Ukraine launches Carpathian Eight to boost regional security, energy and EU ties

Volodîmîr Zelenski unveiled the “Cei Opt din Carpaţi” regional format, uniting eight countries—Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria and Hungary—to pursue joint goals in security, energy, logistics and cross-border economic cooperation. Kyiv frames the mechanism as a fresh instrument for bringing the region closer together and for compensating the uncertainties surrounding Ukraine’s EU and Euro-Atlantic accession.

The analysis praises the proactive regional diplomacy but criticises Romania’s limited role, arguing that the initiative, launched from Kiev, places Ukraine at its core while relegating Romania to a secondary position. The piece also highlights the inclusion of states with divergent views on the war, suggesting the platform is designed for flexible, non-military collaboration. Finally, the author warns that without such regional preparation, attempts to reform EU structures, such as removing the veto, may appear irresponsible and contrary to national interests.