EPC Summit in Dublin Focuses on Ukraine, Security and Competitiveness

About 50 leaders from across Europe and beyond gathered in Dublin on Thursday for the ninth European Political Community summit, focusing on Ukraine, security, and economic competitiveness.

Heads of State Exchange Views at Dublin Summit

The ninth European Political Community summit concluded at the Convention Centre Dublin, bringing together heads of state and government to exchange views amid mounting geopolitical uncertainty, english.news.cn reported. Launched in Prague in October 2022 following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, the forum operates without a permanent decision-making structure or the ability to adopt binding decisions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the summit regarding recent negotiations in Abu Dhabi. He described the talks as “serious, not empty,” pointing to an agreement on a prisoner-of-war exchange, english.news.cn reported. Zelensky also questioned why Washington and Moscow were discussing a new security framework for Europe without direct European participation.

“We need to make sure that Europe becomes a regular part of these negotiations,” Zelensky said at the summit, according to english.news.cn.

European Council President António Costa stressed during his opening remarks that Europe’s security could not be decided without European involvement. He called for a ceasefire and progress toward a lasting peace agreement, noting that collective security is inseparable from a just peace in Ukraine, according to the Council of the European Union.

Infrastructure Disruptions and Policing

The high-level gathering triggered the largest policing and security operation in the history of the Irish State, according to The Irish Times. An Garda Síochána deployed drones near the venue, while public flight-tracking data reviewed by RTÉ showed at least six Air Corps and Garda aircraft airborne around Dublin.

Transport networks experienced significant adjustments. The National Transport Authority announced the closure of Mayor Square and Spencer Dock Luas stops, alongside bus diversions from quays east of the Custom House from November 10 to November 13. A maritime exclusion zone covered the River Liffey between Seán Heuston Bridge and the Tom Clarke Bridge, with entry restricted to authorized vessels until midnight on November 13, according to RTÉ.

Burnham Meets European Leaders to Strengthen Ties

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham attended the summit to strengthen ties ahead of an EU-Britain summit scheduled for November 20, english.news.cn reported. Daily Mail reported that Andy Burnham was expected to discuss potential terms for a Brexit reset in meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The gathering also featured notable bilateral interactions. Emmanuel Macron greeted Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadottir at the round table meeting, according to Daily Mail.

Despite the high-profile attendance, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as a guest, questions arose regarding the practical value of the forum.

Politico reported that some European diplomats expressed frustration over the EPC producing limited practical results, with one diplomat questioning whether the forum would survive Macron’s departure from office in 2027, according to english.news.cn. The French presidency rejected the criticism, and future summits remain scheduled through 2028 in Switzerland and Greece.

European Commission President Ursula vonder Leyen announced that the EU was preparing its 22nd sanctions package against Russia alongside a proposal addressing Ukraine’s financial needs in 2027.