On 29 January, the European Commission presented its first major initiative of the new EU mandate – the “Competitiveness Compass”. This document has been hailed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as the “North Star” of the Commission’s work for the next five years. But why is it needed and what does it…
In 2024, almost two billion people across more than 60 countries headed to the polls in various elections around the world. 2024 was even referred to in some reports as the “democratic Super Bowl”. The polling programme for 2025 is undeniably quieter – however, it is none the more significant. Will the centre hold in…
Following on from the general elections in November 2024, over a six-week period, Fianna Fáil (48 seats), Fine Gael (38 seats) and the Regional Independent Group (7 seats) negotiated the formation of a coalition government. On 23 January, Fianna Fáil’s leader, Micheál Martin, was nominated by the Dáil to serve as Taoiseach. On the same…
“For Europe, this is the time of trial and decision.” Programme of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union From January until the end of June 2025, Poland will take up the role of chairing the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, also known as the Council. This is…
This Just the Facts is largely informed by Eurofound’s 2023 report, titled “Unaffordable and inadequate housing in Europe”, as well as Eurofound’s Dublin Briefing on 7 November with Hans Dubois. On 29 November 2024, the Irish public headed to the polls to vote in a General Election and elect 174 TDs to the Dáil for…
Tonight (6 December), many children across the country will be cosying up and settling down to watch the ‘Late Late Toy Show’. Aired by the national public broadcast service, RTÉ, and now an annual institution of the Irish Christmas calendar, the Toy Show began as a Christmas slot in the early 1970s. It has now…
On 5 November, Michael McGrath, Ireland’s candidate to become European Commissioner for the period 2024-2029, was questioned by three European Parliament committees during what is called a “confirmation hearing”. Shortly after the hearing, the relevant MEPs voted to confirm Michael McGrath in his role as Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, as…
Former President Donald Trump has been chosen as the Republican Party’s official nominee for the United States’ presidential elections due to take place in November 2024. Trump’s 2016-2020 presidential term represented many foreign policy challenges for European leaders, including his tendency to pander to leaders such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un,…
Oíche Shamhna shona daoibh! It is that time of year again – orange leaves are falling gradually, and dark nights are falling quickly. It must be Halloween! This Just the Facts looks into the Celtic origins of Halloween, as well as some of the newer traditions celebrated, including fireworks. What does EU legislation have to…
Hungary took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July 2024. With the European Parliament elections having recently taken place in June and the new college of Commissioners yet to be voted in, Hungary heads the Council at a transitional period in the institutions. However, concerns over Hungary’s rule of law…