EU leaders meet in Dublin to focus on AI, Ukraine and hybrid threats

About 50 international leaders will gather at the Convention Centre Dublin on Thursday and Friday for two major events hosted under Ireland’s EU presidency, with discussions centring on artificial intelligence, the war in Ukraine and hybrid threats across Europe.

The Republic of Ireland has prepared extensive security measures, including the largest policing operation in the state’s history, and parts of Dublin city centre have been closed with widespread traffic disruption in the days leading up to the meetings.

On Thursday the European Political Community will hold a plenary session followed by a formal welcome from Taoiseach Micheál Martin and a dinner at the National Gallery of Ireland, with attendees expected to include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other heads of state as well as Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The EPC summit, themed “Europe – strong, secure, and connected”, will address economic security, Ukraine, hybrid activity in Europe and democratic resilience. The forum was established in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and convenes twice yearly.

The state has also managed several hoax bomb threats against schools and media organisations in recent days, and there were wider flight disruptions across Europe last week after similar threats. It is reported there will be a small number of no-shows, including Turkey which is hosting COP31.

On the margins of the EU meetings a Friends of Ukraine meeting co-hosted by the UK and Ukraine will take place where President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to brief leaders. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are also expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin following separate US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi.

On Friday an informal European Council meeting will be held at the Convention Centre, with artificial intelligence and Ukraine prominent on the agenda and speakers including Prof Geoffrey Hinton.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The gatherings in Dublin bring together political, security and technological priorities at a moment of heightened tensions in Europe, signalling a coordinated effort by EU leaders to address both conventional and non-military threats. Hosting the first EU leaders’ discussion on AI alongside talks focused on Ukraine and hybrid activity underscores the intersection of emerging technology and security policy on the bloc’s strategic agenda.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• About 50 international leaders will meet at the Convention Centre Dublin for EPC and an informal European Council meeting.
• Taoiseach Micheál Martin will welcome leaders before the EPC plenary and attendees will dine at the National Gallery of Ireland.
• The EPC summit theme is “Europe – strong, secure, and connected” with sessions on economic security, Ukraine, hybrid activity and democratic resilience.
• Security in Dublin has been intensified with large policing operations and parts of the city centre closed amid hoax bomb threats.
• A Friends of Ukraine meeting co-hosted by the UK and Ukraine will occur on the margins and President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to brief leaders.
• US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are expected to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin following US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi.
• Friday’s informal European Council will feature discussions on AI and Ukraine with speakers including Prof Geoffrey Hinton.