The European Political Community: Challenges and Opportunities

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine confronted the EU, the UK, the Western Balkans and other European countries with the need to strengthen the security and stability of the continent in response to unprecedented threats.  Whereas many saw the European Political Community (EPC) as a perfect vehicle for advancing the common continental security, others were sceptical of duplicating the existing alliances and institutions, including NATO, the IMF and the UN’s Cop27 summit, finding them both better placed and resourced to deal with particular challenges. Regardless of the political energy driving the process, the entire concept of the EPC needs further elaboration. While some argue that the EPC creates an inclusive framework for dialogue and practical cooperation, citing the deployment of the EU Civilian Mission to Moldova and the EU mission to help monitor the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, others continue to question the initiative’s focus and added value. This panel will be centred on the following questions: Can the EPC act as a driver for regional thematic cooperation, in particular in the field of energy security? What does the EPC mean for the Western Balkans and how does it relate to the EU enlargement process? Can the EPC play the role of a common European security umbrella for members that, for the moment, remain outside of both EU and NATO?

Speakers: