Leaders from the European Union and neighbouring countries – from Britain to Turkey – met in early October to discuss the security and energy emergencies affecting all European nations since the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the symbolic summit underscored Moscow's isolation.

The meeting in Prague was the inaugural gathering of the European Political Community (EPC), an initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron (Emmanuel Macron), where 27 EU member states and 17 other European countries met on equal terms. Some of these countries are waiting to join the EU, while Britain is the only country ever to have left the EU.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen did not attend the summit because crucial parliamentary debates were taking place in the Danish parliament, reducing the number of European leaders to 43 out of the initially expected 44 participants.

The meeting in the ancient Prague Castle complex was a massive gesture of solidarity for a part of the world that is besieged by crises – ranging from security issues caused by the war in Ukraine to the energy crisis and the looming economic downturn, which has dashed hopes for a strong recovery following the C19 pandemic slump.