EPC Summit: Europe Comes Together to Tackle Crisis
The European Political Community (EPC) was born in Prague on Tuesday, Oct. 6, to bring together the EU’s 27 members and 17 other European states – a hand‑shaking moment that underlined Russia’s growing isolation.
Who showed up?
- 27 EU leaders – the full squad.
- 17 European heads of state from Germany to Turkey.
- Former UK prime minister Liz Truss (though her time in office was brief).
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy via video link.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stayed home to break a heated parliamentary debate, so 43 leaders stood at the ancient Prague Castle instead of the originally imagined 44.
Why the gathering mattered
The talks carried heavy themes – the fallout of the Ukraine war, a sharp energy crunch, and a looming recession that could stall the post‑Covid rebound. The EU’s leaders made three clear statements:
- Emmanuel Macron stressed that Europe’s unity “clearly shows 44 leaders in unison against Russian aggression.”
- Polish premier Mateusz Morawiecki proclaimed “Russia is in solid isolation.”
- President Zelenskiy urged leaders to transform the EPC into a “European community of peace” and called for Europe’s full force to end the war.
Truss’s cameo – a hint of reconciliation?
Liz Truss – who faced pressure back home after only a few weeks in office – stepped onto the stage alongside EU leaders. Her presence was seen by some as a reset sign for UK‑EU post‑Brexit trade standoffs, especially around Northern Ireland.
“Macron is a friend, not a foe,” she told reporters. After a friendly meeting with the French president, Macron added, “I really hope this is the beginning of a new day.”
Takeaway in plain talk
In short: Europe’s leaders have met, slammed the Russian bull, rallied around Ukraine, and set a platform for joint action. The EPC spins a fresh thread, hope‑filled, that could steer the continent past this whirlwind of crises. Time to see if this new unity sticks!
A talk shop?
The Emerging European Partnership Council (EPC): A New Scrimmage in Moldova
Picture the EPC as a fresh, slightly awkward club of European nations that just booked a meeting in Moldova—a tiny, somewhat fraught neighbour of Ukraine. The first big question on the docket is whether the war in Ukraine will keep the club’s attention glued to it, as leaders try to juggle a new political reality while wrestling with their own regional rivalries.
Who’s at the Table?
- Armenia & Azerbaijan – always on a tightrope of historic tension.
- Greece & Turkey – the Mediterranean’s classic tempers.
- EU leaders – the 27-member hangout that’ll later meet in Prague.
- Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan – coming in with a “timely initiative” vibe.
- Other member states – bonuses for expanding influence.
The Big Questions
Even before the summit, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell flagged that the EPC’s purpose still needs to be clarified: Who’s calling the shots? How does it relate to the EU, and—for the love of all that’s holy—does it get its own budget?
Meanwhile Erdogan warned that while the EPC is a platform for continental problems and solutions, it shouldn’t become a “shortcut” for countries hoping to lean into the EU. (That’s one way to say: the club’s a playground, not a university.)
What’s On the Ball? (A Playful Spin)
When the 27 EU countries gather in Prague, they’ll dive into some hot‑ticket topics:
- Germany’s €200 billion energy support package – a move that has other members worried about unfair market edge.
- Gas price caps – attempting to keep energy costs from turning Europe’s inflation into a hot‑frying pan.
- Russia‑Ukraine sanctions – the EU approved an eighth wave, but a price cap on seaborne oil still needs a few more puzzle pieces.
Bottom Line: Will the EPC Be the New “Talk Shop” or Something Real?
We’re at the crossroads of what could either become a genuine consortium for navigating European politics—or simply a collection of heads hung up on grand ideas. The big hurdles? Its massive size, deep cultural differences, and the old grudges still lingering. But if the council can crystalise its goals and figure out a budget, perhaps it can move beyond the “empty‑talk” label and become a real force for change.
