European heads of state and government met this week in Dublin, Ireland, first for the ninth European Political Community summit on November 12 and then for an informal European Council meeting on November 13, with Ukraine's security and the continent's approach to artificial intelligence both on the agenda. Ireland's Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, chaired the gathering, which brought together leaders from across the continent along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa.
On Ukraine, leaders discussed how to ensure a coherent European position as peace talks continue. U.S. envoy Jared Kushner said the next stage of negotiations will involve Europe directly, allowing discussion of broader postwar European security arrangements. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he will not soften Russia's territorial demands and has spoken against the idea of international peacekeepers being deployed as part of any settlement. Zelenskyy met with U.S. envoys this week as part of the ongoing diplomatic effort, and Finland reported detecting a strike on a Russian warship amid the broader conflict. A Russian drone attack on Kyiv this week damaged an apartment building, and another drone attack struck the port area of Ust-Luga on Russia's Baltic coast. The European Parliament also called on Russia to return Ukrainian children it says were deported during the conflict.
Separately, European leaders used the Dublin gathering to discuss the bloc's competitiveness in artificial intelligence, joined by Mistral AI chief executive Arthur Mensch. Discussions covered how AI is likely to affect Europe's labor markets and social model, and how Europe can contribute to international cooperation on AI safety that upholds democratic values.
The summit took place against a backdrop of broader European efforts to prepare for continued uncertainty. Across the continent, health systems have been reviewing preparedness measures, and the European Union this week also finalized a migration cooperation agreement with Nigeria.
Diplomats will continue shuttle talks between Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington in the coming weeks, with European leaders pressing to be included in decisions about the continent's long-term security architecture.
Where are Ukraine peace talks headed?
U.S. officials say the next phase will formally include European governments, addressing broader postwar security arrangements for the continent, though Russia has not softened its territorial demands.
What else did European leaders discuss in Dublin?
Alongside Ukraine, leaders discussed Europe's competitiveness in artificial intelligence and how to safeguard the bloc's social model and labor markets as AI adoption grows.