The UK is debating whether to join a brand-new political club of states in Europe next month. Early in October, the “European Political Community” will hold its inaugural meeting in Prague.
Prime Minister Liz Truss has not yet committed to attending the conference; Downing Street needs to know more specifics about it.
The French President Emmanuel Macron is a supporter of the European Political Community. In May, he suggested it as a “new area” for collaboration.
Mr. Macron suggested that the group may talk about transportation, energy, and security in addition to the mobility of people, especially young people. The overarching goal is to create a forum that includes more than just the immediate 27 EU members.
Similar proposals have been made for years, this is the first significant push since Brexit for such a platform. Officials from the UK are reportedly looking for guarantees that EU nations or institutions won’t dominate the summit.
Other important players outside the EU should attend, according to Britain. In addition to the UK, Ukraine, Norway, Switzerland, and Turkey, all 27 of the EU’s countries are expected to get invitations.
Along with Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, six countries from the Western Balkans are indeed likely to be invited. A save-the-date message and formal invites have been sent to capitals, according to EU officials.
However, there are hints that Britain wants to speak with NATO and the Ukrainian government as well before responding. The European Political Community’s first meeting is scheduled for October 6 in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
The European Council is currently presided over by the Czech Republic.
Discussions are expected to focus on the economy, Europe’s energy problems, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to a preliminary agenda.
There are, however, few specifics regarding the long-term structure of such a political community.
EU critics are suspicious of what they perceive to be a nebulous French-led initiative. There are also rumors that France, a well-known opponent of EU enlargement, intends to establish a parking area for nations who wish to join the EU.
The society would not “replace” the EU’s enlargement strategy, according to EU leaders. While many Western Balkan countries have been attempting to join the alliance for years, Ukraine just officially became a candidate in June.
According to several EU ambassadors, bringing Britain to the table to discuss fundamental challenges confronting the continent is now a top priority.
There is hope that Liz Truss will come to the table as a result of the dire economic outlook and energy crises. There are worries that the future British prime minister may ultimately decline the proposal, in part to placate some Euroskeptic Conservatives.
With the summit taking place just one one after the Conservative party conference, timing has also been brought up as a concern.
Ms. Truss had previously opposed British involvement.
She referred to NATO and the G7 as the UK’s “key” military and economic allies in her capacity as foreign secretary.
Boris Johnson, who served as her predecessor as prime minister, appeared to be interested in the idea and even claimed “paternity” of it.
Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the new UK government is claimed to have given the problem “little” attention thus far.
In the coming days, Ms. Truss is anticipated to conduct discussions with President Macron and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at the UN General Assembly in New York. The dispute over post-Brexit plans for Northern Ireland has strained ties between Brussels and London; the two are due to talk about it.
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