainty to the West’s relations with Russia and maintaining sufficient support for Ukraine.