Leaders from nearly 50 European nations and international organizations convened in Budapest on Thursday for the fifth European Political Community (EPC) summit. Amid mounting global tensions, European leaders agreed on the need for Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own security, reducing reliance on the United States.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, hosting the summit, emphasized the urgency of collective European action. At a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Orban highlighted multiple threats to European peace and stability, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, escalating tensions in the Middle East, persistent illegal migration, and unprecedented global economic fragmentation since the Cold War.
“Big, critical issues are on the table: war or peace, migration or security, fragmentation or connectivity, subordination or European sovereignty,” Orban stated. He underscored the consensus among European leaders to respond proactively to these challenges and to take bold steps towards securing the continent’s future.
As Hungary holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, Orban noted areas of agreement reached during the summit. These include responding to the results of the recent U.S. election, initiating swift peace efforts in Europe, and increasing Europe’s own security capabilities.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, whose country will host the sixth EPC summit in May 2025, praised the summit’s format for fostering open and candid discussions. “This format has a unique energy and freedom, allowing us to engage in honest conversations on sensitive issues,” Rama remarked.
Rama also expressed optimism about Albania’s future within Europe, highlighting the crucial support of Hungary’s presidency in launching direct EU accession negotiations. “We hope that Albania, along with other Western Balkan nations, will be able to join the EU within the decade,” he said, noting that such levels of engagement between the European Union and non-EU European countries were unimaginable a few years ago.
Established in 2022, the EPC serves as a platform for political dialogue and cooperation among European nations. Its aim is to address common challenges and strengthen the continent’s security, stability, and prosperity. The EPC summit convenes biannually, alternating between EU and non-EU countries.
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European leaders commit to taking more responsibility for own security
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