Canada becomes First non-European Country to Attend an EPC Summit

Canada became the first non-European country to participate in a European Political Community (EPC) summit when Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the 8th EPC meeting in Yerevan, Armenia, on 4 May 2026. The EPC was created in 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and brings together European Union members and other European states for political dialogue.

European Political Community

The European Political Community is a political forum launched in 2022. It includes EU member states and non-EU European countries such as the United Kingdom, Turkey, Norway and Switzerland. The forum does not function as a membership body for the European Union.

Yerevan Summit 2026

The 8th EPC summit was co-chaired by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Council President Antonio Costa. Nearly 50 heads of state and government took part in discussions on politics, security and infrastructure. Canada’s participation followed an invitation extended by Antonio Costa on 28 April 2026.

Canada-Armenia and Wider Strategic Context

Prime Minister Carney met Nikol Pashinyan on 3 May 2026 before the summit. The meeting took place in the context of Armenia’s efforts to reduce dependence on Russia. Canadian diplomats have stated that Ottawa is not seeking European Union membership, and Carney has ruled out such a move.

Important Facts for Exams

• The European Political Community was established in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
• The 8th EPC summit was held in Yerevan, Armenia, on 4 May 2026.
• Antonio Costa served as President of the European Council and co-chaired the summit with Nikol Pashinyan.
• Canada became the first non-European country to attend an EPC summit.

The EPC includes EU and non-EU European countries such as the UK, Turkey, Norway and Switzerland. Canada is not seeking membership of the European Union.