On 18 July, the nascent European Political Community (EPC) will hold its fourth summit since its founding less than two years ago. The United Kingdom will host the occasion, two weeks after its 4 July general election – expected to usher in a new government – and just over a month after the 2024 European Parliament elections and the formation of a new European Commission.
The timing of the meeting of 47 European countries is thus a particularly auspicious opportunity for Europe’s new leaders to confront the continent’s many challenges. Whereas detractors have seen the EPC as a fig leaf to EU candidate countries, the emergence of the EPC potentially holds profound significance for European politics and integration, reflecting stubborn truths more apparent following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.