Dozens of leaders from all over Europe and Canada gather for a diplomatic grand mass in Armenia

Founded in 2022 in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the European Political Community (EPC) brings together most European countries, whether they are members of the EU or NATO or not, with the exception of Russia and Belarus.

Dozens of leaders from across Europe are gathering on Monday for a major diplomatic event in Armenia, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as a valuable ally against global disorder fueled by Donald Trump. Among the notable figures present in the capital city of Yerevan for the 8th EPC summit are French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as top EU officials Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on the other hand, apologized, while the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has not been confirmed. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who had to make an emergency landing in Ankara on Sunday evening due to a “technical issue”, will resume his journey to Armenia on Monday to participate in the summit.

The summit, held in a country neighboring Iran, provides a platform for Europeans to express their concerns about the impact of the Middle East conflict. It is an opportunity to show Europe’s support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, as well as addressing the crisis in the Middle East. The presence of Mark Carney, the first non-European leader invited by the EPC, adds extra significance to the event.

The EPC was initially seen as an anti-Putin club following its launch after the invasion of Ukraine. With the invitation extended to Canada, the format now takes on an anti-Trump dimension as well, according to experts. Canadian Prime Minister Carney has advocated for an alliance of “middle powers” against the dominant “hegemonic powers” like the US and China, aligning with Europe’s geopolitical and security outlook based on international law.

Overall, the summit serves as a platform for Europeans to strengthen their diplomatic agenda and solidarity amid the unpredictable actions of the American president and the shifting global landscape.