Canada is the first non-European country to participate in the European Political Community (EPC) summit held in Yerevan, Armenia, on Monday, May 4, 2026 [1]. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is attending the summit to build new trade and diplomatic alliances following the loss of US markets under former President Donald Trump [1].
The EPC summit in Armenia’s capital highlights growing ties between Armenia and Europe as the country seeks to distance itself from Russian influence [1]. Armenia shares a border with Iran and was chosen to host the summit to showcase its European integration efforts [1].
Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is pursuing policies of diversification and European integration ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for June 2026 [1]. He aims to secure a major election win in order to continue peace efforts with Azerbaijan [1].
The summit will also address the planned withdrawal of more than 5,000 US troops from Germany and the impact of the US-Iran conflict on Western economies [1]. While Azerbaijan has accused Iran of missile attacks, Armenia has not leveled similar accusations [1].
Thomas de Waal, a Eurasia expert, said European leaders at the summit "will have to walk a fine line in Yerevan. As they hold what looks like a pre-election rally for Pashinyan, they must also have a bigger conversation about building a more robust and less polarised Armenia" [1].
The EPC was initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron and includes 48-plus nations, among them the UK and now Canada [1]. Armenia hopes to follow the EPC meeting with its first bilateral summit with the European Union [1].
