Europe security reshaped by war in Ukraine at Dublin summit, Digi Mart USA News (Dublin, Ireland): Europe’s security has been “fundamentally reshaped” by Russia’s war in Ukraine, Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin told about 50 leaders gathered in Dublin for a summit. The Republic of Ireland holds the EU presidency until the end of the year, and its main events, the European Political Community (EPC) and an informal meeting of the European Council, are taking place this week.
The country has spent months preparing, with gardaí (Irish police) carrying out the largest security and policing operation in the state’s history. The Police Service of Northern Ireland will support Irish counterparts, and police from Latvia and Portugal and other international agencies are also supporting gardaí, though officers from abroad will not be involved in frontline policing.
Parts of Dublin city centre have been closed off, causing widespread traffic disruption in recent days. The state has also dealt with a number of bomb threats, including hoaxes, targeting schools and media organisations.
On Thursday, leaders including European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Nato chief Mark Rutte gathered at the Convention Centre Dublin for the EPC meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also attending, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to attend as part of his efforts to build closer ties with Europe.
Martin told attendees that “our European security environment has been fundamentally reshaped by Russia’s brutal war of aggression in Ukraine”, adding that “what is happening in Ukraine goes against all of our values and all of what we stand for.” Speaking to reporters, he said many EU member states feel an existential threat and that Europe is “united” and “doesn’t believe in war”.
Addressing leaders, Zelensky said Europe “really needs to pay attention” when the Americans and Russians discuss security guarantees, arguing that the talks are about a possible new security framework between Europe and Russia, which he described as a strange approach. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are flying to Dublin on Thursday to update Zelensky on talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Leaders are expected to discuss economic security, Ukraine, hybrid activity in Europe and democratic resilience under the theme “Europe – strong, secure, and connected”. A meeting of a Friends of Ukraine group, co-hosted by the UK and Ukraine, is also planned on the margins, and an informal European Council meeting will take place in the Convention Centre on Friday.
