European Leaders Gather in Armenia for Summit Amid Ukraine Loan Talks and Regional Shifts

A plane carrying the Spanish Prime Minister made an emergency landing in Turkey on Sunday evening due to a technical issue, according to the Spanish government. The aircraft was en route to Armenia for the European Political Community (EPC) summit when the incident occurred, leading to an unscheduled stop in Ankara.

The delegation plans to continue to Yerevan on Monday. The government statement did not specify the nature of the technical problem. Media reports confirmed the emergency landing, and the summit in Armenia is set to bring together leaders from across Europe and beyond.

The EPC summit in Yerevan begins Monday, hosting over 48 nations to discuss shared challenges, including the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. The gathering was initiated by French leadership in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

This meeting follows the previous one in Copenhagen last October. Canada is attending as the first non-European nation, with its prime minister aiming to build new trade and diplomatic alliances amid strained U.S. relations. Canadian officials have dismissed suggestions of pursuing EU membership.

The presence also signals Western support for Armenia's efforts to distance itself from Russia. Armenia's hosting of the summit highlights its push toward closer European ties, including a comprehensive partnership agreement signed in 2017. The country froze its membership in a Russian-led security alliance in 2024 and adopted a law last year expressing intent to apply for EU membership.

The UK intends to enter negotiations to join a €90 billion EU loan scheme for Ukraine, aimed at providing military and financial assistance over the next two years. Two-thirds of the funding will support Ukraine's defense needs, with the remainder for broader aid.

The UK prime minister stated that this move would strengthen Ukraine's defenses and create opportunities for British industry. The UK leader met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Yerevan on Sunday, reiterating support for Ukraine. Zelensky expressed gratitude for the UK's role in the European response to the war and highlighted appreciation for strong words of support from British royalty during a recent U.S. visit.

“When the UK and the European Union work together, we all reap the benefits — and in these volatile times we need to go further and faster on defence to keep people safe.”

Further UK sanctions on Russian companies are expected this week to disrupt military supply chains, according to Downing Street.

Leaders at the summit are expected to address the U.S. decision to withdraw troops from German bases, as well as the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Britain and France have led an initiative to secure maritime freedom in the strait, with a first meeting held in Paris last month.

Armenia's prime minister is pursuing diversification from Russian influence, facing elections in June. The country borders Iran but has not reported missile incidents on its territory, unlike neighboring Azerbaijan. A peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan was initialled last August.

The day after the EPC summit, Armenia will host a bilateral summit with the EU, potentially leading to additional funding for democracy promotion and visa liberalization. An EU enlargement commissioner noted in March that Armenia and the EU have never been closer.

“Armenia and the EU have never been closer.”

The EPC facilitates informal discussions among EU members and non-members, including the UK, Turkey, Norway, and others, without formal communiques.