Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has inaugurated the Carpathian 8 Summit, a new regional forum aimed at fostering cooperation among eight countries, in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, western Ukraine. The three-day event, running from September 18 to 20, emphasizes collaboration in security, energy, transport, logistics, and cross-border economic initiatives.
The summit drew participation from leaders and representatives of Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Notable attendees included Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Romanian President Nicusor Dan, and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Slovakia was represented by a senior foreign ministry official, highlighting the diverse political engagement at the summit.
Economic collaboration was a key focus, with approximately 500 business representatives convening to discuss investment opportunities. President Zelensky announced that investment agreements and projects valued at over €1 billion are underway, with nearly 100 projects presented by the participating nations.
Discussions at the summit also centered on enhancing transport and energy infrastructure, which is vital for improving regional mobility and bolstering trade and investment across the Carpathian area. This aligns with the summit’s broader goals of strengthening regional ties and economic cooperation.
Poland reaffirmed its support for Ukraine during the summit and stressed the importance of regional collaboration. The Carpathian 8 Summit is expected to aid in Ukraine’s European integration and serve as a platform for engaging with countries that hold varying views on military support to Kyiv.