CEPS: The Future of the European Political Community: launching the EPC Observatory
16th of June 2023
Speakers:
- Ambassador Daniela Morari, Embassy of the Republic of Moldova to the EU
- Ambassador Hugues Moret, Special Envoy for the EPC, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Commentators:
- Iulian Groza, Executive Director, Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), Moldova
- Sébastien Maillard, Director, Institut Jacques Delors
- Nick H. Leake, Counsellor, UK Mission to the European Union
Moderator:
- Steven Blockmans, Research Director at CEPS
Steven Blockmans opened the event talking about the EPC Observatory with pictures of the site projected on the walls. The Observatory is an online tool to support policy makers, filtering the information in a visitor friendly way. Even though no official documents are produced, the voices still matter. The Observatory can also serve both local and international media.
Daniela Morari’ speech revolved around the Moldova hosted second summit of the EPC on the 1st of June 2023. Moldova was very honoured that it could organize the summit, and it was important for the country in many ways. It provided support, showed that Moldova is not alone – that all the leaders of the continent back it up. “For us, it meant history” – expressed Morari. It was an empowering moment that put Moldova on the map. Besides, it showed that Moldova has a clear goal and objective. They received favourable feedback, everything looked professional. The EPC served as a catalyst of different processes for Moldova, like the roaming agreement and support packages from the EU. Moldova managed to build trust and contributed to the bigger picture with the summit, which they need in the European path ahead of them.
Hugues Moret explained that the EPC is also a new diplomatic tool. He posed five questions that he answered as well. Was the summit a success? According to him, it was, which can easily be proven by the attendance and press coverage. Was the summit a success for the host country? Moret argued that it was, not only from an organisational, but from a political point of view too, confirming what Morari has already said. Are there any doubts about the added value of EPC? Moret responded with a no, stating that the first doubts came from the novelty of this concept, but now we see how it works. Should the EPC be more institutionalised? According to Moret, it’s an organic process, it should evolve by itself. There’s no need to press for more. Should the EPC have a more structured agenda? Yes and no – thinks Moret. It should be handled in a pragmatic way but continue to work on an ad hoc basis.
Iulian Groza emphasized that there was a need for a gathering of leaders in a more informal setting. The EPC is a lively organism, its creation was driven by the war – and the enlargement of the EU. It’s a “delicate French style movement” – said Groza. Even though, there was a lot of scepticism at the beginning, it seems to work. The summits give the opportunity for host countries to promote their foreign policy objectives as well.
Sebastian Maillard added that the EPC aims to build trust among leaders. At the beginning it was more EU centred, than it is now. Maillard emphasized on three elements: the EPC being a pan European strategic discussion (with a geopolitical meaning), a diplomatic hub and giving political boost to certain issues. Maillard sees the future of the EPC in being able to remain further from the EU. “But will we be able to keep everyone on board?” – asked Maillard.
Nick Leake highlighted that the EPC managed to make countries, like the UK feel welcomed and comfortable. According to Leake, it is an extremely efficient way for leaders to meet – they should even do that more frequently. The expectations are kind of low, which is also good. The EPC is an important platform to discuss energy policy and (cyber and hybrid) security. Leake thinks that the UK elections won’t have a big impact of hosting. In closing, he noted that we should give the EPC the benefit of doubt. So… let’s do this!
Check out the above-mentioned EPC Observatory here: https://epc-observatory.info/