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. To mark the 50th…
It is that time of the year again, as the triumphant fanfare of the European Broadcasting Union plays across our screens for the Eurovision Song Contest. Thirty-seven countries will participate this year in Liverpool between 9 – 13 May. While Ukraine won with Kalush Orchestra’s ‘”Stefania” in Turin last year, security concerns due to Russia’s…
Common membership of the European Union was a factor in the improving relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom over the last 50 years. The interaction between politicians and officials on the margins of meetings and summits facilitated increased contact and understanding, including on Northern Ireland. On the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement,…
Both Bulgaria and Finland held general elections on Sunday, 2 April. In Bulgaria, it was its fifth general election since April 2021. The Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria emerged as the largest party. Party leader and former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov was the focus of nationwide anti-corruption demonstrations in 2020. While in Finland, the…
The demand for critical raw materials is set to increase as Europe and the world continue the green transition. For example, lithium from Chile is required for electric car batteries. In March 2023, the European Commission published the Critical Raw Materials Act, which seeks to secure diversified, affordable and sustainable supplies of critical raw materials.…
In December 2022, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) published data on ‘Living, Working and Covid-19 in the European Union and 10 EU Neighbouring Countries”. It highlights some of the ways in which the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted living and working conditions in EU Member States and EU neighbouring…
Parliamentary elections in Estonia took place on Sunday, 5 March to elect a new Riigikogu. Current Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, of the liberal Estonian Reform Party won its most seats ever, putting her on track to lead the next government. This Just the Facts will look at Estonia’s parliamentary system, the main issues in the…
Monday, 27 February saw the EU and the UK reached a political agreement on resolving issues in Northern Ireland around the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. While the Windsor Framework touches on several issues, this Just the Facts focuses on customs, agri-food, the role of the Court of Justice of the EU, the Stormont Brake and…
Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the EU has provided unprecedented levels of support for Ukraine. On the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion, this Just the Facts looks at the different ways the EU has supported Ukraine throughout the war, such as financial and economic assistance, humanitarian and civil…
Adopted forty years ago in 1983, the Common Fisheries Policy has aimed to provide supports for European fishers and ensure sustainable exploitation of stocks. It has proven to be a contentious issue, most recently during Brexit. This Just the Facts gives an overview of the key elements in the Common Fisheries Policy and Ireland’s relationship…