V4 presidents and von der Leyen meet in Trenčín to discuss Ukraine, energy prices and Europe's future

In brief

• Presidents of the Visegrad Four countries are meeting in Trenčín, with central bank governors briefing them on the region's economic future on Wednesday.
• Von der Leyen joins the main talks at Trenčín Castle on Thursday, where Ukraine, energy prices and the EU's direction are expected to be discussed.
• Traffic restrictions in the city, including closures of the parking lot on Palackého Street and Matúšova Street, apply over the two days.

Summit opens with central bank governors

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini opened the summit of the Visegrad Four heads of state in Trenčín on Wednesday, 4 November. Before the talks, the presidents met the governors of the central banks of the four countries, who presented their conclusions and recommendations on the economic future of the region (Prezident SR otvoril v Trenčíne samit hláv štátov krajín V4 – TASR / TERAZ.sk).

Pellegrini told the gathering that the Visegrad Four platform has a special place for Slovakia, describing it as a forum for shared interests and better mutual understanding (Prezident: V4 má pre SR osobitné miesto – TASR / TERAZ.sk). Participants at the central bank session agreed that the region's future prosperity will depend increasingly on developing the talent of its people and responding to changing labour market needs (Peter Pellegrini hostí prezidentov V4 v Trenčíne. Samit rieši talenty, trh práce a náskok najvyspelejších ekonomík Európy – Aktuality.sk).

Main talks on Thursday

The core negotiations take place on Thursday, 5 November, at Trenčín Castle. Von der Leyen is due to attend. Pellegrini said the leaders would discuss issues important for their countries, the region and Europe as a whole. He stressed that the four countries' place is within the EU and that they want it to be strong, united and resilient. Ukraine, energy prices and the bloc's long-term direction are expected to feature in the discussions (Do Trenčína mieria prezidenti V4 aj šéfka Európskej komisie. Na stole budú Ukrajina, ceny energií aj budúcnosť Európy – Pravda.sk).

Traffic restrictions in the city

Trenčín, which currently holds the European Capital of Culture title, expects heavy security and traffic measures over the two days. The parking lot on Palackého Street is closed to vehicles from 15:00 to 21:00 on Wednesday, and further restrictions apply on Thursday. Matúšova Street, the road leading directly to the castle, will be closed together with its access points, including the Farské stairs and the entrance through the Brezina park, according to the city spokeswoman (V Trenčíne počítajte najbližšie dva dni s obmedzeniami. Stretnú sa tam prezidenti V4 s Ursulou von der Leyenovou – STVR). Pedestrian and cyclist movement across Mierové Square will be kept, but a narrowed corridor will be created near the museum and the Elizabeth hotel, police spokeswoman Petra Klenková said.

Schedule

Alongside the presidents' meeting, the Slovak parliament holds its 61st session on Wednesday morning. The opposition Progressive Slovakia has announced a press conference on the same day (V Trenčíne sa stretnú prezidenti V4, pripojí sa aj Ursula von der Leyenová (prehľad očakávaných udalostí) – Aktuality.sk).