As a sign against Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the heads of state and government of almost all European countries met today in Prague. The first meeting of the “European Political Community” aims to bring together the 27 EU member states and non-EU European countries “in a spirit of unity”.
“We know that Ukraine will win because the truth is on their side,” said Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala. Regarding Russia’s war of aggression, Fiala called for more European support for Ukraine. “We know that facing evil is difficult, but in the end the truth will win.”
New format on Macron’s initiative
According to Fiala, the “European Political Community” is a platform for open discussion between European democratic states and not another European organization. The new format dates back to an initiative by French President Emmanuel Macron.
No concrete resolutions are planned, security policy, the economic situation, energy and climate, as well as migration and mobility are discussed.
Russia and Belarus not invited
Austria is represented by Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP). In addition to the 27 EU countries, 17 other countries were invited. These include Ukraine, Turkey, Norway, Great Britain, Switzerland and the Western Balkan states of Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.
Ukraine will be represented by Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is to be connected via video.
“There is a good reason Russia and Belarus are not here,” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said ahead of the meeting. This shows how isolated these two countries are. “There is already a good group here,” added De Croo. Other countries can join if they share democratic values.
Summit deals with gas prices
Tomorrow, only EU heads of state and government will meet for an informal summit. While a new sanctions package has already been fixed, the gas price ceiling is a new topic that is likely to require a lot of talking.
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