Besides the 27 EU member states, the invitations were sent to representatives of candidate countries - Montenegro, North Macedonia, Ukraine and Moldova - other Western Balkan states as well as Turkey and the UK, according to an unnamed EU official. Armenia and Azerbaijan are also invited.

The goal of the new political community is to open up a possibility for addressing affairs of mutual interest through boosting security, stability and well-being in Europe.

The new dialogue format will be established at the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron.