PRESS RELEASE : The fourth European Political Community summit held at Blenheim in the United Kingdom – UK statement to the OSCE [July 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 25 July 2024.

Deputy Ambassador Deirdre Brown says the fourth European Political Community summit held in the UK demonstrated strong commitment to Ukraine and on shared challenges like migrant smuggling and energy security.

Thank you, Chair. I would like to provide a brief readout of the meeting of the European Political Community last week at Blenheim Palace. At that summit, the Prime Minister reaffirmed our commitment to security, freedom, democracy and the rule of law – and to work with our European partners to meet the challenges we all face.

As you know, for the first time the OSCE Secretary General was invited to attend. Unfortunately, it was not possible for her to attend, but I hope that demonstrates our commitment to this institution and to ensuring a coherent approach to shared challenges from all the countries and institutions of Europe.

Front and centre of the Summit was clear and steadfast support for Ukraine among European leaders, who reiterated their commitment to do whatever it takes in the face of continued Russian aggression. We were honoured to host President Zelenskyy, to whom the Prime Minister personally committed the UK’s continued and deep support.

For the first time, migration was on the agenda with a roundtable discussion chaired by Italy and Albania. The UK was pleased to agree new deals with Slovakia and Slovenia to tackle organised crime; to increase the UK presence at Europol, playing our full part in the European Migrant Smuggling Centre; and to announce £84 million in support to tackle upstream migration.

Leaders also agreed on the challenge of increasing energy security through a roundtable chaired by Norway and Slovenia. There was a focus on resilience and interconnection, with particular emphasis on assistance to Black Sea countries, as well as discussing novel energy projects, sharing expertise, and accelerating the pace of electrification.

Leaders did not lose sight of the fact that European security is also under threat beyond Ukraine. A roundtable also discussions challenges around Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference. The margins of the Summit also saw a meeting of the Friends of Moldova Group which underlined the international commitment to Moldova’s sovereignty and democracy.

Colleagues, the UK was immensely proud to host the EPC last week, and we look forward to continuing the work of revitalising our relationships with our friends and partners across the globe, and particularly in this room, as we place European security at the forefront of our foreign and defence priorities. And for the UK it was an opportune moment to make clear our government’s focus on resetting our relationships with our neighbours and friends across Europe.

Thank you.