By scientifically confronting the model of the Visegrad Group and the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), this paper draws conclusions about the similarities and differences between them. The V4 model is taken as a reference model in order to detect the main operational elements that a functional form of regional cooperation should have. By means of a comparative analysis of these two models, a conclusion is drawn as to whether it can be a question of functional regional cooperation at all. With the method of content analysis, and in addition to reference literature, the fundamental documents of these two models of regional cooperation are analysed. At its end, it is concluded that the SEECP represents a form of regional cooperation with a clear determination to achieve full membership for all its members in the EU and NATO, but it is still in a rudimentary form that requires serious investment in the solidarity of the members and the need for a strong political will for common progress, the need for deeper involvement of the civil sector and the provision of sustainable and independent financial resources for its functioning in the future
