Prime Minister Liz Truss labelled Emmanuel Macron a “friend” as they announced plans to work together at the first meeting of a new political club of nations. Ms Truss had declined to say whether the French president was a “friend or foe”, during her leadership campaign. The French president said he hoped for a “new phase” in post-Brexit relations. The pair agreed to step up cooperation on “ending” small boat crossings in the Channel and announced a summit in 2023.
Leaders from the European Union (EU), the UK, Turkey, Norway and the Balkans attended the first European Political Community (EPC) meeting in Prague on Thursday. They discussed energy, migration and security, with a particular focus on the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke via video link. What is the new European Political Community? Truss pledges billions to support Ukraine in 2023. The summit, billed as a European Political Community beyond the EU, has been championed by Mr Macron, who told reporters on Thursday it sent a “message of unity”.
The prime minister and Mr Macron released a joint statement promising an “ambitious” package of measures aimed at “ending” small boat crossings on the Channel. Mr Macron said: “We have values and history so I’m happy that we meet again.” “This is an island, but this island didn’t move from the rest of the continent so we do have so many things in common.”
The UK and France have clashed over several issues in recent years, including migrant boat crossings in the Channel, a military pact between Britain, the US and Australia, and Brexit measures involving Northern Ireland. Britain is also poised to renew its participation in the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC), a group comprising nine European states and the European Commission, which works on expanding offshore wind energy in the region.
Standing up to Russia
Ukraine’s president told the summit: “You and I are now in a strong position to direct all the possible might of Europe to end the war and guarantee long-term peace for Ukraine, for Europe, for the world.” Following the meetings, Ms Truss said: “Leaders leave this summit with greater collective resolve to stand up to Russian aggression.”
“What we have seen in Prague is a forceful show of solidarity with Ukraine, and for the principles of freedom and democracy. “As well as the UK, non-EU members Switzerland, Turkey, Norway, Iceland, Georgia, Azerbaijan and western Balkan countries took part in the first gathering of the EPC. Britain is now expected to host the fourth EPC meeting in 2024, with Moldova and Spain to hold the second and third respectively.
What is the European Political Community?
Critics see it as a vague regurgitation of old ideas. Its exact role is still evolving. When he proposed the plan this year, Mr Macron said it would “offer a platform for political co-ordination” for countries, both those in the EU and those not. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine gave new impetus for co-operation among nations beyond the EU’s 27 member states.
But the EPC has no institutions or dedicated staff. That has led to questions about how any decisions would be implemented. If it proves to be a success, it may continue to take place up to twice a year. If it’s a failure, it could fizzle out. Centre for European Reform Director, Charles Grant said one of the measures of success will be “does it persuade Serbia, Azerbaijan and Turkey to lean a bit more to the West and less towards Russia”.
