The 7th Summit of the European Political Community (EPC) was held on 2 October 2025 in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. The summit was hosted by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The meeting was organized to address issues of European security, defense capacity, and support for Ukraine.
It was announced that 47 invitees attended the summit. In addition to heads of state and government representatives from European Union member states, leaders from countries outside the EU were also invited. Participation was secured from countries such as the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Moldova, Switzerland, and Georgia. Russia and Belarus were not included in the process. The meeting was also attended by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and senior representatives of European Union institutions.
Historical Background
The European Political Community (EPC) emerged in 2022 as a political coordination platform aimed at enhancing security, stability, and prosperity across the European continent. The idea for the EPC was based on a proposal made by French President Emmanuel Macron on 9 May 2022, on Europe Day. Macron stated that his proposal was not intended to create an alternative to EU membership but to establish a new framework for cooperation among democratic European countries sharing common values in areas such as politics, security, energy, and transport.
The European Political Community does not aim to replace existing EU institutions but functions as a broader consultative platform. Structurally, it serves as a forum where both EU member states and non-member states located on the European continent can engage in political dialogue.
To date, the community has convened six times. The first meeting was held on 6 October 2022 in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Subsequent summits were hosted by Moldova on 1 June 2023, Spain on 5 October 2023, the United Kingdom on 18 July 2024, Hungary on 7 November 2024, and Albania on 16 May 2025.
Topics discussed at these summits have included the war in Ukraine, energy security, irregular migration, Europe’s political future, and democracy. Additionally, peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the integration processes of the Western Balkans into Europe have been part of the discussions.
It has been decided that the next summits will be held in Armenia and Ireland.
Agenda of the Summit
The main agenda of the 7th Summit of the European Political Community centered on the war in Ukraine, the future of European security, and strengthening the continent’s resilience against new geopolitical conditions. Key issues highlighted at the summit included enhancing Europe’s collective defense capacity, sustaining military and financial support for Ukraine, increasing sanctions against Russia, and reinforcing Europe’s defense industrial base.
In addition to the main agenda items, migration, drug trafficking, and economic security were also addressed. The summit emphasized the need to develop common strategies to reduce Europe’s external dependencies, invest in new technologies, and secure access to critical raw materials.
The strengthening of Europe’s defense industrial base was specifically discussed at the summit. It was noted that the operational experience gained by Ukraine during its conflict should inform the defense policies of European countries. In this context, drone technology, electronic warfare systems, and defenses against unmanned aerial vehicles emerged as key focus areas of the discussions.
The role of NATO was also brought to the forefront. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte underscored the importance of closer cooperation between NATO and the European Commission and highlighted the rapid development of Europe’s defense industry. It was also noted that the European Union’s allowance for member states to use the “escape clause” in its fiscal rules has created favorable conditions for increasing defense spending. Within this framework, the need to support European security not only through military means but also through economic and societal resilience mechanisms became one of the summit’s core agenda items.
One of the issues raised during the 7th Summit of the European Political Community was Israel’s attack on the Global Sumud Fleet, a humanitarian aid convoy bound for Gaza. Prior to the summit, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin described the attack as a “violation of international maritime law.” Martin stated that if the attack occurred in international waters, it would constitute a clear breach of international law.
The Prime Minister of Ireland stated that the fleet in question is entirely dedicated to a humanitarian aid mission and poses no threat to anyone. He emphasized the urgency of delivering humanitarian assistance to Gaza and highlighted the importance of ensuring that the detained activists are treated under appropriate conditions. He also announced that the Irish government will provide consular support to the detained individuals.
Ukraine Issue and Leaders’ Statements
A strong consensus emerged at the summit regarding the need to increase political, financial, and military support for Ukraine. It was announced that the European Union and its member states have provided Ukraine with a total of 177.5 billion euros in support to date. Furthermore, it was indicated that the European Union is in the preparatory stage of its 19th sanctions package against Russia, which will target oil revenues, the banking sector, crypto assets, and Russia’s shadow fleet.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa drew attention to the progress Ukraine has made in its accession process and announced that the bilateral screening process with the European Commission will be completed by 30 September 2025. Costa emphasized that enlargement is a “merit-based process” and stated that Ukraine has delivered on its reforms, and it is now time for the European Union to respond in kind.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in his opening speech at the summit, called for the completion of security guarantees for his country. Zelenskiy stressed that all details of security guarantees for Ukraine must be formally documented and clarified. He also announced Ukraine’s readiness to share its experience in detecting and neutralizing drones with Europe and called for coordinated steps to establish an effective “drone wall” covering the entire continent.
Bilateral engagements between Ukraine and other countries in the fields of energy, defense, and diplomacy were also addressed. Zelenskiy discussed with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson the strengthening of NATO’s eastern flank and the development of the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List initiative; with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, energy and defense cooperation; and with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, coordination on the EU accession process. Zelenskiy also held talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on strengthening the PURL initiative and measures against Russia.
At the closing of the summit, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stressed that Europe must benefit from the wartime experiences Ukraine has gained and asserted that Europe’s security cannot be guaranteed without Ukraine. She also noted that technical and legal discussions are ongoing regarding the use of frozen Russian assets to compensate for the damage Russia has inflicted on Ukraine, but expressed the view that a political solution on this matter is possible.
The “Drone Wall” and European Security Discussions
One of the central issues at the 7th summit of the Political Community of Europe was the proposal for a “drone wall.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine is ready to share its experience with Europe in detecting and neutralizing attack drones, developed in cooperation with Denmark. Zelenskiy emphasized that this is only the beginning and must be seen as the first step toward an effective “drone wall” capable of protecting all of Europe. He underscored that Russia is targeting not only Ukraine but the entire West, and that drone attacks could also occur over the airspace of Poland, the Baltic states, and Northern Europe.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Europe must rapidly strengthen both its military and societal resilience, noting that progress has been too slow and that Europe must learn from Ukraine’s sense of urgency. Frederiksen emphasized that security extends beyond military tools alone and includes protecting critical infrastructure, countering disinformation, and preventing external interference in electoral processes.
French President Emmanuel Macron, however, argued that the “drone wall” concept is not fully feasible. Reminding that Europe has over 3,000 kilometers of borders, he stated that such a system is impractical in reality. Instead, Macron emphasized the need to develop long-range missile and ballistic capabilities, early warning systems, and anti-drone technologies. He also asserted that the most effective way to deter adversaries is to enhance Europe’s strategic deterrence, compelling them to abandon their attack plans.
Macron also clarified that drones violating European airspace can be intercepted and destroyed. “Drones that violate our airspace take on significant risk and can be neutralized,” he said, underscoring Europe’s resolve to defend its air and territorial integrity. Recent violations of the airspace of Poland, Romania, Estonia, Norway, and Denmark by unmanned aerial vehicles have brought these discussions to the forefront.
Leaders’ Statements and Country-Specific Positions
Denmark
As host, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Russia constitutes a direct threat to Europe and therefore faster and more decisive action is required. She emphasized that security is not limited to military tools but also encompasses the protection of critical infrastructure, countering disinformation, economic resilience, and investment in new technologies. In her closing remarks, she reiterated that Europe’s defense must absorb Ukraine’s wartime lessons and that Europe’s security cannot be guaranteed without Ukraine.
France
President Emmanuel Macron addressed two key issues at the summit. First, he stated that Europe must be prepared to destroy drones that violate its airspace and territorial integrity if necessary. Second, he rejected the feasibility of the “drone wall” proposal, arguing instead for increased deterrence, investment in long-range missile capabilities, early warning systems, and anti-drone technologies. Macron also announced that new sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet are being prepared and that Europe will act in unison on this issue.
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian people during the war, now in its fourth year. Starmer stressed that Russia is targeting not only Ukraine but all of Europe, and therefore NATO allies must act in unity. He also emphasized that economic sanctions must be concentrated on energy and Russia’s shadow fleet.
Poland
Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that success against Russia is possible if Europe demonstrates sufficient resolve. He pointed to Moldova’s elections as an example, highlighting the importance of pro-European outcomes despite Russian attempts at interference in the region.
European Union Institutions
European Council President Antonio Costa stated that Ukraine has fulfilled its reforms and that it is now time for the EU to respond. He also indicated that the European Council meeting on 23–24 October 2025 will be a “decision day.” It was also announced that the European Commission will present its 2030 defense preparedness roadmap on those same dates.
Bilateral and Multilateral Meetings
Meetings of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy
Zelenskiy held numerous meetings on the sidelines of the summit. With Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, he discussed regional security, strengthening NATO’s eastern flank, and increasing support for Ukraine. He also raised the issue of advancing the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List initiative and the use of frozen Russian assets. In his meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Ukraine’s territorial integrity was reaffirmed as a shared priority, and cooperation on energy and defense was addressed. During his meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, both leaders emphasized that Ukraine and Moldova should simultaneously open their first EU accession negotiation chapters.
Zelensky also met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen French President Emmanuel Macron German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. During his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussions focused on measures to be taken against Russia the PURL initiative and the next stages of Ukraine-NATO cooperation.
Meetings of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan
Pashinyan discussed democratic reforms and partnership with the European Union with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. He addressed strategic partnership and regional developments with French President Emmanuel Macron and evaluated the implementation of agreements reached at the Washington Peace Summit with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
Meetings of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
Aliyev discussed energy cooperation with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and regional peace and energy security with Council of Europe President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He also met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and confirmed the implementation of the agreements reached in Washington. He held talks with Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu on energy and regional cooperation.
Closing Statements
At the closing of the summit European leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that every economic aid provided to Ukraine is a direct investment in European security and used the phrase “Every euro is an investment in Europe’s security.” Frederiksen emphasized that Russia poses a threat not only to Ukraine but to all of Europe and therefore the continent must be made stronger and more resilient.
Frederiksen noted that the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine as “compensation credits” had been placed on the agenda. Although technical and legal questions remain she stated that a political solution could be reached. While Belgium has expressed reservations it was assessed that a common path could still be found with the support of all countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his call for security guarantees to be formalized in writing and legally binding and emphasized Ukraine’s intention to actively contribute to Europe’s defense architecture. He also reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness to share its expertise in drones and electronic warfare with European countries.
During the joint press conference following the summit it was stated that Europe stands with Ukraine and will demonstrate a firm stance against Russia’s escalating provocations. European leaders underscored that airspace violations drone attacks border pressures interference in elections and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are components of Russia’s hybrid threats. It was noted that the European Political Community remains an important consultative platform established in 2022 through the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron.
