Prague, 6 October 2022
On 6 October 2022, the first ever meeting of a broader format of European countries, the so-called European Political Community, took place at Prague Castle. More than forty leaders of European countries debated energy, security, climate and the economic situation in Europe. The future direction of the platform was also discussed.
“By expanding European cooperation, we are aiming to solve our problems together, and the fact that we have managed to welcome 43 European leaders in Prague at such a difficult time shows that Europeans know how to discuss solutions to today’s challenges,” emphasized French President Emmanuel Macron, who said it was important to strengthen cooperation in areas such as education and resilience to cyber threats.
A part of the day was reserved for bilateral meetings, which allowed for deeper discussions between the statesmen on each topic. The aim of these meetings was to improve mutual understanding between the states and to set up a constructive dialogue to address the most pressing issues of the day. Many countries took advantage of this opportunity, and in total dozens of bilateral meetings were held. The European Political Community meeting concluded with a joint working dinner.
“We see the EPC as a platform built on the basis of common solidarity and trust. Our goal is to act together so that there is lasting peace and international law is respected. We must continue to support Ukraine in its struggle for sovereignty and together we condemn Russia’s aggression against it and illegal annexations,” said Maia Sandu, President of Moldova.
The future of this new platform was also discussed during the meeting, with the leaders of the countries discussing, for example, the format of future meetings. In the end, it was decided that the next meeting of the European Political Community would take place in Moldova, a non-EU country. This just goes to show how much emphasis the EU places on cooperation with its external partners.
“This platform has clearly proved to be meaningful and we have agreed to meet again. This time in the Moldovan capital of Chișinău,” said Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, adding that the following meetings of the European Political Community will take place in Spain and then in the UK.
Source – Czech EU Presidency