The European political community was created in response to last year’s invasion of Ukraine, so war is the central theme of the meeting. The first edition of the summit took place in Prague last year, and now in the former Soviet Republic of Moldova, located between Ukraine and the European Union.
An important signal for Russia, says Europe correspondent Stefan de Vries. Putin and Lukashenko, the leader of Belarus, are not present. But in reality it is mainly about the threat posed by Russia.’ In addition to the war in Ukraine, there is also talk of cybersecurity, energy and climate change.
Ruth
At the invitation of the Moldovan head of government, Rutte was given a leading role at the summit. This could have several explanations, says De Vries. «After Victor Orbán (Hungary, ed), Rutte is the longest-serving head of government in the EU. But the Netherlands is also playing a pioneering role in supporting Ukraine”.
The Netherlands played a major role in urging Germany to agree to supply Leopard tanks. And more recently, the Netherlands leads a coalition of countries that wants to send F16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Rutte’s status in European politics has grown in recent years, says De Vries. “He has also been around Brussels for a long time and has many influential friends, especially, of course, Emmanuel Macron, the creator of this European Political Community.”
Nightclub
In addition to the leaders of the 27 EU member states, leaders from 17 other European countries, including Turkey and the United Kingdom, were also invited to the summit. However, newly re-elected Turkish President Erdogan canceled for no clear reason.
No decisions will be made, according to De Vries it is an informal meeting without statements or decisions. “It’s actually a kind of discussion club where all the European leaders meet,” he says. ‘It only takes a few hours, the security measures are great. The country is close to Russia, a bomb on that castle in Moldova and all the leaders are gone”.
Live Blog | Day 462 of the war in Ukraine
Plan
Between 10:00 and noon, Moldovan President Maia Sandu welcomes the leaders to Mimi Castle in Bulboaca, after which the opening ceremony begins. One of the speakers is Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The interventions are followed by the group photo of the leaders, defined in their jargon as a ‘family photo’.
Several sessions and a working lunch follow, where safety and energy are paramount. According to the schedule, ‘the bilateral rooms are open’ from 3.15 pm and mutual consultations can begin.
EU President Charles Michel is expected to meet with Armenia and Azerbaijan to discuss their longstanding conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, an enclave in Azerbaijan inhabited mostly by Armenians. Prime Minister Rutte is also planning various meetings, including with the Swedish and Spanish prime ministers. The EPC Summit will conclude with press conferences and a reception starting at 18.00.