Copenhagen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European leaders are gathering in Copenhagen on Thursday for a European Political Community (EPC) summit focused on the war in Ukraine and wider European security, which follows an informal meeting of EU leaders’ summit in the Danish capital on Wednesday.
President Volodymyr Zelensky also arrived in Copenhagen to take part in the European Political Community summit at the Bella Centre.
“Today, we are working in Denmark at the European Political Community summit. I began my work with a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen,”
Zelensky wrote. The president is expected to speak at the forum, which brings together around 50 heads of state and government along with EU officials, and will hold a press conference with Frederiksen.
How is Zelensky using the EPC summit in Copenhagen?
He warns that
“the recent drone incidents across Europe are a clear sign that Russia still feels bold enough to escalate this war,” and wants to “divide Europe, to ignite arguments, to prevent us from finding common ground.”
“If the Russians dare to launch drones against Poland or violate the airspace of northern European countries, it means this can happen anywhere – in western Europe, in the south – and we need a fast and effective response,”
He says.
What issues dominate the European Political Community Summit?
The EPC was introduced in 2022 following French President Emmanuel Macron’s initiative, as a response to Russia’s war on Ukraine. It was created as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among European countries, both within and outside the EU, avoiding the formality of state visits.
The 47 invitees consist of all EU heads of state and government, as well as leaders from outside the bloc, including the UK, Ukraine, Moldova, Switzerland, and Georgia.
Leaders will concentrate on ways to strengthen Ukraine, improve the overall security situation in Europe, and enhance Europe’s resilience and security, given the current geopolitical challenges.
Russia and Belarus have been excluded. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other key institutional figures are also expected to participate.
When was the last European Political Community meeting held?
The last meeting of the European Political Community before the 7th Summit was held on May 16, 2025, in Tirana, Albania. The summit addressed issues including Europe’s security and Ukraine, migration and youth empowerment, as well as competitiveness and economic security. It was co-chaired by Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, and António Costa, President of the European Council, with 47 presidents and heads of government attending, except for Portugal due to parliamentary elections.
