European Leaders Must Remember Churchill's Warning at Upcoming Summit

As the European Political Community (EPC) prepares for its upcoming summit, European leaders are urged to reflect on Winston Churchill's historic call to action during a time of crisis. Researchers Dylan Macchiarini Crosson and Steven Blockmans emphasize the significance of this meeting, particularly for newly-elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who will face his first major international challenge. The summit aims to present a united front against Russia and foster strategic dialogue among the 47 participating countries, including the EU. The EPC summit follows a series of high-profile international gatherings, including the G7 and NATO Washington Summit, providing a platform to reinforce support for Ukraine. Starmer has the opportunity to channel Churchill's spirit, delivering strong condemnations of Russia's actions while outlining a vision for a secure Europe. However, the summit's agenda must extend beyond Ukraine, addressing critical issues such as energy connectivity, migration management, and foreign information manipulation. To facilitate meaningful discussions, the UK will host three roundtable sessions informed by expert meetings that gathered insights from government representatives and policy analysts. The inclusion of the UK in the Weimar Triangle defense cooperation could enhance the EPC's influence, signaling a robust response to Kremlin aggression. In light of the absence of a final communiqué, it is crucial for sherpas and special envoys to coordinate statements on Ukraine, reinforcing the importance of pan-European cooperation during this pivotal moment for Europe. The EPC must establish a sustainable framework for future collaboration in addressing ongoing challenges.