On June 1, 2023, the Republic of Moldova hosted the largest diplomatic event ever organized – the European Political Community Summit. 49 European leaders and officials, including heads of state and government from the 27 EU member states and other countries from the continent, gathered at the Mimi Castle in Bulboaca to discuss security, peace, the energy crisis and the future of a united Europe.
The summit was the second meeting of the EPC, after the inaugural edition held in Prague in 2022. The choice of Moldova to host this forum was a strong signal of support for the European course. The event was organized under the aegis of Head of State Maia Sandu and the then President of the European Council Charles Michel. The location chosen for the summit – a symbol of Moldovan tradition and modernization – brought Moldova into the international spotlight.
The agenda contained topics of major interest: peacekeeping in the context of the war in Ukraine, strengthening energy resilience, European security and developing connectivity between states. Leaders at the summit also reaffirmed their commitment to defending democratic values and supporting vulnerable states in the face of external threats.
For Moldova, the impact of the event was felt quickly and has been long-term. External relations were strengthened and financial support was provided to overcome the energy crisis.
The Summit also provided massive media exposure. More than 900 journalists from 49 countries reported on the event, contributing to Moldova’s increased international visibility.
According to estimates, the arrival of almost 2 000 participants at the event in Bulboaca – dignitaries, delegates and journalists – generated additional sales of up to 10 million lei in the HoReCa sector. And as the summit was held at a flagship Moldovan winery, this was an opportunity to promote Moldovan wine on international markets and to increase local tourism.
The Bulboaca Summit was also an opportunity for Moldova’s economic diplomacy. According to experts, the image of a country capable of organizing an event of such importance and scale helped to strengthen the state’s credibility in the eyes of foreign investors.
Moldova was the first non-member state of the European Union to host a summit of the European Political Community, and this alternation between member and non-member states is to become a tradition. The next meeting was in Spain. In fact, the Moldovan government has offered its support to organize the next edition.
According to the authorities, the 2023 EPC Summit showed that Moldova is ready to sit at the table of major European decisions and actively contribute to the future of the continent. It was a significant step on the path of European integration, as well as a confirmation of the trust that the state enjoys internationally.
The material is part of IPN’s “History-making Events” campaign.
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