European Council President António Costa declared the 8th European Political Community Summit historic, as it is being held for the first time in the South Caucasus, in Armenia — placing Armenia "at the heart of Europe, where it truly belongs, given its ancient history."

He added that the summit is historic also because it was made possible by the agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which has also improved Armenian-Turkish relations and set the region on a path of change.

Costa emphasized that interconnected strategic industries, markets, transport corridors, digital networks, and energy connectivity today represent more than mere products.

"They build trust, create jobs, and enable neighbors to forge ties through practical partnership and shared growth. The European Union is ready to be a reliable partner and turn this vision into reality, ensuring the irreversibility of this moment. Peace and opportunity are vital for strengthening democracy in Armenia, for combating external influence and disinformation. The future of Armenian democracy lies exclusively in the hands of Armenia's citizens," he said.

Costa also noted that the summit is historic for yet another reason: for the first time, a non-European partner has been invited — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Addressing the geopolitical situation, he described it as being shaped by Russian aggression against Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, with Europe now developing a "360-degree vision of its security."

"However, the world today is not only a growing hub of instability. There is a second important trend: multipolarity is developing across the world. This is a trend that requires multipolar engagement aimed at peace and building shared opportunities for prosperity at all levels. Canada is not merely a party that shares our vision, but a partner — one that shares Europe's global 360-degree security vision and joins us in striving to build an international order based on international law and international humanitarian law. That is why Canada is participating in the European Political Community Summit for the first time as a non-European guest," Costa concluded.