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16h ago

Zelensky Launches Carpathian Eight Regional Forum

It seeks to drive cross-border energy, transport and security projects under a proposed EU macro-regional strategy to unlock funding.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Czech politician Jiri Drahos, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Romanian President Nicusor Dan, Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Austrian politician Christine Schwarz-Fuchs pose for a photo at the first time Carpathian Eight Summit, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Ivano-Frankivsk region, Ukraine September 18, 2026. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.
A missile crater is seen in the foreground, of a damaged apartment building following Russia's air attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Dan Bashakov)
A woman cleans her apartment after a Russian missile exploded near her home in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Dan Bashakov)

Overview

  • The Carpathian Eight was formally launched on Sept. 18 as a new forum that brings together Ukraine, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Serbia and the European Union to coordinate regional cooperation.
  • Leaders adopted a final declaration establishing the Carpathian Integration Initiative and agreed to hold annual summits to deepen ties on energy, logistics, cross-border trade and resilience.
  • At the Carpathian Economic Forum representatives presented about 95 projects worth roughly €40 billion and prepared more than €1 billion in agreements for signing as initial steps toward implementation.
  • The initiative prioritizes energy interconnectors, renewables, storage and gas facilities to reduce dependence on Russia and strengthen infrastructure but faces immediate hurdles on financing, project management and political disagreements over military aid.
  • The summit took place while Russia continued strikes inside Ukraine, highlighted urgent security concerns, and prompted leaders such as Poland’s prime minister to link the C8 to stronger EU integration and support for Kyiv.