Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed European leaders to the first-ever Carpathian 8 Summit in western Ukraine, a new forum aimed at boosting regional cooperation. The three-day event, held from September 18 to 20 in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, brought together leaders and officials from eight countries to discuss key issues, including security and economic collaboration.
The summit included representatives from Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Notable attendees were Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Romanian President Nicusor Dan, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Slovakia was represented by a senior foreign ministry official.
A central focus of the discussions was on enhancing transport and energy infrastructure across the Carpathian region. Leaders also explored ways to improve regional mobility and expand trade and investment links. The economic segment of the summit saw participation from approximately 500 business representatives, with Zelensky announcing that investment agreements and projects totaling over €1 billion were in preparation.
Poland reiterated its commitment to supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the significance of regional cooperation. The summit is expected to facilitate closer coordination on Ukraine’s European integration efforts and provide a platform for dialogue among countries with differing views on military assistance to Kyiv.
During the event, nearly 100 projects from the participating nations were showcased, underscoring the potential for cross-border economic partnerships. The Carpathian 8 Summit marks a strategic step forward in fostering collaboration among these European neighbors, aiming to strengthen their collective economic and security prospects.