More than 40 leaders, including the President of Latvia, gathered in the Armenian capital to discuss the wars in Ukraine and Iran. The meeting is overshadowed by Trump's recent statements on tariffs and the reduction of military presence in Europe.
The eighth summit of the European Political Community (EPS) opened in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, on Monday, May 4. More than 40 heads of state and government are participating. Key agenda topics include the war in Ukraine, the conflict surrounding Iran, and its global consequences. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address the summit with a separate speech.
The European Political Community was established after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, primarily to demonstrate the political isolation of Moscow. Unlike the Council of Europe with its 46 permanent members, the EPS positions itself as an informal platform for discussing geostrategic issues, digitalization, energy, and climate. Important negotiations in a narrow circle play a significant role at EPS summits.
Notable Absences, Debuts, and Trump
For the first time, a representative from a non-European country is participating in the summit - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled his participation, represented instead by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The meeting is further intensified by the recent statements from U.S. President Donald Trump. Last week, he announced new tariffs on cars from the EU. Additionally, Trump stated that the U.S. would reduce its troop presence in Germany "significantly more" than the 5,000 personnel announced by the Pentagon. As Merz himself confirmed, Washington is also abandoning the previously planned deployment of Tomahawk cruise missiles on German territory.
Trump has repeatedly criticized European allies for insufficient support for the U.S. in the Iranian conflict. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated in Yerevan that Europeans have "heard" Trump's message and are already ramping up efforts to be prepared for the "next phase" of the war.
