Regional security dominates European talks in Dublin amid hybrid attacks

What the report says

Leaders from more than 40 European countries met in Dublin for the latest European Political Community summit, where regional security, cyberattacks and other so-called hybrid threats were the main focus. According to Al Jazeera’s report, the two-day gathering brought together heads of state and government officials amid renewed concern about disruptive incidents across Europe and a new US-backed push to restart Russia-Ukraine peace discussions.

The summit followed a recent wave of hoaxes and cyberattacks that have affected supermarkets, blood banks, airlines, schools and media outlets in several European countries. On the day of the meeting, more than 3,700 Italian schools received bomb threats after a similar alert had reached thousands the previous day. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said the aim of such actions is to stir confusion, division and distrust in democratic institutions, and he called for closer cooperation among European governments.

Another major issue was Europe’s possible role in any future Ukraine talks. European officials are seeking an envoy to represent the continent in negotiations, though no name had been announced. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham voiced support for Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and said he would back European participation in US-brokered discussions.

The summit also took place against a wider backdrop of political change in Europe and protests in Dublin over Israel’s war in Gaza. Police arrested two protesters during a demonstration in the city centre while the meeting was under way.