DUBLIN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- European leaders will gather in Dublin for two major summits on Thursday and Friday, with talks expected to focus on security, the Ukraine conflict and artificial intelligence (AI).
The meetings come as new peace talks on Ukraine get underway, and a series of bomb threats and cyber incidents across Europe have raised security concerns ahead of the gatherings.
WHAT IS PLANNED FOR THE TWO DAYS?
The ninth summit of the European Political Community (EPC) is due on Thursday, followed by an informal meeting of European Union (EU) heads of state or government on Friday. Both meetings will be held at the Convention Centre Dublin, overlooking the River Liffey, which runs through the heart of the Irish capital.
Thursday's meeting will bring together around 50 leaders and representatives of European and international organizations, making it the largest gathering of heads of state and government ever hosted by Ireland.
Established in 2022 following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the EPC provides a forum for EU and non-EU countries to discuss common challenges. Unlike formal EU summits, it does not make binding decisions.
The meeting, co-chaired by Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin and European Council President Antonio Costa, will focus on European competitiveness and security under the theme "Europe -- strong, secure and connected."
Friday's meeting will bring together leaders of the 27 EU member states for strategic AI discussions and talks on Ukraine, including ongoing peace negotiations in the United Arab Emirates and their implications for European security.
WHY IS SECURITY A MAJOR CONCERN?
Over 500 public order officers and another 500 armed tactical officers will be deployed to ensure safety during the summits. Police from Northern Ireland, Latvia and Portugal are also providing specialist support, including assistance with counter-drone operations.
Police cordons, road closures and temporary airspace restrictions have been introduced across Dublin, with authorities warning of significant disruption to transport.
Security has become a major concern ahead of the meetings, with questions raised about Ireland's ability to protect its airspace and critical infrastructure.
Former British Defense Minister Tobias Ellwood recently described Ireland as a "weak link" in Europe's defences against hybrid threats, warning that the country could be exposed to attempts to disrupt society and damage its economy.
The concerns come after a wave of bomb threats disrupted passenger flights across Europe last week, including services operated by Irish airlines. Several Irish media organizations also received bomb threats, while a separate cyberattack affected supermarket refrigeration systems.
Martin said last week that he believed the incidents were coordinated, although he could not definitively identify those responsible.
The Irish police have launched what they describe as "the largest security operation in the country's history," involving more than 5,000 officers.
WHAT IS ON THE TOP AGENDA?
Ukraine is expected to dominate discussions at Thursday's EPC summit, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is participating in ongoing U.S.-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, expected to attend.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will hold several bilateral talks on possible arrangements to end the conflict and ensure future security, including one with Zelensky.
European representatives have also been consulting with Washington and Kyiv on the peace process, with particular attention to Europe's role in any future security arrangements.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to propose common European security principles, including measures to address hybrid threats and information manipulation, according to Agence Europe.
Friday's informal EU summit will also discuss the Ukraine issue. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for a more equal sharing of the financial burden of supporting Kyiv, amid disagreements among EU member states over funding for 2027.
Another focus will be relations between Britain and the EU. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected in Dublin ahead of a separate EU-Britain summit in Brussels on Nov. 20.
The two sides are negotiating agreements on agricultural trade, emissions trading and youth mobility, but differences remain.
Friday's meeting, meanwhile, will mark the first dedicated strategic discussion on AI among EU leaders, as the bloc seeks to strengthen its position in the global technology sector.
In this regard, Costa has invited Arthur Mensch, chief executive of French AI company Mistral AI, and Nobel Prize-winning scientist Geoffrey Hinton to attend the discussions.
Leaders will examine how Europe can reduce its dependence on foreign technology providers, attract investment in AI infrastructure and expand its use across the economy. They will also consider risks involving cybersecurity, employment, fundamental rights and democratic processes.
Rather than producing immediate legislation, the meeting aims to help establish a common political direction for Europe's AI ambitions, with further discussions expected in 2027. ■
