The 8th European Political Community (EPC) summit officially commenced on May 4, 2026, in Yerevan, Armenia, marking the largest international political event in the country’s history. Under the motto "Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe," leaders from 48 nations, including the 27 EU member states and partners like the UK and Ukraine, have gathered to discuss profound geopolitical transformations. The summit is being co-chaired by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Council President António Costa.

A historic highlight of this summit is the attendance of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, marking the first time a non-European nation has participated as a guest in an EPC meeting. Carney’s presence is seen as a strategic move to build new trade and diplomatic alliances outside of traditional North American networks while showing Western support for Armenia as it distances itself from Russian influence. Key agenda items for the day include reinforcing economic and energy security, strengthening democratic resilience against hybrid threats, and addressing the impact of global conflicts on Western economies. 

Following the EPC summit, Yerevan will host the inaugural Armenia EU Summit on May 5, focusing on a comprehensive reform agenda and the possible establishment of a visa-free travel regime for Armenian citizens. This series of high-level meetings serves as a clear signal of pan-European solidarity with Armenia, which has been an EU candidate country since March 2025. The event has also seen the presence of world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, who is conducting a state visit to further deepen bilateral ties with Armenia during this pivotal week.