The “arc of conflict and instability” threatening Europe’s borders will be the primary focus of the upcoming European Political Community (EPC) meeting near London, according to the UK’s new government. On Saturday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose Labour Party secured a substantial majority in the UK’s July 4 general election, announced the gathering of over 45 European leaders at Blenheim Palace, west of London, on Thursday.

In addition to the summit, Starmer is set to have bilateral meetings with Irish leader Simon Harris and French President Emmanuel Macron as part of his government’s initiative to “rebuild relationships with key European partners.

The summit aims to tackle “some of the most pressing generational issues” facing the continent, as highlighted in a press release from Starmer’s government. 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, emphasizing the necessity for unity in addressing conflicts and instability within and near Europe’s borders.

Starmer emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Europe is at the forefront of some of the greatest challenges of our time,” with particular reference to “Russia’s barbaric war” and its widespread repercussions across the continent.

The agenda for the summit also includes discussions on illegal migration and energy issues, to be held at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

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,” Starmer remarked ahead of the summit.

A staunch supporter of the UK remaining in the EU, Starmer has vowed to “change the way the UK engages with our European partners, working collaboratively to drive forward progress on these generational challenges.” In his first week as Prime Minister, Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s “ironclad” support for Ukraine and is expected to advocate for sustained international military and financial support for Ukraine ahead of a predicted “difficult winter.”

This EPC meeting marks the fourth gathering since the group’s inception in October 2022, underscoring the continuous effort to address and manage Europe’s pressing issues collaboratively.