European Community Summit

Leaders from around Europe were set to converge on the Czech capital, Prague, on Thursday for the first meeting of the European Political Community.

The aim of the initiative is to boost security and economic prosperity across the continent.

But critics claim the new forum is an attempt to put the brakes on EU enlargement by creating a waiting room for would-be members.

Thursday's one-day meeting is the brainchild of French President Emmanuel Macron. It's backed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

It involves leaders from up to 44 countries, including the EU 27, aspiring partners in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, plus neighbors like Britain and Turkiye.