European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney gathered in Armenia on May 4 for a high-level summit aimed at strengthening regional cooperation amid rising global instability and shifting geopolitical alliances influenced by the United States under President Donald Trump.
The meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) is taking place in Yerevan, a strategic crossroads between Russia and the Middle East, with key discussions centred on security, economic resilience and the ongoing conflicts affecting Europe and its neighbours.
European Council President António Costa said the summit would focus on cooperation to enhance collective security across the continent, noting that Europe’s stability now faces challenges “from all directions”.
The gathering comes at a time of heightened tensions between Europe and Washington, following disputes over US policy on the Iran conflict and broader concerns about America’s long-term commitment to European defence. The situation has been further strained after the US announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, following criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The summit is also shaped by the ongoing war in Ukraine, now entering its fifth year, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte attending the talks in Yerevan.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s participation marks a notable expansion of the forum, making him the first non-European leader to join the EPC discussions. His presence reflects Canada’s increasingly close alignment with European partners amid growing trade and security tensions with the United States.
Observers say the inclusion of Canada highlights a broader shift in global alliances, with Ottawa seeking to diversify its international partnerships while responding to economic pressure from US tariffs and changing global power dynamics.
The EPC, launched in 2022 by French President Emmanuel Macron, serves as a platform for dialogue among European and neighbouring countries. While it does not produce binding decisions, it provides space for leaders to coordinate responses to shared challenges, including war, energy security and economic instability.
The Yerevan summit is the first EPC meeting held in the Caucasus region, underscoring Armenia’s efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union while gradually distancing itself from traditional reliance on Russia.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has pursued a policy of diversification in foreign relations, balancing engagement with both Russia and Western partners, while the EU continues to deepen cooperation with the country through new political and security initiatives.
