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Oxford, 14 July 2024 – Next week, more than 45 European leaders will gather in Oxfordshire to address some of the most pressing generational issues facing Europe. The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer will host this significant event at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, for the European Political Community (EPC) meeting on Thursday, 18 July.
The Prime Minister’s Office at 10 Downing Street announced, “Today’s threats are generationally challenging, and the Prime Minister is clear that the United Kingdom is always stronger when working in close collaboration with others.”
The summit aims to discuss closer cooperation on tackling illegal immigration and enhancing security measures with European counterparts to ensure the safety of Britain.
For the first time, representatives from NATO, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Council of Europe will attend an EPC meeting, highlighting the need for unity in responding to conflicts and instability within and near Europe’s borders.
Ahead of the summit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host the Irish Taoiseach, Simon Harris, for his first official visit since Starmer took office. Additionally, the Prime Minister will have a bilateral dinner with the French President at Blenheim Palace following the summit.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, “Europe is at the forefront of some of the greatest challenges of our time. Russia’s barbaric war continues to reverberate across our continent, while vile smuggling gangs traffic innocent people on perilous journeys that too often end in tragedy. We cannot be spectators in this chapter of history. We must do more and go further, not just for the courageous Ukrainians on the frontlines, or those being trafficked from country to country, but so our future generations look back with pride at what our continent achieved together. I said I would change the way the UK engages with our European partners, working collaboratively to drive forward progress on these generational challenges, and that work starts at the European Political Community meeting on Thursday.”
The EPC meeting is critical for Ukraine, as Russian aggression intensifies over the summer. Prime Minister Starmer has reaffirmed the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for continued international military and financial aid for Ukraine ahead of a potentially difficult winter.
The summit will begin with an opening plenary, followed by three roundtables focusing on migration, energy and connectivity, and defending and securing democracy. The event will conclude with a closing plenary.
Sustainability is a key focus of the summit, with 80% of the fruits and vegetables served to delegates sourced from Blenheim’s gardens. Attendees will enjoy Oxfordshire strawberries and cream and over 800 scones during afternoon tea, showcasing the best of British hospitality.
Blenheim Palace, which served as a base for MI5 during the Second World War, has been transformed to accommodate more than 450 delegates. This fourth EPC meeting since its inception in October 2022 follows previous successful gatherings in the Czech Republic, Moldova, and Spain, which have been instrumental in uniting Europe in support of Ukraine, enhancing energy security, and addressing illegal migration.
