European Political Community summit opens in Dublin amid mounting challenges

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin speaks to the media during the ninth European Political Community (EPC) summit in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 12, 2026. The ninth EPC summit opened in the Irish capital of Dublin on Thursday, bringing together around 50 leaders from across Europe to discuss regional security, economic competitiveness and other shared challenges. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)

DUBLIN, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- The ninth European Political Community (EPC) summit opened in the Irish capital of Dublin on Thursday, bringing together around 50 leaders from across Europe to discuss regional security, economic competitiveness and other shared challenges.

Held at the Convention Centre Dublin, the summit is co-chaired by Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin and European Council President Antonio Costa, under the theme "Europe -- strong, secure and connected."

The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening Europe's economic competitiveness, promoting innovation and energy cooperation, and improving the continent's ability to respond to security threats, including foreign interference and hybrid attacks.

The Ukraine conflict is also expected to feature prominently, as European leaders seek to coordinate their positions amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the fighting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is among the leaders attending the summit, alongside representatives from EU and non-EU countries.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is also attending as a guest, highlighting the forum's role in promoting dialogue beyond the European Union.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with European leaders, including Zelensky, according to NATO. Rutte is also scheduled to speak to reporters on the sidelines of the gathering.

Established in 2022, the EPC serves as an informal platform for political dialogue and cooperation among European countries, regardless of their EU membership.

The summit comes ahead of an informal meeting of EU heads of state or government scheduled for Friday in Dublin, where leaders are expected to discuss the bloc's strategic priorities.

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin (C) speaks to the media during the ninth European Political Community (EPC) summit in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 12, 2026. The ninth EPC summit opened in the Irish capital of Dublin on Thursday, bringing together around 50 leaders from across Europe to discuss regional security, economic competitiveness and other shared challenges. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)