EPC in Armenia: Merz Skips, Carney Attends
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- European Political Community held its eighth meeting in Yerevan, Armenia, on 4 May 2026, continuing its tradition of informal, non‑binding gatherings.
- Friedrich Merz (German Chancellor) was absent from the summit after his comment that Iran had “humiliated” the United States, a remark that sparked tension with Washington.
- Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany and threatened to raise EU car tariffs from 15 % to 25 % in response to Merz’s remarks.
- Friedrich Merz denied any link between his Iran comment and Trump’s announcements, reaffirming his commitment to the transatlantic relationship.
- Mark Rutte (NATO Secretary General) said Europeans had “gotten the message” about the White House’s disappointment, while Kaja Kallas (High Representative) said Europe is ready to increase its military contributions.
- Mark Carney (Canadian Prime Minister) attended the EPC, becoming the first non‑European leader to do so, and called for a rules‑based global order and a common future between Canada and Europe.
Why it matters: Germany faces possible economic fallout from Trump’s threatened EU car tariff increase and the announced withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, while Canada gains a diplomatic platform at the EPC to advocate a rules‑based global order and deepen its partnership with Europe, as European leaders expressed readiness to step up military contributions.
