EU leaders meet in Dublin to discuss AI, Ukraine peace talks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (from L to R) talk to each other ahead of an informal meeting of the European Union (EU) heads of state or government in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 13, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

DUBLIN, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) leaders gathered in the Irish capital of Dublin on Friday for an informal summit focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), economic competitiveness and the latest diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.

The meeting, chaired by European Council President Antonio Costa and hosted by Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, brings together leaders of the EU's 27 member states at the Convention Centre Dublin.

According to the European Council, the summit marks the first dedicated strategic discussion on AI among EU leaders, with a focus on strengthening Europe's competitiveness, reducing technological dependencies and developing its own AI capabilities.

Leaders are expected to exchange views with Arthur Mensch, CEO of French AI company Mistral, on Europe's position in the global AI landscape. Nobel Prize laureate Geoffrey Hinton will join discussions on AI safety, cybersecurity, employment and the wider impact of the technology on society.

The Ukraine conflict is another key topic. Leaders will review recent peace talks in Abu Dhabi and discuss Europe's role in negotiations, including efforts to develop a common EU position and provide security guarantees for Ukraine.

Friday's meeting follows the ninth European Political Community summit held at the same venue on Thursday.

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin (R) shakes hands with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev ahead of an informal meeting of the European Union (EU) heads of state or government in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson enters the venue for an informal meeting of the European Union (EU) heads of state or government in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (L) talks with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico ahead of an informal meeting of the European Union (EU) heads of state or government in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (1st L) talks with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (2nd L) ahead of an informal meeting of the European Union (EU) heads of state or government in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin (R) shakes hands with Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden ahead of an informal meeting of the European Union (EU) heads of state or government in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin (R) shakes hands with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis ahead of an informal meeting of the European Union (EU) heads of state or government in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis (L) talks with Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa ahead of an informal meeting of the European Union (EU) heads of state or government in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R) talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk ahead of an informal meeting of the European Union (EU) heads of state or government in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin (R) talks with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides ahead of an informal meeting of the European Union (EU) heads of state or government in Dublin, Ireland, Nov. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)