5 takeaways from Dublin's EPC summit

Following a day of hectic diplomatic activity around Dublin's Convention Centre, reporter Harry Manning takes a look at five key takeaways from the ninth European Political Community summit.

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Who, who, who should represent the EU?

There was certainly a sense that there had been a significant shift, maybe even towards one of optimism, in regards to Europe's role in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

Earlier this week, US envoy Jared Kushner said the EU must be involved in the talks in order to guarantee the future security of Europe.

Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky demanded that Europe became a "regular part" of Ukraine talks - a sentiment echoed by a number of leaders under the roof of the Convention Centre.

However, with the question of Europe taking a seat at the table now seemingly answered, attention turned to which of the European leaders should be sitting in the chair.

The Taoiseach said it may not even need to be a single representative, but perhaps a dream team of European spokespeople.

Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas reminded reporters that in 2024, it was discussed that herself, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa were chosen to represent Europe in any discussions with Russia.

However, she said the EU27 leaders may choose a different tack.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appeared to dismiss the urgency to name a representative.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee, meanwhile, did not downplay the urgency and, while not naming her preferred choice, she said she was hopeful that decision would be arrived at at tomorrow's European Council meeting.

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Drone deal

On the eve of this summit, President Zelensky disclosed that his country was "ready for co-production" with Ireland on a drone deal and he expected this agreement to "become operational".

It is understood that the deal would see the Government procure advanced drone technology from Ukraine, with training then provided by the Ukrainians for their use.

It is seen as a deal that not only demonstrates the Government's financial support for Ukraine at a time of war, but at the same time boosts Ireland's own defensive capabilities.

The Government was, perhaps, a little more coy about the deal's prospects than Mr Zelensky, emphasising that discussions were very much in their early stages.

The Taoiseach said the Government was exploring the possibility of a deal, while Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said there was still some distance to go.

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Burnham and Carney attendance pours ice on 'talking shop' criticism

This was the ninth EPC event since its incarnation in the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

For years, it has been dismissed by some as a high-level 'talking shop', given no binding agreements are made at the event.

However, its importance has certainly grown, as evidenced by the presence of British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canada's Mark Carney.

Canada has been proposed as the EU's first ever 'Associate Member' - links tightened in the face of US President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Indeed, following the conclusions of today's event, Mr Carney's office hailed how he had "strengthened Canada's alliance with Europe" even further at the summit.

For Mr Burnham, his visit to Dublin came a little over a week before the second ever UK-EU summit in Brussels, as he aims to reset relations with the 27-member bloc following Brexit.

However, his focus today was very much on Ukraine, pledging the UK's "complete support" to Mr Zelensky as he co-chaired a Friends of Ukraine roundtable.

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Macron the EPC's proud father

The EPC is very much French President Emmanuel Macron's baby, and he arrived at the Convention Centre this morning with the look of a proud father.

He arguably attracted the most attention at the red carpet from the media scrum than any other world leader in attendance, with dozens upon dozens of journalists from across the continent queuing up to hear his remarks.

And he certainly did not disappoint - saying there is "no more US support" for Ukraine, insisting it was time Europe took control of the situation.

"At the end of the day, we will be the one to decide for our future security as Europeans," he added.

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Biggest political gathering in history of the State

It has been well established by now that this was the biggest political gathering and security operation in the history of the Irish State.

Perhaps a daunting event for the Government to put on, given the eyes of the world were on Dublin for the past 24 hours.

Not to mention a week of unsettling hybrid attacks on media organisations, schools and airlines going into the summit.

However, the Government will be pleased with how the day panned out.

The event closed with a press conference in which Taoiseach Micheál Martin listed the four key takeaways which arose from leaders' discussions throughout the day.

They were: Europe's steadfast and unwavering support for Ukraine, closer cooperation in preventing and responding to hybrid attack activity, a strong commitment to leveraging technological developments to strengthen Europe's innovative capacity, and the need to make clean and affordable energy available for European citizens and businesses.