Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, has articulated a vision for Europe to become the foundation of a new international order, refusing to succumb to a more insular and severe global environment. Carney made these remarks as the first non-European leader to participate in the European Political Community (EPC) meeting, which commenced on Monday amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and renewed concerns over the United States’ commitment to NATO. He emphasized the significance of gatherings like these, which he believes point towards a more positive global direction, while suggesting that the era of American leadership may be waning. Carney stated that the international order will be reconstructed, with Europe at its core, demonstrating the strength of shared values and a rules-based system.
The EPC meeting, held in Yerevan, Armenia, marks its eighth iteration since the organization began. The chosen venue underscores Europe’s resolve to prevent Armenia from falling back into Russia’s influence. The meeting takes place against the backdrop of recent anxieties regarding the US’s dedication to NATO, particularly following former President Donald Trump’s announcement to withdraw over 5,000 troops from Germany. This decision has exacerbated European concerns about the reliability of the transatlantic alliance. In response, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the prevailing tensions within these alliances and stressed the importance of how leaders address these challenges, which could shape international relations for decades.
French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted Europe’s proactive stance in taking control of its destiny by increasing defense and security expenditures and developing common solutions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy forewarned of a pivotal moment for Russia in the summer, where the choice would be between expanding the war or pursuing diplomacy. Zelenskyy argued that if Russia opts not to end the conflict, it is crucial that sanctions remain in place, and he called for a diplomatic framework with European participation at the negotiation table.
Trump’s proposal to potentially withdraw troops from Italy and Spain, in addition to Germany, has raised further concerns. As of the end of 2025, the US had 36,436 active-duty troops in Germany, 12,662 in Italy, and 3,814 in Spain. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked on the surprise timing of the troop withdrawal announcement and underscored the need to reinforce the European pillar within NATO. While German Chancellor Friedrich Merz skipped the Yerevan summit, he remains committed to maintaining transatlantic relations and cooperation with Trump.
NATO chief Mark Rutte acknowledged some US disappointment over Europe’s initial reluctance to support operations against Iran. However, he noted that Europe has now embraced the message and is actively providing logistical assistance and pre-positioning key assets near the theater for upcoming phases of US-led operations.