Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has launched the Carpathian Eight, a regional initiative intended to deepen cooperation on security, energy, logistics and cross-border economic matters among countries in central Europe and the European Union.
The first summit began on September 18 in Bukovel, a ski resort in Ukraine’s western Ivano-Frankivsk region. The grouping brings together Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria and Hungary, alongside the EU.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Romanian President Nicușor Dan attended the meeting. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico did not attend, despite saying a day earlier that he planned to visit Ukraine. Slovakia was represented at a lower diplomatic level.
The summit produced 50 agreements worth more than €1 billion ($1.15 billion). More than half concerned energy, with solar and wind power a particular focus. About 550 business representatives were expected to take part.
Zelenskiy presented the initiative as a route to stronger regional links and a reduced reliance on Russian energy. “The Carpathians could become an energy supplier for the European Union, not just a transit region,” he said.
He said the C8 “directly supports Europe’s goal of energy independence from Russia”. Zelenskiy called the meeting a “significant beginning” for a movement that would “further strengthen ties between our countries and create another strong element of cooperation at the EU level”.
The summit came as Ukraine faces continuing Russian attacks. Overnight strikes in several Ukrainian regions sparked fires and caused several deaths and injuries around the time of the meeting. It also took place amid concern about Russia increasing hybrid activity, including sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation and possible drone incursions into North Atlantic Treaty Organization territory.
Zelenskiy said regional cooperation had become central to Ukraine’s security. “The Carpathian macro-region has become one of the most reliable foundations of our defense,” he said.
He thanked neighbouring allies for keeping trade and transport routes open after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Those links have supported Ukraine’s economic connections with its regional partners while the war continues.
Ukraine also secured €3.3 billion from an EU financial support package to strengthen its defence capabilities. The funding includes money for missiles and drones.
The agreements give the new grouping an immediate economic base, particularly in renewable energy. The summit did not set out details of the individual agreements, the C8’s future decision-making structure or a timetable for putting its broader plans into effect.
Fico’s absence highlighted differing approaches within the participating region, although Slovakia retained representation at the meeting. For Zelenskiy, the initiative offers a forum linking Ukraine’s security needs, energy ambitions and trade ties with regional partners and the EU.
Comments (0)