Fifty key moments during Ireland’s five decades in the European Union
From the end of the marriage bar, the launch Erasmus, to joining the Euro, Ireland’s five-decade membership of the European Union (EU) has been marked by key moments that have impacted Irish society today and will continue to do so.
As we approach the 50th anniversaries of Ireland’s referendum on accession and joining the EU, it is important to mark milestones, from people to events, that have shaped the story of Ireland’s experience of being a member of the EU.
To help mark the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s referendum to join the EU in 1972, European Movement Ireland will be producing a digital timeline series of 50 steps to highlight the key moments that have defined Ireland’s journey since joining the EU in 1973. By collating stories, imagery, and documentation from a variety of sources, EM Ireland will present key moments along Ireland’s journey of our EU membership.
Over the course of 2022, EM Ireland will publish an overview of each decade and the key moments and ‘steps’ along the way, starting with 1972 – 1982 in January, 1983 – 1992 in April, 1993 – 2002 in June, 2003 – 2012 in September and 2013 – 2022 in December. As a result, by the end of 2022, on the eve of fiftieth anniversary Ireland joining the EU, the full series of 50 Steps to 50 Years will be available to mark this momentous milestone.
