Mark Carney’s visionary address steals spotlight at European Political Community summit

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered what many described as a standout address at the 8th European Political Community (EPC) summit, positioning Canada as a key North American partner for a Europe ready to anchor a new rules-based international order amid global upheaval.

In remarks that quickly became the summit’s defining moment, Carney warned of a world in “rupture” across technology, energy, commerce, and geopolitics, where integration is weaponized and rules fail to constrain major powers. “We don’t think that we’re destined to submit to a more transactional, insular and brutal world,” he declared. “Gatherings such as these point to a better way forward.”

Carney went further, stating it was his “strong personal view that the international order will be rebuilt, but it will be rebuilt out of Europe.” He emphasized that like-minded nations must demonstrate not only the strength of their values but “the value of our strength” through active economic and military engagement.

The Canadian leader’s presence marked a historic first: Canada became the first non-European country invited to fully participate in an EPC summit. Co-chaired by European Council President António Costa and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan under the theme “Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe,” the gathering brought together leaders from more than 40 countries. It focused on democratic resilience, connectivity, energy security, and coordinated responses to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Concrete steps forward

Carney used the platform to announce a fresh $270 million CAD (about $200 million USD) contribution to NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List for critical military capabilities, such as air defenses. This brings Canada’s recent targeted support higher and total aid to Ukraine since 2022 past $25 billion CAD. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the move during bilateral talks.

The Prime Minister held a packed schedule of bilaterals with leaders including Emmanuel Macron (France), Giorgia Meloni (Italy), Donald Tusk (Poland), Pedro Sánchez (Spain), Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, Roberta Metsola, and others. Discussions centered on expanding trade, investment in critical minerals and energy, defense industry cooperation, and a broader EU-Canada strategic partnership already in advanced stages.

European leaders warmly received Canada’s engagement. Costa highlighted the “strong and growing alignment” between Europe and Canada, while Metsola noted the value of reliable partners in an unpredictable world.

Broader context and symbolism

The summit in Yerevan carried profound significance for host country Armenia. As the first EPC meeting ever held in the South Caucasus, it represented a powerful affirmation of Armenia’s strategic pivot toward Europe and its deepening integration with Western institutions.

For a nation historically aligned with Russia through security and economic structures, hosting the event – followed immediately by the first-ever bilateral EU-Armenia summit – underscored Yerevan’s bold realignment. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has framed the summits as placing Armenia “in the heart of Europe,” highlighting its rich history and commitment to democratic values, peace, and connectivity.

The gathering amplified Armenia’s efforts to normalize relations with neighbors, including recent progress with Azerbaijan, while signaling strong European support amid regional challenges and reduced reliance on Moscow. Leaders celebrated this westward turn as a milestone for stability in the South Caucasus and a model of resilience against external pressures.

The EPC will next convene in Ireland in November 2026, during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Caption: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney looks on during the welcome ceremony for the 8th European Political Community Summit, at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan, Armenia, 4 May 2026. The 8th European Political Community Summit is taking place in the Armenian capital. Topics include European security, including in the context of economics and energy. EPA/Leszek Szymanski