European leaders from across the continent have gathered in Yerevan, Armenia, for the eighth summit of the European Political Community (EPC), a pivotal forum addressing pressing geopolitical challenges. Hosted on May 4, 2026, under the motto "Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe," this event marks the first time the EPC convenes in the South Caucasus. With nearly 50 heads of state and government in attendance, including first-time non-European participant Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the discussions are set against a backdrop of escalating tensions with Russia and uncertainties stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's policies.

The summit, co-chaired by European Council President António Costa and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, precedes the inaugural EU-Armenia bilateral summit on May 4-5. Leaders are focusing on bolstering democratic resilience, enhancing connectivity in energy, transport, and digital sectors, and securing economic stability amid hybrid threats and regional conflicts. As Armenia pivots toward closer European integration following disillusionment with traditional allies, this gathering underscores a shifting diplomatic landscape in Eurasia.

Origins and Evolution of the European Political Community

The European Political Community emerged in 2022 as an innovative response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron in May of that year, the EPC launched with its inaugural summit in Prague on October 6, 2022, bringing together 44 leaders. Unlike formal bodies like the EU or NATO, the EPC operates as an informal, flexible platform for candid dialogue among European nations—both EU members and non-members—on shared concerns such as security, energy, and migration.

Subsequent summits have built momentum: the second in Chisinau, Moldova (June 2023), emphasized support for Ukraine; the third in Granada, Spain (October 2023), tackled energy diversification; and later meetings in Tirana, Albania, and other hosts addressed hybrid warfare and economic resilience. By 2026, the EPC has convened seven times, fostering practical outcomes like the REPowerEU plan's extensions and joint statements on democratic backsliding. Hosting in Yerevan represents a milestone, extending the forum's reach into a geopolitically sensitive region.

This evolution reflects Europe's need for agile cooperation beyond rigid structures. As Pashinyan noted in his welcome address, the EPC enables "open dialogue and strategic coordination" to navigate an era of uncertainty, where traditional alliances face strain.

Armenia's Strategic Pivot: From Moscow to Brussels

Armenia's selection as host symbolizes its accelerating realignment toward the West. Historically a close Russian ally within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), Yerevan has endured profound setbacks. In 2023, Azerbaijan's lightning offensive reclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh, displacing over 100,000 ethnic Armenians, with Russian peacekeepers failing to intervene despite treaty obligations. This betrayal prompted Armenia to freeze CSTO participation and ratify a March 2025 law initiating EU accession talks.

Public sentiment has shifted dramatically: polls show over 70% of Armenians now favor European integration, up from 40% pre-2023. The EU responded with a border monitoring mission in 2021, expanded in 2025, and visa liberalization slated within two years. Yet challenges persist—Russia supplies gas at subsidized rates ($177.50 per 1,000 cubic meters versus Europe's $600 average), and maintains a military base in Gyumri. Pashinyan balances diplomacy, pursuing peace with Azerbaijan via the U.S.-brokered "Trump Route" corridor linking to Iran, while courting Europe for alternatives.

Artur Papyan, Armenia's Europe minister, highlighted the summit's role in countering coercion: "Armenia's democratic institutions are progressing but under pressure." The event at Karen Demirchyan Sports Complex features cultural welcomes, underscoring soft power in hard geopolitics.

Distinguished Leaders and First-Time Guests

The Yerevan summit draws an elite roster. EU heavyweights include Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Council President António Costa, and High Representative Kaja Kallas. National leaders encompass French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Balkan and Caucasus representatives like Albanian PM Edi Rama, Kosovar PM Albin Kurti, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev add regional depth, with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz marking thawed ties since 2013.

Canada's Mark Carney breaks new ground as the first extra-European attendee, signaling transatlantic diversification amid U.S. strains. Bilateral sidelines buzz with Zelenskyy-Carney meetings on Ukraine aid and Macron-Starmer talks on defense. As arrivals unfolded at Zvartnots Airport, Speaker Alen Simonyan greeted dignitaries, setting a tone of unity. This diverse assembly—spanning 48 nations—amplifies the EPC's role as a pan-European bridge-builder.

Photo by Fer Troulik on Unsplash

Core Agenda: Tackling Connectivity and Security

Structured around plenaries, roundtables, and a closing statement, the agenda prioritizes actionable steps. Thematic clusters include:

• Democratic Resilience: Combating disinformation, cyberattacks, and electoral interference, with EU missions modeled on Moldova/Ukraine deployments.
• Connectivity: Advancing energy diversification (post-Russian gas dependency), transport corridors like the Trump Route, and digital infrastructure for resilient supply chains.
• Economic and Energy Security: Mitigating hybrid economic coercion, with focus on South Caucasus pipelines bypassing Russia.

Regional spotlights address Ukraine's defense needs (e.g., €90 billion EU loan) and Middle East flare-ups. Starmer warned of a "war on two fronts," urging pooled resources. Zelenskyy pushed for anti-missile systems and drone deals, while von der Leyen pledged military buildup. Outcomes may include joint declarations on hybrid defense and connectivity pacts, building on prior EPC energy platforms that cut Europe's Russian fossil fuel reliance by 40% since 2022.

For more on the official program, visit the European Council page.

Russia's Shadow: Hybrid Threats Escalate

Russia views Armenia's Western tilt with alarm. Days before the summit, Moscow banned Armenian mineral water imports—a petty but pointed hybrid tactic alongside truck border delays, website hacks, and Telegram disinformation surges warning of a "point of no return." Putin reiterated in April: EU ambitions clash with EEU membership, impossible "by definition." Gas leverage looms large, with Armenia owing billions in arrears.

Armenia's foreign committee chair Sargis Khandanyan explained: "The security architecture we were in was not working." The EU counters with a new civilian partnership mission (EUPM Armenia), approved April 21, 2026, targeting propaganda and illicit flows. This mirrors successes in Moldova, where similar efforts curbed 25% of disinfo campaigns. As Russia scales back Victory Day parades amid Ukraine strains, Yerevan tests Moscow's red lines, potentially reshaping Caucasus dynamics.

Trump's Challenges: Europe's Call for Self-Reliance

U.S. President Trump's recent moves dominate discourse. Announcing 5,000 troop withdrawals from Germany—citing Europe's Iran inaction—he accused allies of freeloading. NATO's Mark Rutte acknowledged: "Europe has gotten the message," pledging a "bigger role." Macron urged Europeans to seize their destiny, boosting defense to 3% GDP targets. Von der Leyen echoed: "We must build capabilities to defend ourselves."

Chancellor Merz clashed publicly, calling U.S. policy "humiliating," while Meloni resists Italian base cuts (12,000 troops). Starmer admitted alliance "tensions," committing UK to EU-Ukraine financing. Carney framed a "rupture" in global order, rejecting transactionalism. Analysts predict EPC affirmations of €100 billion+ defense hikes, accelerating projects like European missile shields independent of U.S. systems.

Details on recent developments can be found here.

South Caucasus Peace and Broader Regional Stakes

Armenia-Azerbaijan reconciliation headlines regional talks. A Washington peace deal last August, dubbed the "Trump Route," envisions connectivity via Zangezur corridor. Aliyev endorsed the summit venue, signaling pragmatism. Yet Nagorno-Karabakh displacements linger, with Europe's Armenian diaspora urging rights protections.

Ukraine features prominently: Zelenskyy seeks unified stances on Iran and sustained arms. Middle East tensions, including Hormuz threats, test cohesion. Georgia's EU aspirations and Turkey's balancing act add layers, with Yilmaz's presence hinting at Black Sea stability pacts.

Photo by ALEXANDRE LALLEMAND on Unsplash

Energy Independence and Economic Horizons

Energy tops priorities, with Europe slashing Russian imports by 90% since 2022 via LNG pivots and renewables. Armenia eyes Middle Corridor alternatives, linking Caspian to EU markets, potentially halving transit times. Digital connectivity pushes 5G/6G harmonization, countering Huawei dominance.

Economic roundtables explore sanctions resilience and trade diversification. Post-summit, expect memoranda on green corridors and investment funds, aiding Armenia's 6.5% GDP growth trajectory.

Implications and Future Outlook

The Yerevan summits propel Armenia's EU path, with visa-free travel and €500 million aid packages on horizon. For Europe, they affirm EPC's vitality, potentially birthing a "European Security Compact." Amid Trump unpredictability and Putin pressures, self-reliance emerges as mantra—doubling defense budgets, fostering Canada-like partnerships.

Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset praised Armenia's progress: institutions function amid strains. As Ireland hosts next in November 2026, Yerevan sets precedent for inclusive, resilient Europe.

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