Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has initiated the Carpathian 8 Summit, a new regional forum in western Ukraine, aiming to bolster cooperation among eight countries on key issues such as security, energy, and economic development. The inaugural event, held from September 18 to 20 in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, brings together leaders and officials from Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria.
Among the prominent attendees were Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Romanian President Nicusor Dan, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, with Slovakia represented by a senior foreign ministry official. The summit’s agenda focuses on enhancing transport and energy infrastructure, improving regional mobility, and expanding trade and investment across the Carpathian region.
Zelensky highlighted the economic potential of the summit, announcing that investment agreements and projects worth over €1 billion are being prepared. The event attracted around 500 business representatives and presented nearly 100 projects from the participating countries, emphasizing cross-border economic cooperation and support for local communities.
Poland reaffirmed its support for Ukraine and underscored the importance of regional collaboration. The summit is expected to facilitate closer coordination on Ukraine’s European integration efforts and encourage cooperation with countries holding varied positions on military assistance to Kyiv.