European leaders have arrived in Dublin for the European Political Community (EPC) summit, marking the ninth meeting of the group. The event, which began on Thursday, has triggered the largest security operation in the history of the Irish state, with over 5,000 gardaí deployed and airspace restricted.

The summit brings together more than 50 world leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is in Dublin for informal meetings with European leaders ahead of upcoming Asia summits. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is hosting the event, emphasizing the significance of the gathering for international relations.

The heightened security measures reflect the scale and importance of the summit. Dublin has seen a major deployment of police forces, with airspace restricted to ensure the safety of attendees. The event is expected to focus on key political and economic issues affecting Europe and its global partners.

This summit follows a series of high-profile international gatherings, including recent events in New York City and ongoing discussions on global security and economic cooperation. The EPC has historically played a role in shaping European policy, and this meeting is seen as a critical opportunity for dialogue and decision-making.

The security operation has raised concerns among local residents, but officials have assured the public that all necessary precautions are in place. The summit is expected to conclude with a statement outlining the outcomes and future directions for European cooperation.