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Canada Participates in EPC Summit in Armenia
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Armenia, marking the first time a non-European country joins the gathering. The move aims to build new trade and diplomatic alliances amid shifts in U.S. relations under President Trump. Discussions will cover U.S.
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Canada will become the first non-European country to participate in a meeting of the European Political Community (EPC), with Prime Minister Mark Carney attending the summit in Yerevan, Armenia, on Monday. The gathering includes over 48 nations and focuses on fostering dialogue among European leaders and associated countries.
Building Alliances Amid U.S.
Canadian diplomats have dismissed suggestions that Ottawa is pursuing EU membership. The summit also serves as a demonstration of Western support for Armenia as it seeks to reduce reliance on Russia, particularly amid ambiguous U.S. stances toward Moscow's opponents like Ukraine.
Trump's initiative to withdraw more than 5,000 troops from Germany over the next year and the economic effects of the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict are expected to be key discussion points. Armenia borders Iran but has not reported incidents of Iranian missiles landing in its territory, unlike neighboring Azerbaijan.
The EPC selected Yerevan as the host to allow Armenia to highlight its growing connections with Europe and continue decoupling from Russia, its former ally. Armenia's officials have pursued diversification policies, drawing the country closer to European influence.
Armenian officials face parliamentary elections in June and aim for a strong result to advance peace efforts with Azerbaijan. Opposition parties show more sympathy toward Russia.
“European leaders will have to walk a fine line in Yerevan. As they hold what looks like a pre-election rally for [Armenian officials], they must also have a bigger conversation about building a more robust and less polarised Armenia.”
