Europe News: Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia Push For European Council Efforts Over EU Commission

The Visegrad Four (V4), a small political alliance made up of four eastern European countries, had reportedly asked for the European Council, instead of the European Commission, to handle the decision-making for the continent’s long-running union ahead of its major summit later this month, Russian state-run Sputnik International reported Friday.

The heads of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia called on the Council to take on a stronger role when it comes to making political policies ahead of the March 25 meeting in Rome, which will mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. The treaty was the genesis of today’s European Union.

"The European Council must play a key role, setting major political objectives in particular, the European Council shall profoundly discuss issues of European agenda which are of major national interest to Member States," the countries’ statement read.

The call for such action could be an attempt by the V4, formed in 1991, to have policies decided upon when the Council – made up of elected officials like ministers – meets rather than the Commission, which is now responsible for proposing laws and policies for the Union but is largely made up of unelected officials.

Issues like immigration, as well as economic ones following the U.K. “Brexit” vote last year, have brought about calls for change within the E.U. and for more autonomy for member states.

"Regardless of the speed of integration, we all need to pull in one direction, have a common objective, vision and trust in a strong and prosperous Union,” the V4’s statement also read. “However, to ensure a necessary flexibility, we can take advantage of enhanced cooperation, as stipulated in the Treaties. ”

It also pushed against European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s comments in his state of the union address in September, during which he said: “Our European Union is, at least in part, in an existential crisis.”

Juncker also added that, “Europeans want common decisions followed by swift and efficient implementation."

"Yes, we need a vision for the long term," said Juncker. "And the Commission will set out such a vision for the future in a White Paper in March 2017, in time for the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome. We will address how to strengthen and reform our Economic and Monetary Union. And we will also take into account the political and democratic challenges our Union of 27 will be facing in the future. And of course, the European Parliament will be closely involved in this process, as will national Parliaments.”

The E.U. has overseen a massive total European population reach more than 510 million people, according to recent statistics.