As digital technologies evolve at an unprecedented pace, disinformation campaigns, foreign interference, and cyberattacks have grown increasingly sophisticated. Amid growing democratic backsliding in Europe, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tasked Irish Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, with leading the work on a new European Democracy Shield…
In recent weeks, questions over NGO funding have once again come to the fore in the European Parliament. This debate dates back to 2017 when a draft own initiative report, spearheaded by an MEP from the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP), was published. Additionally, the 2022 Qatargate scandal added political momentum to the topic. This…
Last month, we celebrated our annual Culture Night, or Oíche Chultúir as Gaeilge, across the country. More than 1,700 events took place in various Irish towns and cities, from queer céilithe to language lessons. Culture Night seeks to “actively promote the belief that culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives”. But what about…
On Monday (12 August), Irish athletes returned home from Paris after what was Ireland’s most successful Olympics ever and were welcomed by cheering crowds outside Dublin’s GPO. Across the two-week games, the 133-person strong squad earned 4 gold and 3 bronze medals, finishing 19th in the overall Medals Table. Originating in Ancient Greece, the Olympics…
Between 6-9 June 2024, millions of citizens across the 27 countries of the European Union had the opportunity to vote and elect the 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who will represent them for the next five years (2024-2029). The majority of MEP candidates in Ireland are members of national political parties. However, MEPs…
In just over one week, on 7 June 2024, Irish voters will head to the polls to elect their chosen representatives in both local and European elections. The European Parliament elections represent the world’s biggest cross-border elections. In Ireland alone, an estimated 3.4 million people are eligible to vote, while over 400 million people are…