Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has initiated a new regional forum, the Carpathian 8 Summit, aimed at enhancing cooperation among eight European countries. The summit, which took place from September 18 to 20 in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, western Ukraine, focused on key areas such as security, energy, and cross-border economic cooperation.
The gathering brought together leaders and officials from Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Notable attendees included Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Romanian President Nicusor Dan, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Slovakia was represented by a senior foreign ministry official.
A significant aspect of the summit was its economic agenda, which attracted around 500 business representatives. President Zelensky announced that investment agreements and projects totaling more than €1 billion are being prepared. Nearly 100 projects from the participating countries were showcased, emphasizing the summit’s role in fostering economic collaboration.
Discussions at the summit also revolved around strengthening transport and energy infrastructure, with the aim of improving regional mobility and expanding trade and investment ties across the Carpathian region. These talks highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to enhance connectivity and economic resilience in the area.
Poland, affirming its support for Ukraine, underscored the necessity of regional cooperation. The summit is expected to further Ukraine’s European integration efforts and serve as a platform for dialogue with countries that hold differing views on military assistance to Kyiv.