The forthcoming European Union (EU) summits in Dublin will see a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), Ukraine, and hybrid threats across Europe. The discussions on AI will mark the first such meeting among EU leaders. Ireland, currently chairing the EU presidency until the end of the year, is hosting these key events - the European Political Community (EPC) and informal meeting of the European Council - this week. Dublin has been undergoing extensive security preparations for these events, with widespread traffic disruptions and parts of the city center closed off. The talks will address economic security, Ukraine, hybrid activity in Europe, and democratic resilience. Hybrid warfare refers to non-military methods, such as cyberattacks, sabotage, or misinformation, aimed at destabilizing an adversary.
Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin will welcome international leaders for the EPC meeting on Thursday, which is expected to include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, heads of state across the EU, and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney. The theme for this summit is "Europe – strong, secure, and connected." On Friday, an informal European Council meeting will follow at the same location, with AI and Ukraine as the main topics. Notable speakers include Prof Geoffrey Hinton, often referred to as the "godfather of AI."
In addition to these meetings, a Friends of Ukraine group co-hosted by the UK and Ukraine is expected to take place on the margins of the EU gathering, with Zelensky set to brief the leaders. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are scheduled to meet Zelensky in Dublin following trilateral talks on ending the war in Ukraine. These discussions are not part of the EU meetings happening this week.
[End]