Russia is developing a strategy aimed at weakening the Visegrad Group (V4) and establishing a new political format in Central Europe in which Czechia would be relegated to a secondary role.
According to investigative reports, the preparation of these documents is being carried out by the “Agency for Social Engineering” (SDA), a Russian entity that is already under sanctions by the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom for interference in electoral processes.
According to OCCRP journalists, the agency maintains direct ties with the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation.
The materials indicate that Moscow seeks to reshape spheres of influence in the region. Instead of the traditional Visegrad Group, comprising Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary, Russia proposes the creation of the so-called “Vienna Agreement.”
This new alliance would reportedly include Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia, potentially forming an alternative political bloc in Central Europe, as reported by Profil magazine.
For Czechia, the implementation of such a scenario would mean the loss of its key position in regional cooperation and a significant reduction in its ability to influence joint political positions of the countries in the region.
An important component of the Russian strategy is the “Mitteleuropa” project, which envisages the establishment of close political and economic ties between states and territories that were formerly part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
The main objective is to create “a single, strong and independent player” on the European stage. Kremlin documents state that “former parts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire remain under strong cultural and historical influence of Vienna.”In addition, investigations point to Russian attempts to interfere in electoral processes in Hungary and Austria.