Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will attend two European summits in Dublin on November 12-13, with discussions focusing on European competitiveness, security, energy, connectivity and artificial intelligence.
The two-day agenda includes the ninth European Political Community (EPC) summit on Thursday, followed by an informal European Council meeting on Friday.
According to Italian government sources, Meloni will also take part in meetings on Ukraine, Moldova and the fight against drug trafficking, while the informal European Council will address Europe’s role and mandate in the Ukraine peace process.
Why it matters:
- Competitiveness and energy: Italy will focus on energy costs for households and businesses, energy and digital infrastructure, cooperation with neighbouring countries and conditions for European business growth.
- European security: The Dublin meetings will address the consequences of the war in Ukraine, European support for Kyiv and the EU’s role in the peace process.
- Artificial intelligence: EU leaders will discuss Europe’s technological competitiveness and the economic and social implications of AI development.
The big picture: A wider European gathering. The European Political Community was established in 2022 as an informal platform for dialogue and cooperation among European countries, both EU members and non-members.
- It brings together around 50 European leaders, alongside representatives of major European and international institutions.
- The ninth summit, hosted by Ireland at the Convention Centre Dublin, will focus on the theme “Europe — strong, secure and connected.”
- Discussions will address the main challenges facing European security and competitiveness, with particular attention to the consequences of the war in Ukraine, energy security, connectivity and the impact of new technologies on European economies and societies.
- The previous EPC summit took place in Yerevan, Armenia, on May 4, 2026. Future meetings are scheduled in Switzerland and Greece in 2027, followed by Azerbaijan and Latvia in 2028.
Zoom in: Italy’s priorities on competitiveness. The EPC summit will open with a plenary session, followed by a family photo and an informal lunch. Two thematic roundtables will take place after the photo-opportunity.
- Meloni will attend the roundtable on “Building a Competitive Europe: innovation, connectivity and affordable energy,” co-chaired by Swiss President Guy Parmelin and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal.
- The discussion will cover economic competitiveness, technological innovation, infrastructure and digital connectivity, and the availability of secure and affordable energy.
- It will also address the diversification of energy supplies, the reduction of dependencies, stronger European interconnections and the ability of businesses to invest and innovate.
The Italian focus: According to Italian officials, issues of particular interest to Rome include energy costs for households and businesses, the development of energy and digital infrastructure, cooperation with neighboring countries and the conditions needed to support the growth of European companies.
- A second roundtable, “Securing and defending a democratic Europe,” will address European security, the war in Ukraine, hybrid and cyber threats, and the protection of democratic institutions.
On the sidelines: Ukraine, Moldova and drug trafficking. PM Meloni is expected to participate in several meetings on the sidelines of the EPC summit.
- Ukraine. The Italian prime minister will attend a meeting convened by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss European support for Kyiv and developments in the war.
- Moldova. Meloni is also expected to participate in a meeting of the Core Group on Moldova, an international coordination format dedicated to supporting the country’s security and stability.
- Drug trafficking. Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron will promote a new meeting of the European Coalition Against Drugs (ECAD).
- The meeting will follow the international gathering hosted by Italy at the San Patrignano community on October 23, dedicated to combating drug trafficking and to addiction prevention and recovery.
- The EPC summit will conclude with a plenary session in the late afternoon, followed by a dinner hosted by the Irish prime minister at the National Gallery of Ireland.
Friday: AI and European technological sovereignty. On November 13, Meloni will attend the informal European Council hosted by Ireland and chaired by European Council President António Costa.
- The meeting will focus on artificial intelligence, the opportunities it offers for European competitiveness and its economic and social consequences.
- Discussions will begin at 9:45 a.m. and will be organised into two thematic sessions, followed by a working lunch among the 27 EU leaders.
The first session — Competitiveness and technological sovereignty. EU leaders will discuss Europe’s position in the development of artificial intelligence and the conditions needed to strengthen its international competitiveness.
- Topics will include public and private investment, technological and energy infrastructure, reducing dependencies and the application of artificial intelligence in production processes.
The second session — AI’s impact on society. Discussions will focus on the consequences of AI development for European societies, particularly the protection of minors, fundamental rights, democratic processes, cybersecurity and international cooperation on the safety of advanced AI systems.
- Geoffrey Hinton, the 2024 Nobel Prize laureate in Physics and a leading AI researcher, will address the session.
What to watch: Ukraine at the EU leaders’ lunch. The working lunch among the 27 EU leaders will also include a discussion on Ukraine, as anticipated by Costa, according to Italian government sources.
- In particular, leaders will address the issue of European representation and its corresponding mandate in the peace process, as requested in a letter sent by Meloni to Costa in recent days.
- The informal European Council is expected to conclude by Friday afternoon, without the adoption of formal conclusions.
