
On 1 January 1973, Ireland officially became a member of the European Economic Community (now the European Union). To mark this momentous moment in Irish history, alongside the European Commission Representation in Ireland, we hosted a live recording between European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and Professor Brigid Laffan, reflecting on 50 years of Ireland’s EU membership.
Mairead McGuinness is the European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union. The Commissioner’s vision for the portfolio is focused on ensuring the financial sector’s strength and stability, so that it can deliver for people, society and the environment.
Before joining the Commission in October 2020, Ms McGuinness was First Vice-President of the European Parliament. She served as an MEP from Ireland for 16 years, and was a Vice-President of the Parliament since 2014.
This episode is a part of a wider podcast series from European Mivement Ireland that celebrates 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the European Union and reflects on how EU membership has left a defining mark on the Ireland of today. In 1972, the Irish Council of the European Movement (today known as European Movement Ireland) played a key role in campaigning for Ireland to join the EEC. 50 years on, our organisation is excited to bring to you the ultimate podcast series on ‘Ireland EU50’.