European Political Community in Yerevan: ‘This summit will forever be remembered as a summit of peace in the Caucasus,’ Costa says
On 4 May, the eighth summit of the European Political Community (EPC) brought together more than 40 heads of state and government from across the continent and beyond in Yerevan, Armenia, under the motto ‘Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe’. For the first time, the EPC meeting was joined by a non-European country – the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, participated in the summit as a guest.
The leaders discussed how to cooperate more closely and coordinate action to strengthen democratic resilience, advance connectivity, and reinforce economic and energy security.
The summit was co-chaired by António Costa, the President of the European Council, and Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.
António Costa highlighted the historic significance of this summit.
“It is historic because for the first time the European Political Community meets here, in the South Caucasus; and because it places Armenia in the heart of Europe, which is exactly where it belongs – in light of its long and rich history,” President Costa said.
He also highlighted that the day started with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev’s participation by videoconference. “That means this summit will forever be remembered as a summit of peace in the Caucasus – brought about by brave political choices and patient diplomatic efforts,” Costa said.
President Costa also stressed the EU was ready to work with Armenia and the region for peace and stability, which must be anchored in resilient democratic institutions and strong economic bonds between neighbours.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also joined the summit in Yerevan. António Costa said that support for Ukraine was “a key focus of the European Political Community” and shared his messages to Zelenskyy: “First, the European Union will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve a sustainable, just, and lasting peace, in full respect of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Second, we need to take Ukraine’s accession process forward, by opening the first negotiation cluster as soon as possible.”
The European Political Community has met eight times since 2022. It aims to foster political dialogue and cooperation to address issues of common interest and strengthen the security, stability and prosperity of the European continent.
The next meetings of the European Political Community summit will take place in Ireland in November 2026 and in Switzerland in April 2027.
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Press statement by President António Costa following the meeting of the European Political Community
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