President Volodymyr Zelensky has inaugurated the 'C8' initiative in the Ivano-Frankivsk region to strengthen security, energy, and economic ties with seven European neighbors.
ManyPress
ManyPress Editorial
Key facts
- •The Carpathian Eight (C8) includes Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and the European Union.
- •The inaugural summit is taking place in the Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine and is scheduled to last until Sunday.
- •Approximately 550 business representatives are expected to participate in the forum.
- •The summit is projected to result in the signing of trade and investment agreements worth €1 billion ($1.15 billion).
- •Key focus areas for the new cooperation format include security, energy, logistics, and cross-border trade.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the launch of the Carpathian Eight (C8) on September 18, 2026, during an inaugural summit held in the Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine. The new regional cooperation format includes Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary, with participation from the European Union. The summit, which is expected to continue through Sunday, aims to foster closer integration among these nations.
By the numbers
Strategic Goals and Cooperation
The C8 initiative is designed to create a framework for enhanced engagement at the European Union level, focusing on critical areas such as security, energy, logistics, and cross-border economic cooperation. President Zelensky emphasized that security remains a priority for the current period and the years ahead. The format is intended to build upon existing relationships and further integrate the Carpathian states through shared infrastructure and trade agreements. During the summit, Zelensky acknowledged the support of regional allies in maintaining vital trade and transport links following the 2022 full-scale Russian invasion. The forum is expected to facilitate significant economic activity, with approximately 550 business representatives in attendance. Officials anticipate the signing of investment and trade agreements valued at €1 billion, or $1.15 billion, covering sectors including energy and infrastructure.
Summit Attendance and Representation
The inaugural event featured high-level representation from the participating countries. Attendees included Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, and Romanian President Nicușor Dan. Austria was represented by the President of the Federal Council, Christine Schwarz-Fuchs. While representatives from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and the European Union were present at the start of the summit, officials noted that representatives from Hungary were scheduled to join the proceedings later.
Timeline
- 2022Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, impacting regional trade and transport links.
- September 18, 2026The inaugural Carpathian Eight Summit commenced in the Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine.
- September 20, 2026The summit is expected to conclude.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Ukrainska Pravda (English), Ukrinform, Jerusalem Post.
