A fresh proposal to create a European Political Community emerged when French President Emmanuel Macron floated the idea during Europe Day on May 9. The concept gained momentum as EU leaders supported it at the following June summit. After months of planning, the inaugural gathering is set for this Thursday. The event will bring together 44 heads of state and government from the European Union and neighboring regions, aiming to foster political dialogue and practical cooperation amid a security landscape shaped by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Prague hosts the launch
The formal kickoff of this dialogue forum happens at Prague Castle, under the rotating six‑month presidency of the Czech Republic. The meeting is designed to precede an informal EU leaders’ summit later in the week, underscoring Prague’s role as the anchor during its EU presidency and its emphasis on regional cooperation.
Forty-four leaders participate
Participants include all 27 European Union member states and 17 neighboring countries: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. Russia and Belarus are not invited. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark cannot attend due to domestic parliamentary duties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski is joining by videoconference, while Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal attends in person. British Prime Minister Liz Truss and Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan were expected to participate, and both indicated they would be present.
A platform for EU‑neighbor coordination
The EPC is envisioned as a coordinating channel binding the European Union with its neighbors. Its goal is to advance political dialogue and cooperation on shared concerns affecting security, stability, and prosperity across the continent. The Czech presidency stresses that the EPC will not displace any existing organization, structure, or process. As stated by Charles Michel in the invitation letter, the aim is to bring leaders together on equal footing and to foster collaboration on issues of common interest, thereby strengthening Europe’s security, stability, and prosperity.
Annual meetings and engaging formats
The opening session is planned as a one‑hour gathering starting at 13:00, with remarks from Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala on behalf of the EU. After the plenary, leaders will have space for bilateral conversations and will take part in roundtables on topics like the economy, energy outlook, peace, and security. While migration and other pertinent challenges may come up, concrete outcomes are not guaranteed in this first meeting. The group has signaled a willingness to convene at least once a year, with the possibility of alternating hosting between the EU and a neighboring country. Moldova has been mentioned as a potential future host, and the United Kingdom has offered to host a future EPC meeting.