Consul Prof Maurizio Bragagni Esq OBE was part of the official delegation, headed by HE Mr Luca Beccari, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, which represented San Marino in the 4th European Political Community Summit, held on 18 July 2024 at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, United Kingdom. The venue, Blenheim Palace, is the birthplace of Winston Churchill.
After welcoming the delegation at the London Heathrow VIP area, I took part in the official events of the Summit, which was attended by more than 45 European leaders, including the President of France Emmanuel Macron, the Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz, the Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanches, Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk, to mention just a few.
For the first time at a meeting of the EPC, NATO, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Council of Europe were in attendance, demonstrating the importance of unity in response to the arc of conflict and instability inside and near Europe’s borders that affects the UK and the continent’s interests equally.
The leaders engaged in comprehensive discussions around a wide range of pressing generational issues facing Europe. These included the ongoing war in Ukraine, the challenges posed by illegal immigration, and the importance of collaboration on security matters. The agenda was heavily packed, reflecting the urgency and significance of these topics.
The EPC was primarily established in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron to address broad European security issues. It serves a distinct purpose, as it allows non-EU countries like Ukraine, several Balkan states, and Turkey to participate in neutral, equal discussions with European counterparts, promoting a more unified continent. All EU candidate nations have attended every EPC summit, highlighting its perceived value for those seeking EU membership.
Including states on the path to EU and NATO membership, such as Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova, brings nations threatened by Russia into closer cooperation with Europe, the EPC provides these smaller states with symbolic protection and a platform to voice their concerns.
For the host country and the new UK Prime Minister, Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, the EPC Summit was used as an opportunity to realign the UK with Europe, focusing on national security and reaffirming commitments to Ukraine and collective European security.
For San Marino, it was another opportunity to demonstrate the political alignment with the European countries in supporting Ukraine as well as offering its support on security matters and illegal migration.
