António Costa calls Yerevan EPC Summit “a Summit of Peace in the Caucasus”

President of the European Council António Costa described the 8th Summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan as “a summit of peace in the Caucasus,” praising Armenia’s geopolitical course and emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and multilateralism in addressing regional and global challenges.

Speaking after the summit, Costa thanked Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for hosting the gathering, which brought together more than 40 European leaders.

“The fact that Armenia is hosting this summit, the fact that we are all here today – it is a powerful illustration of the country’s courageous geopolitical path,” Costa said. “A path that Armenia and the European Union are walking together.”

Costa noted that the first-ever EU-Armenia summit would take place in Yerevan the following day.

He described the EPC meeting as “truly historic,” noting that it was the first time the summit had been held in the South Caucasus.

“The day started with President Ilham Aliyev’s participation by videoconference: that means this summit will forever be remembered as a summit of peace in the Caucasus,” Costa said.

“This story of peace in Europe, in a world where escalation and war seem to dominate, is something to be celebrated,” Costa added.

The European Council president stressed that “there is a European way of doing things — through multilateralism, with the UN system at its heart, and in respect for international law.”

Referring to current geopolitical tensions, Costa said Europe needed “a 360-degree vision for its security,” noting Armenia’s geographic proximity to the Middle East and the broader impact of instability in neighboring regions on Europe’s security, energy supply and economy.

“That is why, more than ever, the European Union needs to work hand in hand with Armenia and the region for peace and stability,” he said.

Costa stated that lasting peace and stability must be built on “resilient democratic institutions and strong economic bonds between neighbours.”

According to Costa, the summit discussions focused on countering foreign interference in democratic processes and strengthening regional connectivity to promote economic partnerships.

The European Council president also reaffirmed support for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“The European Union will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve a sustainable, just, and lasting peace, in full respect of Ukraine’s territorial integrity,” Costa said.

He also stressed the need to advance Ukraine’s EU accession process “by opening the first negotiation cluster as soon as possible.”

Costa highlighted the participation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who became the first non-European guest invited to an EPC summit.

“It is a reflection of the strong and growing alignment between Europe and Canada,” Costa said, adding that it underscored broad international support for “a principles- and rules-based international order.”

Concluding his remarks, Costa said the Yerevan summit demonstrated that “Europe’s way of doing things – diplomacy, multilateralism, and respect of international law – yields results, it yields peace.”

He again thanked Pashinyan “for grasping the historic opportunity to bring Armenia closer to the European Union.”

Costa also expressed anticipation for the next EPC summit, which will be hosted in Ireland.