Zelensky Launches Carpathian Eight (C8) Format at First Summit in Ukrainian Carpathians

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the launch of the Carpathian Eight (C8) format at a summit held in the Ukrainian Carpathians, marking the first such gathering on Ukrainian soil. The meeting convened representatives from eight Carpathian states — Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria and Hungary — as well as the European Union, to discuss deeper regional cooperation.

"Today, for the first time here in Ukraine, in our part of the Carpathians – a summit that unites all Carpathian states, regions and communities of our countries. We are launching a new format C8 – Carpathian Eight, which unites us and our neighbours in Europe: Romania, Serbia, Poland, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, Hungary and, of course, the EU as a whole," Zelensky said.

The C8 aims to strengthen cross‑border collaboration on infrastructure, environmental protection, tourism and security across the Carpathian mountain range. Officials indicated that the grouping will hold regular meetings and develop joint projects, with the first working session scheduled for later this year.