There is one ‘key’ word for host Britain at today’s fourth European Political Community (EPC) Summit and that is ‘reset’. Restoring the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union and the wider European community, after a long, drawn-out period of turmoil since Brexit.

It has been made clear repeatedly by the British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer himself that this is not about the country’s reintegration into the single market but about an attempt by the country to have a more active role in the world political scene.

“Britain (under my own leadership) will stand as a friend and partner, ready to work with you (Europe) … not focusing on the differences between us, but on the values ​​we share in common,” he said in his opening speech. Keir Starmer addressing the almost 50 leading officials of the old continent who are today at Blenheim Palace, in the Oxfordshire area.

This country’s need for a dynamic presence but also a willingness to cooperate is something that is emphasized by the British media and something that was clarified earlier in the morning on the BBC, the British Foreign Minister David Lammy speaking of an opportunity to “renew our relationship with Europe ».

The history and purpose of the Synod

It is the fourth time that the Summit has been held as it was created only in October 2022, following a proposal by Emmanuel Macron and on the occasion of the war in Ukraine. Although it is not binding, it is considered to be of the highest diplomatic and symbolic importance.

In fact, it is emphasized that the choice of the location is not accidental. Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Winston Churchill, the iconic personality who is considered to have decisively resisted Hitler’s aggression on European lands.

As several political analysts stress that Europe is experiencing a period of turmoil, the issues under discussion are aimed at finding a solution on how to make areas such as the economy, defence, security and politics more resilient to challenges.

What are the main agenda items?

That is why this year’s session focuses on immigration, security, energy and of course Ukraine. Irregular immigration is something that is one of the top problems facing the country as the volume of asylum applications remains, with more than 100,000 applications to they stay in the drawers. “This session is an opportunity to chart a new path on irregular immigration (…) saying together, enough is enough,” Starmer said in his speech, taking advantage of the huge opportunity he has today to press European officials for immediate action on the security of Europeans. borders.

Characteristic and who are the guests. From early in the morning, almost 50 top officials of the old continent arrived at Belneim Palace, among them President Zelensky and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, while the Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, is also invited. The resounding absences include the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

It should be mentioned that the second speaker on the stage was the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, who thanked those who continue their support for Ukraine and those who strive for the country’s accession to NATO, while stressing that “when the aggressor loses, the world wins”.