Joint statement Chairpersons of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committees of the Visegrad Group on the situation at the EU's external borders
with Belarus

(November 22, 2021, Budapest)

We, the chairmen of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees of the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, held a meeting with our parliamentary partners from the Baltic States on the situation on the EU's external borders with Belarus. After discussion, we agreed on the following:

We strongly condemn the instrumentalization of the phenomenon of irregular migration, which has been artificially created, as part of hybrid actions against the EU, to achieve political goals. Using people to achieve political results clearly violates basic European values and international norms. The actions of the Belarusian authorities, clearly and systematically endangering the lives of vulnerable people, are unacceptable.

As members of the EU and NATO, we remain in solidarity with Poland, Latvia and Lithuania, and support all necessary measures, consistent with the fundamental values and norms of international law, taken in response to the current crisis, which requires close coordination among major international partners. Protecting the territory of sovereign states remains a priority, but Belarus should nevertheless allow free access for humanitarian aid and journalists. In addition, we appreciate the efforts of all EU member states in addressing irregular migration and in protecting the EU's external borders. We urge the EU to immediately consider a strategic response to these situations in order to increase the effectiveness of its actions and prevent any future attempts to use the migration phenomenon as a weapon.

We stress that those who have attempted to illegally cross our external border will be returned instead of using the established procedures for international protection seekers. Comprehensive dialogue and partnership with countries of origin and transit are fundamental and will benefit all parties, so we stress the need for these countries to take the necessary measures, provide support and fully cooperate on readmission and return.

Members of the Visegrad Group remain vigilant against the risk of further escalation and Belarusian provocations on the borders with Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, and carefully monitor the security implications for our region. We also call on the Belarusian regime to immediately cease these actions, to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms in accordance with the regulations of international law. We will support a democratic, independent, sovereign, prosperous and stable Belarus. The voice and will of the Belarusian people will not be silenced.

The online meeting was attended by the chairmen of the Foreign Affairs Commissions of the Visegrad Group and the Baltic States