Europe is poised to play a central role in shaping a new international order, according to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Speaking as the first non-European leader to attend the European Political Community (EPC) meeting, Carney emphasized that Europe would not succumb to a more transactional and brutal global environment. The meeting, held in Yerevan, Armenia, comes amidst heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and renewed concerns about the strength of the U.S. commitment to NATO.
Carney suggested that the era of American leadership might be waning, pointing to Canada’s participation in the European political gathering as a sign of shifting dynamics. He expressed a belief that Europe would be the foundation for rebuilding the international order, highlighting both the strength of European values and their commitment to a rules-based global system. Carney noted, “The world is undergoing a rupture across several dimensions – integration is being used as a weapon by some and the rules are not constraining the hegemons.”
The gathering in Yerevan, the eighth since the EPC’s inception, was strategically chosen to reinforce Europe’s determination to prevent Armenia from falling back into Russia’s influence. In light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw over 5,000 troops from Germany, doubts about the reliability of transatlantic alliances have intensified. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked on the tensions within these alliances, which could potentially shape geopolitical landscapes for a generation.
French President Emmanuel Macron asserted that Europeans are taking control of their own destiny by bolstering defense and security efforts and developing common solutions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of a critical juncture for Russia in the summer, urging that if Russia does not choose diplomacy over war, sanctions should remain in place. He called for an effective diplomatic framework with European involvement in any negotiations.
Trump’s suggestion of further troop withdrawals from Italy and Spain, due to perceived insufficient support for U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, has prompted European leaders to reassess their positions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed surprise at the timing of the troop withdrawal announcement, stressing the need to strengthen the European pillar within NATO. NATO chief Mark Rutte acknowledged some U.S. disappointment over Europe’s stance on the Iran conflict, but noted that Europe is now offering logistical support and positioning key assets for future operations.