Yerevan: The eighth summit of the European Political Community began in the Armenian capital, Yerevan today, with the participation of nearly 50 heads of state and government.

According to Oman News Agency, leaders are discussing energy security, economic issues and the strengthening of European unity amid the political and security challenges confronting the continent. The summit is being held under the banner 'Building the Future: Unity and Stability in Europe.'

The gathering will also address steps to reduce reliance on external actors in security, energy, armaments and defence, aiming to ensure that Europe is not held hostage by the United States and dragged into a war it does not want, European officials said.

The European Political Community is an informal forum that brings together leaders from nearly all European countries twice a year - whether EU members or not - with the exception of Russia and Belarus.

The summit takes place against a backdrop of strained European-American relations over the US-Israeli war against Iran and disagreements on military cooperation within NATO. Among the fallout is the US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, a move that may later be extended to other countries such as Italy and Spain.

Canada is taking part in the summit for the first time as a non-European participant, represented by Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The summit is co-chaired by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and European Council President Ant³nio Costa.