Crisis in Europe Continues to Deepen
"European Political Community" -- Another Failed Attempt to Control Europe
A new body called the "European Political Community" (EPC) has been established in yet another attempt to control what takes place in Europe. Described as a new European political informal grouping that is dedicated to advancing security and energy co-operation across the continent, it is aimed at bringing together countries that do not necessarily agree with the EU stand on Ukraine and other matters, but nevertheless is aimed at reaching out to "counter Russian narratives," as some EU leaders have put it. It was initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron and held its first meeting in Prague, the Czech Republic on October 6. Leaders from EU member countries held an informal meeting of the European Council in Prague on October 7.
Macron made the proposal for this new grouping at the EU's Conference on the Future of Europe on May 9, and later promoted it at a June 23 meeting of the European Council, the executive body of the European Union, in the context of Ukraine seeking expedited EU membership. More to the point, its actual aim is now being revealed as a body that brings together leaders from nearly every European country, even those that are not EU members, with the exception of Russia and Belarus. In other words, the aim is to further target and isolate Russia and Belarus for opposing NATO expansion in a manner which endangers their security by permitting an end-run around requirements for joining the EU or NATO.
Once some countries of Europe can take it upon themselves to decide which countries are part of Europe, from the get go they violate the spirit of the UN Charter and international law which stipulates that all countries, big or small, are equal and prohibits interference into their internal affairs or violations of their sovereignty.
According to reports, 27 EU states and 17 European countries attended the EPC. As many expected following this meeting in Prague, the EU has tried to claim that the EPC supported the stand of the EU and "paved the way for the upcoming formal European Council in Brussels on 20 and 21 October, at which the leaders are expected to reach decisions and adopt conclusions on the three issues discussed in Prague." A report from the European Council informs that these three issues were "Russia's war against Ukraine," its impact on the energy situation in Europe, and its economic ramifications.
News reports indicate that following the meeting, the participants praised themselves for their united front against "Russia's war on Ukraine" and claimed that the body represents "common values."
Then-UK Prime Minister Liz Truss was quoted saying, "Leaders leave this summit with greater collective resolve to stand up to Russian aggression. What we have seen in Prague is a forceful show of solidarity with Ukraine, and for the principles of freedom and democracy."
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said that the countries participating in the EPC meeting showed its importance: "The whole European continent is here, except two countries: Belarus and Russia. So it shows how isolated those two countries are."
No joint statement was issued at the end of the meeting or even planned as none would have been possible. A briefing posted on the European Parliament website claims that due to its informal nature, the participants did not release a final declaration. The EPC was like "a sword striking water," commentator Thierry Messan opined.
It was announced the next meeting of this forum would take place in six months in Moldova, next year in Spain, and then in the UK.
This article was published in
Volume 52 Number 10 - October 2022
Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/Tmlm2022/Articles/M5201011.HTM
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