Police officers stand guard near the Convention Centre Dublin, in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 11, 2026. 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. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)
DUBLIN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- Irish police launched the country's largest-ever security operation on Wednesday as Dublin prepared to host two major European summits on Thursday and Friday.
The European Political Community summit on Thursday and an informal meeting of EU leaders on Friday are expected to bring together around 50 European leaders and representatives of international organizations.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are among those expected to attend.
Ireland's national police service (Garda Siochana) said the operation would be the largest in the country's history, with support from police officers from Northern Ireland, Portugal and Latvia.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly warned of a "challenging couple of days," citing threats ranging from hybrid activities to public disorder and interference.
"But I am confident we have put preparations in place," he told local media.
Security cordons and traffic restrictions were introduced on Wednesday around the Convention Centre Dublin, the main summit venue, and the National Gallery of Ireland, where Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin will host a dinner for visiting leaders.
Several major roads and bridges, including Samuel Beckett Bridge, will be closed to traffic, while travelers heading to Dublin Airport have been advised to allow extra time.
The security measures will remain in place until Friday evening. ■
Water police officers patrol the River Liffey in front of the Convention Centre Dublin, in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 11, 2026. 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. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)
A traffic restriction sign is applied on Samuel Beckett Bridge near the Convention Centre Dublin, in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 11, 2026. 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. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)
Police officers ride motorcycles across Samuel Beckett Bridge near the Convention Centre Dublin, in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 11, 2026. 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. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)
A security officer carries out a bomb disposal operation near the Convention Centre Dublin, in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 11, 2026. 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. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)