Liz Truss’s mind was probably elsewhere when she arrived in Prague for the inaugural summit of the European Political Community (EPC) today. After precipitating a financial panic, backtracking on tax reform plans, and seeing her approval rating plummet to -37 within a week, the Prime Minister has a lot on her plate. It would be a mistake, however, for the PM not to seize the opportunity to strengthen the leadership role the UK is currently enjoying among much of Central and Eastern Europe, and the Nordic states.
Despite its French DNA, the idea of an EPC is a sound one. There is an urgent need for an intergovernmental platform where EU members can engage with countries outside the bloc, especially those that are punching above their weight on the global stage: Ukraine (of course), the UK or Norway.
Should Liz Truss succumb to the temptations of ‘nation-building at home’, it would be a tragic mistake for the UK and the world
For all his flaws, it is Truss’ predecessor in No.
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