The sixth European Political Community (EPC) Summit took place on May 16, 2025, in Tirana, Albania, marking a historic moment as the first time the summit was hosted in the Western Balkans. Bringing together leaders from 47 European nations—including all EU member states, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Turkey, and countries from the Western Balkans—the summit underscored Albania’s growing diplomatic importance and aspirations for deeper integration with the European Union.
The summit focused on four major themes: democratic security, economic competitiveness, migration and youth mobility, and Europe’s leadership on the global stage. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression, reflecting on recent peace negotiations held in Istanbul and expressing concern over Moscow’s position. Economically, the EPC endorsed a new Growth Plan that would allow the Western Balkans greater access to the EU Single Market in return for key governance and economic reforms.
Another highlight was the announcement of a new College of Europe campus in Tirana, aimed at training future European leaders and strengthening regional cooperation. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama hailed the summit as a significant step forward for his country and the broader region, emphasizing its role in showcasing Albania’s progress and alignment with European values. The next EPC summit is scheduled for autumn 2025 in Denmark, continuing the platform’s mission to foster unity and collective problem-solving across Europe.
Leave a comment