On Thursday, the leaders of 44 European states convene in Prague for the inaugural summit of a new political club.
Josep Borrell, the head of EU foreign policy, spoke of constructing “a European political community without Putin’s Russia.”
By video, British Prime Minister Liz Truss will join leaders from the European Union, Turkey, Norway, and the Balkans, as well as Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ms. Truss underlined that the conference was neither an EU creation nor an EU substitute.
She said in The Times that after Brexit, the United Kingdom should participate in conversations that impact “the entire continent and all of us at home.”
French President Emmanuel Macron championed the concept of a bigger European political community beyond the EU, but there is skepticism even within the EU about the new forum. Ms. Truss will meet with President Macron and others on Thursday, which might herald the beginning of a new era in the UK’s post-Brexit relations with Europe.
The prime minister traveled from a Conservative Party conference clouded by disputes and the economic impact of her tax-cutting mini-budget. Downing Street only confirmed her attendance late last week.
The 44 leaders will debate energy, migration, and security, with the Ukraine conflict taking center stage. In a blog post, Mr. Borrell stated that in the wake of Russia’s invasion, there was a need to “rethink and restructure the broader European order, beyond the work of the EU and NATO,” but he stressed that the summit would just be a preliminary discussion.
In addition to the United Kingdom, non-EU members Switzerland, Turkey, Norway, Iceland, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Western Balkan countries are participating in the first EPC meeting.
What is this new neighborhood?
Critics view it as a hazy rehash of past ideas, and its precise function remains unclear.
When proposing the proposal this year, President Macron stated that it would “provide a forum for political coordination” for both EU and non-EU countries.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine provided a new incentive for international cooperation outside the 27 EU member states.
However, the new EPC lacks institutions and devoted personnel. This has raised issues about the implementation of any decisions.
It is therefore an extraordinary attempt to bring together leaders from across the continent to address issues of mutual concern. If it proves successful, it may continue to occur up to thrice per year. If it is unsuccessful, it may fizzle out.
Ms. Truss was previously opposed to the EPC project; therefore, what changed?
Heating up
While contending for the Tory leadership, it was never likely that she would express fervent support for a French-led European summit, say some experts.
However, while in power, she seemed to warm up to the notion, although Downing Street is hesitant to declare that Mr. Macron won her over.
Charles Grant, head of the Centre for European Reform, believes it might represent a “small” turning point in the EU-UK relationship.
This week, discussions are resuming despite the unresolved dispute over post-Brexit Northern Ireland arrangements.
Mr. Grant affirms that neither party is currently attempting to escalate the situation. Therefore, this summit may signal a minor rapprochement.
Officially, the Prime Minister is traveling to Prague to “bolster” support for Ukraine and “galvanize” collective action on energy security and migration.
According to Downing Street, Ms. Truss would urge leaders to maintain oil and gas interconnectors operational throughout the winter, while also participating in discussions over cooperative projects to create new nuclear and offshore wind power.
The presence of Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Norway, a vital provider of energy to the United Kingdom, are further attractions.
The United Kingdom has been less eager to discuss security due to concerns that the EPC may be perceived as undermining the NATO military alliance.
If the EPC fails to produce concrete results, anticipate it to be replete with statements of sympathy for Ukraine and condemnation of the Kremlin.
During the opening session, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will deliver a video speech, and Ms. Truss will declare that the threat posed by Russia has been “let to fester for far too long.”
However, not all attendees have the same perspective on the conflict.
“One of the indicators of success will be whether it persuades Serbia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey to tilt a bit more toward the West and away from Russia?” says Mr. Grant.
Turkey has advocated for a “balanced” policy toward Russia and has not joined Western sanctions.
“When Macron first proposed the EPC, it was meant to be a club with shared democratic ideals, but today it’s more about ensuring that Europe as a whole is not Russia’s ally,” says Mr. Grant.
Indeterminate identity
As an indication of the ambiguity around the EPC’s true purpose, there have been significantly more explicit statements concerning what it is not.
It is not a replacement for NATO or the G7, we are informed.
It is not a somewhat more comfortable “waiting chamber” for countries seeking EU membership.
It is also not a platform dominated by EU institutions.
Even though invites were sent by the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the meeting was tacked onto the front of an EU summit, this is the case.
Brussels claims it has only facilitated the forum; it is not “the EU plus plus,” a senior official said.
In either six months or one year, Moldova is expected to host the next EPC.
The United Kingdom is now fourth in line to host a summit if the idea survives.
However, British officials are adamant that they will withdraw from the EPC if it advances unpleasantly.
