Dublin bomb hoaxes raise hybrid warfare concerns ahead of EPC summit

Recent bomb hoaxes in Dublin have heightened security concerns in Ireland as the country prepares to host the European Political Community (EPC) summit next Thursday. The incidents, including an evacuation at RTÉ’s Donnybrook campus, have prompted discussions regarding the use of grey zone strategies to disrupt major international events.

Security assessments suggest these actions may be part of hybrid warfare, a strategy designed to undermine states through deniable acts such as disinformation, cyberattacks, or sabotage. Such tactics aim to create uncertainty and pressure institutions while remaining below the threshold of conventional conflict. While specific attribution has not been confirmed, similar disruptive operations across Europe have been linked by some to Russian, Iranian, or Chinese intelligence services.

The upcoming summit will involve dozens of government leaders, placing significant demand on Gardaí and emergency services to protect critical infrastructure and diplomatic sites.