Topics that were discussed included support to Ukraine and the efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, as well as economic security and energy security in Europe.

'It is important that Europe stands united in times of uncertainty. Not just in response to Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine but also in relation to the many other challenges we are all currently confronting – challenges that require strong, European cooperation: the energy crisis, climate crisis and security challenges, including the situation in the Hormuz Strait. Today, I stressed the need to strengthen European cooperation in the face of these challenges. Norway, too, must do its part in this context,' said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

During the meeting, Mr Støre and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković led a discussion on economic security, energy security, global interdependence and cooperation. Prime Minister Støre also took part in a meeting about Ukraine and one about support to Armenia that focused particularly on the upcoming parliamentary elections, where significant foreign pressure and interference is anticipated. The leaders of Estonia, France, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and the UK, the President of the European Council and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a joint statement affirming their support to the Republic of Armenia.

'The European Political Community is a valuable arena that offers an opportunity for EU member states and non-member states to meet. We are all separate countries but we share a common goal to work together to address issues related to security, stability, democracy and the rule of law. We must stand firm in our joint European approach towards Russia and we must condemn the use of war to achieve political goals,' said Mr Støre.

The 8th Summit of the European Political Community (EPC)

The EPC Summit in Yerevan was the 8th since the community was established in 2022. French President Emmanuel Macron proposed the establishment of the EPC in light of the shifting security situation in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The idea was to create a forum that would bring together countries with shared democratic values, independent of EU membership. The Summit is held alternatively in EU and non-EU countries and is attended by heads of state or government from all European countries, with the exception of Russia and Belarus. Heads of international organisations including the EU, OSSE and the Council of Europe also attend the Summit.

'The EPC Summit provides an excellent opportunity to convene for discussion and seek solutions to common challenges. It also gives me an opportunity to promote Norwegian interests and values. European leaders from EU and non-EU countries alike participate on equal footing,' said Prime Minister Støre.

Meeting with Ukrainian President

Prime Minister Støre also had a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Yerevan on Sunday. Among other things, the two leaders discussed the framework for targeting Norway's support to Ukraine and cooperation in the areas of defence and energy. This discussion followed up the meeting in Oslo on 14 April at which Norway and Ukraine agreed to establish closer cooperation in the areas of defence and security.

'We stand by Ukraine in its fight for freedom and, at the same time, Ukraine is a vital partner for Norway. Thus, we have previously agreed to enter into a strategic partnership which we discussed further today and which will be finalised soon,' said Mr Støre.

Facts about the European Political Community (EPC)

The EPC was established in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The aim is to strengthen cooperation between EU and non-EU member countries in Europe.

The EPC held its first Summit on 6 October 2022 in Prague, followed by 1 June 2023 in Chișinău, 5 October 2023 in Granada, 18 July 2024 in Blenheim, 7 November 2024 in Budapest, 16 May 2025 in Tirana and 2 October 2025 in Copenhagen. All European countries participate, with the exception of Russia and Belarus.

Norway has been represented by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at all the EPC Summits.