Canada to be first non-European nation at EPC summit as Carney seeks allies
Canada will become the first non-European country to attend the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Yerevan, Armenia, as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to build new diplomatic and trade alliances amid strained relations with the United States under Donald Trump. The summit highlights Western support for Armenia's efforts to distance itself from Russia and strengthen ties with Europe. Armenia, while still a member of Russian-led organizations, is pursuing closer integration with the EU, including potential membership in the future.
- ▪Canada is the first non-European nation to attend the European Political Community summit in Yerevan.
- ▪Prime Minister Mark Carney aims to build new alliances following the loss of US markets under President Donald Trump.
- ▪Armenia signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with the EU in 2017 and adopted a law last year declaring its intention to apply for EU membership.
- ▪Armenia remains a member of the Russian-led CSTO and Eurasian Economic Union but froze its CSTO participation in 2024.
- ▪French President Emmanuel Macron is a leading advocate for closer EU-Armenia relations and is attending the summit with state-visit-level prominence.
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Mark Carney arriving in Yerevan. The Armenian capital is hosting the EPC summit on Monday. Photograph: Canadian Press/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenMark Carney arriving in Yerevan. The Armenian capital is hosting the EPC summit on Monday. Photograph: Canadian Press/ShutterstockCanadaCanada to be first non-European nation at EPC summit as Carney seeks alliesPM’s attendance at European Political Community meeting in Yerevan signals effort to build new ties after US rupturePatrick Wintour Diplomatic editorSun 3 May 2026 10.23 EDTLast modified on Sun 3 May 2026 10.27 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleCanada is to become the first non-European country to attend a meeting of the European Political Community when the prime minister, Mark Carney, joins Monday’s summit of the 48-plus…
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