Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Zelenskiy Launches Carpathian Eight for Trade and Security
Ukraine has started a new group called the Carpathian Eight.
It includes seven European countries and the European Union.
The group met at a summit in western Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the members should work more closely together.
They want to improve trade, transport, energy, and infrastructure links.
Security is also a major priority for the group.
About 550 business representatives were expected to attend.
Agreements worth around €1 billion could be signed.
The meeting follows efforts to keep trade and transport moving after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy launched the Carpathian Eight regional grouping at a summit in western Ukraine.
The grouping includes Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and the European Union.
Its proposed cooperation covers energy, logistics, infrastructure, cross-border trade, and security.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, and Romanian President Nicusor Dan attended the inaugural event.
Nearly 550 business representatives were expected, with trade and investment agreements worth about €1 billion potentially being signed.
- Who
- President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and representatives of Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and the European Union.
- What
- The launch of the Carpathian Eight, a regional framework for trade, infrastructure, energy, logistics, and security cooperation.
- When
- Friday, Sept. 18; the inaugural event was expected to continue until Sunday.
- Where
- A summit in western Ukraine.
- Why
- To strengthen regional cooperation, expand trade and transport links, and address security concerns.
- Grouping
- Carpathian Eight
- Members
- Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and the European Union
- Host
- Ukraine
- Business attendance
- Nearly 550 representatives were expected
- Potential agreements
- Trade and investment agreements worth about €1 billion
- Main cooperation areas
- Energy, logistics, infrastructure, cross-border trade, and security
- Notable attendees
- Donald Tusk, Aleksandar Vucic, and Nicusor Dan