Dublin:Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed leaders at the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Dublin, emphasizing the importance of a more interconnected European continent. He highlighted the need for stronger connections in people-to-people relations, as well as in physical, technological, and energy sectors. Notably, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is attending the Summit, with plans for a bilateral meeting with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides to discuss the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

According to Cyprus News Agency, Martin addressed the importance of collaboration in solving common challenges, citing issues such as affordable energy, security, technological threats, economic security, critical raw materials, and collective security. He mentioned that Ukraine and Moldova are key topics for discussion during the summit.

Martin discussed his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, noting uncertainty about Russia's commitment to negotiations. He described the recent prisoner exchange as significant and stressed maintaining communication channels, mentioning ongoing contacts between US envoys and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Martin expressed Europe's desire to have a voice in negotiations due to the economic and security implications of the war and Ukraine's EU membership aspirations.

He also highlighted Canada's engagement with Europe, referencing Prime Minister Carney's interest in strengthening ties and the pending full ratification of CETA. Martin noted the international pushback against unilateralism and the reinforcement of multilateralism principles.

In response to questions about potential sanctions against Israel, Martin clarified that EPC summits are informal and do not produce such outcomes, citing differences of opinion among EU member states. He reiterated Europe's role as the largest humanitarian aid donor to Palestine and expressed concern over aid access to Gaza and violence affecting the viability of a two-state solution.

Martin concluded by acknowledging progress in energy security, noting significant achievements in reducing reliance on Russian oil and gas since the war's onset.