The first meeting of the European Political Community was held on October 6, 2022, in Prague, Czech Republic, with 44 European leaders in attendance. 27 European Union (EU) countries, including candidate states as well as countries affiliated with the EU through economic agreements and sharing of European values attended to the meeting. Belarus and Russia were not invited to the meeting. The European Political Community’s leaders are expected to meet once or twice a year. Furthermore, contrary to the format’s name, the Summit’s agenda covered a wide range of topics, from the economy to security.
The idea of creating a new platform came from French President Emmanuel Macron in May 2022. The proposal was then approved by the EU. The Union has defined the community as a new cooperation platform rather than an alternative to EU membership. Within this framework, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, made the following statements:[1]
“With the dramatic consequences of Russia’s war affecting European countries on many fronts, we agreed to launch the European Political Community with the aim of bringing together countries on the European continent and providing a platform for political coordination. The ambition is to bring leaders together on an equal footing and to foster political dialogue and cooperation on issues of common interest so that, together, we work on strengthening the security, stability and prosperity of Europe as a whole.”
As it is expected, the Russian-Ukrainian War, the energy crisis, and economic issues dominated the agenda of the Prague Summit. The main discussions took place around the developments centered on Ukraine. In this context, Michel said the following:[2]
“The war in Ukraine is having a dramatic impact on the energy situation in Europe, with a spillover effect on our economy. Our primary objective is to ensure that we guarantee security of supply and affordable energy for our households and businesses, particularly as the winter cold approaches. We will assess the decisions already taken in this regard and give guidance on further action needed to ensure a well-coordinated European response.”
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, on the other hand, made the following statements criticizing Russia:[3]
“For the foreseeable future and probably as long as Putin is in power, it is impossible to conceive of a new security order or ‘peace architecture’ in Europe of which Russia’s Putin would be an integral part, respecting shared principles again. Russia remains a geographical neighbor and a member of the international system, but now we have to build a European political community without Russia.”
Borrell, on the other hand, emphasized the need for a more comprehensive security architecture that goes beyond the EU in order to build a stable and prosperous international system and ensure Europe’s security. In addition, Borrell called for the EU to allocate additional funds to Ukraine.[4] In this context, the meeting in Prague resulted in actual decisions on a new package of sanctions against Russia.
Secondary restrictions are also contained in the package. These are mostly regular sanctions imposed on natural and legal persons. Other sanctions cover Russia’s export and import restrictions. As previously stated, the sanctions package also includes the establishment of a price cap for Russian oil. The figure has not yet been disclosed. However, the price cap will go into effect in December 2022 for oil imports and in February 2023 for petroleum products. These prices will also have to be considered for non-EU European countries. However, some exceptions can be made to ensure the energy security of third countries. But, in essence, the Summit served to further isolate Russia, which is one of the EU’s primary goals.
The majority of European countries believe that Russia is not only at war with Ukraine but is also fighting against the West as a whole. Furthermore, according to these countries, Russia does not recognize national borders and operates under the concept of “Russian Civilization” or “Russian World,” which is incompatible with the European order.
The West believes that Putin’s stance closes the door to dialogue and diplomacy, making Russia more belligerent and isolated. As a result, as long as Putin is in power, no new security structure, or “peace architecture,” is being considered in Europe, of which Russia will be a part. For this reason, it is desirable to create a new European security system in which Russia will not take part. In fact, the Prague Summit is the first step in that direction.
In conclusion, the European Political Community seeks to exclude Russia from the European security system while also establishing a dialogue platform for addressing problems in Europe and seeking solutions to contentious issues. This European policy’s outcome will be determined over time.
[1] “Европейское политическое сообщество впервые соберется в Праге”, Reformation, https://reform.by/332314-evropejskoe-politicheskoe-soobshhestvo-vpervye-soberetsja-v-prage, (Date of Accession: 07.10.2022).
[2] Ibid.
[3] “В Праге состоится первый саммит Европейского политического сообщества с участием Украины”, Evropeyskaya Pravda, https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/rus/news/2022/10/6/7148169 /, (Date of Accession: 07.10.2022).
[4] “Боррель анонсировал новый пакет военной помощи Евросоюза Украине”, RBC–Ukraine, https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/borel-anonsuvav-noviy-paket-viyskovoyi-dopomogi-1665131405.html, (Date of Accession: 07.10.2022).
