H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco took part on Monday, 4 May 2026, in the 8th Summit of the European Political Community, held in Yerevan, Armenia. The gathering brought together heads of state and government from across Europe, alongside leaders of European institutions and several international organisations, as well as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Discussions focused on key issues of stability, security, and cooperation across the continent.
Organised in an inclusive and informal format, the summit aims to strengthen political dialogue among European countries, both within and beyond the European Union, in order to address shared challenges collectively.
During the roundtable entitled “Strengthening Connectivity and Economic Security in the Context of the Ecological Transition,” the Sovereign Prince emphasised the close interdependence between ecological transition, economic security, and development. He underlined that these priorities must be pursued in tandem rather than in opposition. Prince Albert II also highlighted the importance of reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy while avoiding new dependencies, particularly in the energy sector, and stressed the need for sustainable growth models based on innovation, circular economy principles, and responsible resource management.
The Prince further participated in a session dedicated to the European Coalition Against Drugs (ECAD), an initiative launched at the Copenhagen Summit in October 2025. The coalition seeks to enhance cooperation between states and European institutions in combating drug trafficking, illicit financial flows, and in developing effective prevention and harm-reduction policies.
On the margins of the summit, Prince Albert II held bilateral meetings with the President of Romania, Nicușor Dan, and the Irish Prime Minister, Micheál Martin. Discussions included, notably, perspectives surrounding Ireland’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July 2026. The Romanian President also presented the candidacy of former Prime Minister Dacian Cioloș for the position of Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.
The Sovereign also met with the Head of Government of the Principality of Andorra, Xavier Espot Zamorra, reflecting the shared commitment of both small European states to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
On the eve of the summit, Sunday 3 May, Prince Albert II attended a dinner for heads of state and government hosted by the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, and the President of the Republic, Vahagn Khatchatourian, in honour of the summit’s participants.
