The first step in the institutionalization of visegrad cooperation: the international visegrad fund (2000-2021)
The first step in the institutionalization of visegrad cooperation: the international visegrad fund (2000-2021)

Summary/Abstract: The central theme of my work is the International Visegrad Fund (IVF), which is the first step in the institutionalization of the Visegrad Cooperation. My goal is primarily to present the creation, goals, operation, and results of this organization, for which, I must first explain the main antecedents of the creation of the Visegrad Cooperation and the peculiarities of its operation. The Visegrad Cooperation, established in 1991, acts as an intergovernmental interest conciliation forum that has not been institutionalized. It is run by annual rotating presidencies and meetings held by representatives - of different levels - of the Member States, which allow it to have flexible and voluntary based cooperation and the conciliation of shared interests between the Member States before meetings of international organizations, thus acting more effectively. The primary task of the International Visegrad Fund, established in 2000, with headquarters in Bratislava, is to support cultural, educational, scientific, and research activities and mobility between the Member States, using the financial means at its disposal, which it implements primarily in various grants and scholarships. Today, it operates not only in the Visegrad region, but it formed a cooperation with other countries. Of these, it provides significant subsidies to the states of the Eastern Partnership and Western Balkans. The scope of duties of the Fund and the financial background required for this are constantly expanding, which is a good indication of the organization's success.

• Details
• Contents