 Summit. This significant meeting aims to discuss topics such as the security of European countries, cooperation among states, and energy issues.){kind=link}
Leaders from approximately 50 European countries gathered at Bulboaca’s MIMI Castle on June 1st to participate in the European Political Community (EPC) Summit. This significant meeting aims to discuss topics such as the security of European countries, cooperation among states, and energy issues.
The Emergence of EPC
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the governments of Kyiv, Chisinau, and Tbilisi submitted applications for membership in the European Union. Meanwhile, the EU also has the Balkan states in line, waiting to become members, which has intensified discussions about possible expansion.
On May 9th, 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a speech at the European Parliament, proposing the creation of the European Political Community (EPC). The official proposal was presented to the EU Council at the meeting held on July 23-24. Macron argued that countries like Ukraine would need decades to join the EU, and within the framework of the community, they would have rapid and efficient access to EU support.
“The European Political Community is not an alternative to the accession process, but a complementary framework. It would allow for stronger structuring of political, energy, and investment relations. The idea is to create a new framework of cooperation, bringing together democratic nations with shared values that hope to join the EU,” explained Macron.
What is the EPC?
The European Political Community represents a platform for political and strategic discussions about the future of Europe. Member states aim to collaborate politically, addressing common interests, and strengthening stability and security. The EPC leaders first convened in Prague in October 2022.
According to the EPC’s statute, officials of the community hold two annual meetings: one in a member state of the EU and another in a non-member country. In addition to EU member states, the EPC includes the United Kingdom, Iceland, Ukraine, Moldova, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. After the Autumn 2022 Summit, the decision was made to hold the next meeting in Moldova, following proposals from authorities in Chisinau and London.
Moldova’s Relationship with EPC
In May 2022, Maia Sandu, the President of Moldova, was received by her French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, at the Elysee Palace. It was during this meeting that the Republic of Moldova was proposed to become a member of the European Political Community.
“This political community would represent an opportunity for us to participate in the discussions held by member countries. We would be able to present our point of view not only once every few years when Eastern Partnership countries gather. The President believes that through this mechanism, we can expedite the European integration process,” stated Sandu after her visit to Paris.
In October 2022, Moldova’s head of state participated in the first EPC Summit held in Prague. During a joint press conference with Macron, she announced Moldova’s willingness to host the second summit.