Zelensky announces launch of new Carpathian Eight initiative

President Volodymyr Zelensky opened the inaugural Carpathian 8 Summit on September 18, inviting European leaders to a forum of eight countries in the Carpathian region. Zelensky stated that the summit marks the beginning of a movement to deepen cooperation at the EU level, focusing on security, energy, logistics, and economic cooperation. The event took place in Bukovel, a ski resort town in western Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, from September 18 to 20, bringing together national leaders, EU representatives, and businesses.

The summit included heads of state such as Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and Romanian President Nicusor Dan. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico canceled his trip due to illness, and Slovak Interior Minister Matus Sutaj-Estok represented Slovakia. Czechia, Hungary, Austria, and other member countries were also in attendance.

Zelensky emphasized the importance of energy and trade links between the Carpathian nations, highlighting the need for constant coordination on practical tasks like transport, logistics, energy infrastructure, and investment.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, Culture Minister Tetiana Berezhna, and other senior Ukrainian and foreign officials were expected to attend the summit. Zelensky announced the Carpathian initiative in August as a forum for cross-border cooperation, including with partners who are not ready to provide military support. Some governments in the group, notably Slovakia and Hungary, have refused to supply arms to Ukraine.