The European Political Community Gives Hope to the Western Balkans

Many leaders from across the region have championed the prospects of the EPC, but ambiguities around its role and structure may render it a hollow institution. There is hope, however, that it could accelerate the ascension process if the EU harnesses its potential.

More than 40 European leaders – stretching from Iceland to Turkey – met at the sprawling Prague castle, under the Czech EU Presidency, on 6 October for the inaugural meeting of Emmanuel Macron’s European Political Community (EPC). Along with the 27 EU Member States, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo also attended the meeting.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz strongly backed Macron’s idea and upon his arrival said “the EU will be able – through this format – to improve its relations with its neighbours wishing to join. Clearly, this is a meeting which cannot be detached from the Russian aggression in Ukraine. But it is always good to see that we are all together, in different ways.”

A Budding European Hub?

The French President originally launched his proposal at the closing ceremony of the Conference on the Future of Europe on 9 May 2022 in Strasbourg. While the idea is reminiscent of many previous incarnations, Macron commenced his speech by recalling Robert Schuman’s words back in 1950, who stressed that world peace cannot be safeguarded without creative efforts. Also, Macron reminded his audience that democracy is fragile, the rule of law is precarious, and therefore there is a need of revivifying them through new commitments.