Ukraine hosts inaugural Carpathian Eight summit, launching new regional cooperation format

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Ukraine is hosting the first-ever Carpathian Eight (C8) Summit in the mountain resort of Bukovel, Ivano-Frankivsk region, marking the launch of a new transregional cooperation format that brings together eight Carpathian countries and the European Union.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the C8 initiative on September 18, 2026, describing it as a movement that should draw neighboring states closer and create an additional framework for cooperation at the EU level. The format unites Ukraine with Romania, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Serbia.

The three-day event (September 18–20) focuses on security, energy, logistics, cross-border trade, and support for local communities. Zelenskyy emphasized that the Carpathians should evolve from a tourism and environmental zone into a driver of economic growth, investment, and energy exports. He noted that security remains the immediate priority given the ongoing war.

High-level attendees include Romanian President Nicușor Dan, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico cancelled due to illness and sent a representative instead. EU institutions are also participating. Polish Prime Minister Tusk said the format could help Ukraine advance toward EU membership by fostering practical regional cooperation.

Source: Wikipedia