Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed European leaders and officials to the inaugural Carpathian 8 Summit in western Ukraine, aiming to enhance regional cooperation among eight countries. The summit, held from September 18 to 20 in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, focused on key areas such as security, energy, transport, logistics, and cross-border economic collaboration.
The event saw participation from leaders and representatives of 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, while Slovakia was represented by a senior foreign ministry official. Discussions at the summit emphasized strengthening transport and energy infrastructure, improving regional mobility, and expanding trade and investment links across the Carpathian region.
A significant component of the summit was its economic segment, which brought together approximately 500 business representatives. President Zelensky announced that investment agreements and projects worth over €1 billion were underway, with nearly 100 projects from the participating countries being showcased. These initiatives are aimed at boosting economic ties and fostering cross-border cooperation.
Poland reiterated its strong support for Ukraine, underscoring the importance of regional collaboration. The summit also served as a platform for enhancing coordination on Ukraine’s European integration efforts and exploring cooperation with countries holding diverse views on military support to Kyiv.
The Carpathian 8 Summit represents a new regional forum designed to facilitate dialogue and partnership among the participating countries, addressing mutual challenges and opportunities in the region. As the summit concludes, it sets the stage for continued collaboration on shared goals and interests.