The European Political Community: What could the European Political Community be used for? What structures? Who should be part of it?

Formally the European Council of June 23/24 only held a discussion on the French initiative for a new European political community (EPC) with no decision taken at this stage. Nevertheless, in its conclusions it clearly stated what it was not: neither an alternative to EU membership nor a substitute to the enlargement process. It also sketched out what its mission should be: fostering political dialogue and cooperation on issues of common interest with a clear (if not too precise) objective of strengthening security, stability and prosperity for the whole European continent.