The ninth meeting of the European Political Community opened in Dublin on Thursday under the theme “Europe — strong, secure and connected”. A total of 48 heads of state and government were invited; Türkiye is among the invited countries, while Canada is attending as a guest.
Discussions focus on European competitiveness, innovation, connectivity and affordable energy, as well as defending democratic Europe. The meeting is co-chaired by European Council President António Costa and Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
In his opening remarks, Costa said Europe’s security cannot be separated from Ukraine’s security. He argued that any just and lasting peace must respect Ukraine’s right to choose its own partners and future, and that Europe must have a voice in discussions on the continent’s security architecture.
Costa identified a ceasefire, tangible progress in the Black Sea and the conditions for a peace agreement as immediate priorities. He said the coming weeks would test whether Russia was genuinely willing to pursue peace.
EU leaders are due to meet again in Dublin on Friday, 13 November, for an informal European Council meeting involving the 27 member states and the President of the European Commission.
