Leaders of the European Union and neighbors from Britain to Turkey met yesterday to discuss the security and energy crisis that has affected them all since the invasion of Ukraine, at a symbolic summit that highlighted Russia's isolation.
The meeting in Prague is the inaugural summit of the European Political Community (EPC), a format conceived by French President Emmanuel Macron and bringing together 27 European Union members and 17 other European countries. The new forum was created in response to the Russian invasion to offer a wider, more inclusive European network.
Danish Prime Minister Mete Frederiksen was prevented from attending due to a key parliamentary debate at home, so instead of the 44 leaders originally planned, 43 attended.
"Everyone gathered here knows that Russia's attack on Ukraine is a brutal violation of the peace and security order that we have had in recent decades in Europe," said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The meeting was a major show of solidarity for a continent hit by multiple crises, from the security consequences of the war in Ukraine to energy shortages and a looming recession that has sunk hopes of a strong recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This meeting is a way of seeking a new order without Russia. This does not mean that we want to exclude Russia forever, but this Russia, the Russia of (President Vladimir) Putin, has no place," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.
British Prime Minister Liz Truss, after a meeting with the host of the summit, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fijala, emphasized their "strong agreement on the importance of like-minded European democracies presenting a united front against Putin's brutality."
Because of her decision to attend the summit, some hoped for a warmer tone between the EU and London after Brexit, where there are still disagreements over trade issues around Northern Ireland, writes Reuters.
Macron said his priority is to create additional electricity connections and lower gas prices.
"We share the same space. Very often, the same history. And we should create our future together," said the French president.
Apart from lofty announcements, the forum is not expected to offer concrete goals and actions.
Some immediately dismissed it as another talking point, which will be difficult to manage not only because of its size but also because of the political and cultural diversity and traditional rivalries between its many members, from Armenia and Azerbaijan to Greece and Turkey.
Ukraine will not be content to just join the discussion forum, Britain will try to dominate, Turkey and its creeping autocracy will get all the attention, and the Western Balkans are already tired of the shabby promises of EU membership.
The "Politiko" portal writes that the European political community is now a platform for countries like Britain and Turkey, and Macron can no longer control it.
Yesterday, Macron got what he wanted because, bearing in mind Putin's constant attempts to take advantage of the divided West, the very act of gathering the highest European officials is a victory in itself, the Brussels portal assesses.
"However, Macron's plan also risks alienating people before it even gets underway. A wider net means a more diverse cast of characters. And the danger is that, with so many interests at stake, Macron promises everything to everyone, without making anyone happy," Politiko points out.
Ukraine will not be content to just join the discussion forum, Britain will try to dominate, while Turkey and its "creeping autocracy" will get all the attention. And the Western Balkans are already tired of "scrappy" promises about EU membership, "Politiko" adds.
"We support the French president's initiative - but it should not be a substitute for the accession process," Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishina told Politiko ahead of yesterday's gathering. "It should accelerate integration through the accession process".
Bringing Turkey in means giving Recep Tayyip Erdogan a seat at the table at a time when he is issuing increasingly harsh threats to EU member Greece. And the presence of Britain causes a special tension
The European Political Community was originally conceived as a forum where European leaders, but not just the EU, could discuss topics of mutual interest. It is the latest version of a concept that has been running through the EU for decades. Former French President François Mitterrand propagated the concept of a "European confederation" more than 30 years ago, but it never took off, the portal reminds, adding that then, as now, countless European programs turned that initiative into a political minefield.
Bringing Turkey in means giving Recep Tayyip Erdogan a seat at the table at a time when he is issuing increasingly harsh threats to EU member Greece. And the presence of Britain causes special tension, "Politico" assesses.
The portal states that in 2016, Britain destroyed 60 years of EU history when it became the first member to reject the bloc. Although the EU overcame that crisis, Britain's acceptance into the EPC could be interpreted as a message to other Eurosceptic members that they too can join as former members. It also offers her an opportunity to push her post-Brexit message on the European stage, the commentary said.
The United Kingdom is, as expected, relishing the opportunity, as can be seen from a statement on Wednesday evening: "The UK will play a leading role at the summit to encourage international action on national priorities". The British government said it would use the event to put pressure on EU members over one of their sorest points - military support for Ukraine.
Prime Minister Tras said yesterday that her presence in Prague is not aimed at getting closer to Europe.
"The goal is to cooperate with Europe regarding the issues that both of us are facing. And we are faced with the growth of energy costs".
The French reject the idea that the EPC will normalize Britain's contempt for the EU.
"Twenty-seven members remained united during Brexit. But the United Kingdom is still a European country and has its place (in the ECP), especially on security and defense issues. It's a different, broader space," said Sabin Tiej, MP from Macron's party.
Officials involved in preparations for the summit stressed that it is an "intergovernmental" process - not an EU-plus-plus club.
However, as Politiko writes, the presentation of yesterday's meeting as a community of equals aims not only to encourage Eurosceptic participants like Britain, but also to ensure the sanctity of the EU itself and avoid anything that interferes with EU law and structures.
The portal states that diplomats in France have been trying for several months to place the EPC somewhere between the rigidity of EU institutions and the looseness of a simple forum.
"We will be careful about the hierarchy of standards. We cannot embark on a project that would weaken EU standards," said an adviser in the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"It seems more likely that we will move towards cooperation between governments on a voluntary basis", he added, admitting that the project is still "unclear".
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