Fifty heads of state are gathering in the Irish capital to discuss the war in Ukraine and other major issues.
The biggest security operation in the history of the Irish state has been mounted in Dublin as Taoiseach Micheál Martin hosts the ninth meeting of the European Political Community (EPC).
It is part of Ireland’s six-month presidency of the EU Council.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Dublin on Wednesday night and had talks with Mr Martin, then thanked Ireland for its “unwavering support”.
Mr Zelensky said he expects to receive an update from US President Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner after recent talks with Russia in Abu Dhabi.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is among leaders set to arrive on Thursday, flying in after attending the UN Cop31 climate conference in Turkey.
He is expected to announce further sanctions against Russia and discuss hybrid threats to European security.
At the EPC summit, Mr Burnham is expected to co-chair a security and defence roundtable, attend a Ukraine meeting and hold a series of bilateral talks.
He has recently reopened the debate about Britain’s future relationship with the EU and ahead of a summit in Brussels next Friday.
Mr Burnham’s spokesman told reporters on Wednesday: “You can expect a focus on Ukraine, particularly following the peace talks in Abu Dhabi this week, and of course the EU summit.
“The Prime Minister will use the meeting of more than 50 leaders to drive forward both agendas to boost security in Europe and here at home and make progress through an EU deal that cuts costs for families.”
The EPC was set up in 2022 as an informal forum for leaders to hold political and strategic discussions on issues of shared concern, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This will be its ninth meeting and will involve leaders from all EU countries, the wider European region, EU institutions and international organisations.
The theme of the summit in Dublin is “Europe – strong, secure and connected”, and it will include discussions on strengthening Europe’s economy in the face of geopolitical challenges, supporting Ukraine and addressing hybrid threats, efforts to undermine democracy and AI.
The gathering will be chaired by the president of the European Council, António Costa.
