Presidential elections were held in Finland on Sunday, 28 January 2018, with eight candidates contesting the election. Finnish President, Sauli Niinistö, was re-elected for a second term as President. For the first time since 1994, there was no second round run-off as President Niinistö secured more than 50 per cent of the first round vote…
Presidential elections took place in the Czech Republic over two rounds of voting, which took place on 12-13 and 26-27 January. Nine candidates stood for election, including the incumbent President, Miloš Zeman, who was re-elected for a second term in office. Background The President of the Czech Republic is elected every five years, using…
Venue: Italian Room, Department of Taoiseach, Government Buildings Speakers: Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee TD, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Ireland, H.E. Branimir Zaimov, Noelle O Connell
On 1 January, the Republic of Bulgaria took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Estonia, marking the first time Bulgaria has held the Presidency since joining the EU in 2007. In 2009, the Lisbon Treaty established a system whereby a trio of Member States consecutively hold the Presidency, working…
On Thursday 14 December, the European Council met in Brussels to discuss security and defence, social issues, education and culture, along with climate change and Jerusalem. On Friday 15 December, leaders met in an EU27 format to review the Article 50 negotiations, as well as to hold a Euro Summit. Security and Defence The European Council Summit was opened with the launching of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) by the 25 participating EU leaders. The main aim of PESCO is that participating “EU Member States work more closely…
Venue: Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street, Dublin Speakers: Commissioner Tibor Navracsics, Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee TD, Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin
Venue: Chartered Accountants House, Dublin 2 Speakers:
Venue: Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU, Brussels Speakers:
Venue: Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin Speakers: Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney TD, Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee TD, Moderator Noelle O Connell
On 10 May 1972, ‘What do I do’ by Sandie, Joe and the Dixies was top of the Irish charts, the day the public voted on whether Ireland should join the European Economic Communities (EEC). Across the country, 70.9% of the electorate cast their ballot which, to this day, remains the highest percentage turnout for any Irish referendum. By a resounding 83% , Irish people answered ‘Yes to Europe’. There and then, it was clear what Ireland should do. …