On this day 50 years ago, 10 May 1972, the people of Ireland emphatically voted yes in a referendum to join the EEC. In this first episode of the Ireland EU50 podcast series, European Movement Ireland hosted a live discussion with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, and Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute. The series will celebrate 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the European Union and reflect 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’.
An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, “I enjoyed this opportunity to join European Movement Ireland in conversation about the last 50 years of Ireland’s EU membership, and to reflect on the value and benefits of membership over the years. These 50 year ‘Ireland EU50’ commemorations come at an important time for Ireland’s relationship with the European Union, as we deal with the humanitarian crisis caused by the war on Ukraine and continue to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.”