Dublin hosts European Political Community summit as Ukraine talks run in parallel

Leaders and agenda

The European Political Community (EPC), a forum that brings together nearly all countries on the continent, holds its ninth meeting in Dublin on Thursday, 12 November, under the slogan "Europe strong, secure and connected". Attendance figures differ between outlets: La Razón cites about 55 heads of state and government, Notícias ao Minuto refers to leaders from more than 40 countries, and PÚBLICO puts the number above 50. The plenary session opens at 11:30 local time, after which leaders split into round-table groups on two themes: a competitive Europe built on innovation, connectivity and affordable energy, and the security and defence of a democratic Europe. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend his second consecutive EPC summit, after the May meeting in Yerevan, Armenia, and Portugal will be represented by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. Declarations on migration, the fight against drug trafficking and the principles of European security are expected on the sidelines.

Ukraine talks on the sidelines

Ukraine is expected to dominate the discussions, which follow two days of talks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, between Russian and Ukrainian delegations mediated by the United States. Those talks ended without an agreement toward a peace deal, but the parties agreed on a new prisoner exchange and to keep talking. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are due to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday, 12 November, before travelling to Dublin. In Dublin they plan to brief Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies of Ukraine, and Zelensky has also confirmed the plan. European sources cited by La Razón expect Ukraine to come up in the bilateral and multilateral talks held after the round tables, which run in parallel with the peace contacts.

Hybrid threats and bomb hoaxes

Security is the other main theme, with the summit held against a run of hybrid attacks. Sources describe bomb threats against commercial flights, including Ryanair aircraft, and hoax threats against schools and the RTE broadcaster in Ireland. On Wednesday, 11 November, hundreds of schools in Northern Ireland and Italy received bomb threats, which the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) judged false, and some schools had to be evacuated. Notícias ao Minuto also lists attacks on supermarket refrigeration systems and blood reserves among the hybrid threats Europe has faced, a subject the discussion is expected to cover. The security round table will address how to protect democratic states against Russian aggression and campaigns targeting infrastructure.

Security operation in Dublin

Ireland is relying on partners for much of its military protection during the summit. Its government spends about 0.2% of gross domestic product on defence, according to PÚBLICO, and has requested a formal legal opinion on whether foreign forces may operate on its territory, including using force if a real threat is detected. A British Royal Navy ship has been stationed in international waters off Wicklow since Ireland took over the rotating EU presidency on 1 July, a French warship with air defence systems operates in Dublin Bay, and this week a frigate and a helicopter joined them. Primary responsibility rests with the Garda, which has set up what PÚBLICO calls the largest security operation in Irish history, with restricted access covering practically all of Dublin city. Justin Kelly, identified as the commissioner, justified the operation by pointing to the scale of the meeting and to geopolitical uncertainty. Portuguese police help with security until Friday, 13 November, and the military presence has drawn criticism, with Sinn Féin contesting the government's alignment with NATO policies and Fine Gael lamenting the lack of defence investment.