Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico delayed his flight to Dublin to Thursday afternoon ahead of the European Political Community summit, while the Irish government mounted its largest security operation in history amid rising hybrid threats across the continent.
The Government Office of the Slovak Republic announced the schedule change without specifying a reason. The initial plenary session of the EPC in Dublin was scheduled for 11.30 local time.
Approximately 50 presidents and prime ministers gathered in Ireland for Thursday’s meetings under the motto “Europe – strong, secure and connected”. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin welcomed leaders from across the European continent and representatives of major international institutions. Discussions focused primarily on European competitiveness, security, defense, and the ongoing Russian military aggression against Ukraine, alongside hybrid threats, migration, and energy security.
The program opened with a plenary session featuring speeches by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Council President António Costa, with the first part focusing on innovation, connectivity, and affordable energy prices, and the second on the security and defense of democratic Europe, alongside initiatives and joint declarations on migration, drug trafficking, and European security principles, plus bilateral and multilateral talks.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the gathering. “His participation is a strong symbol of the close relations that Canada wants to build with Europe, as well as the strong ties between the two sides, especially in the field of security,” an EÚ official stated.
The 9th meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) takes place in Dublin this week. For more information on the EPC Summit, visit https://t.co/nL51ezEEm6 pic.twitter.com/6RiuYRwR92
Fatigue and Friction in European Diplomacy
Some European leaders view the EPC summits as exhausting and hope the format will end after Emmanuel Macron leaves office next year, according to Politico reporting. Leaders reportedly showed little enthusiasm for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal to create an additional forum called the European Security Council.
The Elysee Palace insisted that the EPC has become a permanent pillar of diplomacy that will survive Macron’s departure. An unnamed EÚ official told the publication that the format proved effective as a forum for critical discussions.
The EPC was established in 2022 to strengthen political dialogue and cooperation across a broader European space. It brings together EÚ member states alongside countries including Britain, Switzerland, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
Artificial Intelligence and Future Security Strategy
Friday brings an informal summit of the 27 EÚ member state leaders. Discussions center on artificial intelligence and its impact on the European economy and society, alongside further financial assistance for Ukraine and coordinated approaches toward potential peace negotiations.
| Event | Location | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| EPC Summit (Thursday) | Dublin, Ireland | Security, defense, Ukraine, hybrid threats, energy |
| Informal EÚ Summit (Friday) | Dublin, Ireland | Artificial intelligence, economy, Ukraine financial aid |
Both gatherings triggered the largest security operation in Irish history. Authorities implemented stringent measures due to growing concerns over hybrid attacks and a recent wave of bomb threats targeting airlines, schools, and media outlets across Europe.
Summits are scheduled through the end of 2028 in Switzerland, Greece, Azerbaijan, and Latvia.
