The European Political Community (EPC) meeting is set to be held at the Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

Taking place today, Thursday, July 18, around 45 European leaders will discuss some of the pressing issues facing Europe, including international support for Ukraine and matters concerning illegal immigration and security cooperation.

The Palace will be prepared for the largest European diplomatic gathering the UK has hosted in decades.

The Prime Minister will welcome leaders from across the continent to the birthplace of Winston Churchill and UNESCO World Heritage Site for the meeting.

Blenheim Palace, which was once utilised by MI5 from 1940 to 1945, has been transformed to accommodate more than 450 delegates and over 1,000 journalists.

The UK government is working closely with partners in Oxfordshire, including the local authority, police, and Blenheim Palace, to ensure smooth operations and to keep residents informed.

Hundreds of volunteers from across the government and officers from 40 police forces have converged on the county.

The UK government will utilise the Oxfordshire summit to discuss closer collaboration to tackle illegal immigration and enhance security cooperation with European counterparts to ensure the safety of Britain.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "Blenheim Palace is a huge part of our history - the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the temporary headquarters for MI5 during the Second World War – and I am honoured to host the European Political Community meeting here.

“From produce to architecture, this is a great opportunity to showcase the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside on the world stage.”

The meeting comes at a critical time for Ukraine as it faces escalating aggression from Russia over the summer.

The Prime Minister said the UK’s support for Ukraine is ''ironclad'' and that he will use the meeting as a platform to push for continued international military and financial support for Ukraine, particularly leading up to the challenging winter season.

This is the fourth EPC meeting since the grouping was established in October 2022.

The previous meetings, which took place in the Czech Republic, Moldova, and Spain, have proved crucial in uniting Europe to support Ukraine, cooperate on energy security, and tackle the shared challenge of illegal migration.

The theme of sustainability is a central part of the summit’s planning, with 80 percent of fruits and vegetables to be served to delegates sourced from Blenheim’s gardens.

Attendees of the summit will be able to savour the best of Oxfordshire, with delicacies such as strawberries and cream, and more than 800 scones being served during the afternoon tea.

Over 6,000 reusable cups will be used by the media alone.