News

1 July 2026 As Ireland today assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, European Movement Ireland has called for the six-month Presidency to become a national moment for dialogue about the future of Europe and the values that underpin the European project.  Launching its new The Europe We Value campaign, which calls for EU values to be central to the Irish…

22 June 2026 European Movement Ireland was delighted to welcome H.E. Ms Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro, for a discussion on EU enlargement and Montenegro’s path to European Union membership. As Ireland prepares for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this event has provided a timely opportunity to…

11 June 2026 European Movement Ireland were delighted to welcome Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee T.D., to present a briefing on the government’s chosen priorities for Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union. European Movement Ireland members and stakeholders were invited to a briefing session with Minister McEntee, focusing…

9 June 2026 European Movement Ireland is pleased to announce a new appointment to its voluntary Board of Directors, Head of Financial Services and Head of Regulatory Consulting at KPMG, Ian Nelson. Ian has 25 years of experience in regulatory, risk management and financial services markets. Ian is also Head of Investment & Growth for…

4 June 2026 – Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, launched the award-winning 2026/27 Blue Star Programme at St. Patrick’s National School in Stamullen, Co. Meath today. With Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union fast approaching, this provides a timely opportunity to teach pupils about the EU in a…

Friday, 15 May 2026 Nina Carberry MEP for Midlands Northwest, INTO President Brendan Horan and CEO of European Movement Ireland David Geary gathered at Mullingar Educate Together National School today to celebrate the Blue Star Programme and open registrations for the 2026/27 academic year, in the year of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European…

13 May 2026 CEO David Geary and Deputy CEO Lorna Hayes appeared before the Committee on European Affairs to discuss European Movement Ireland’s Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026. As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, they outlined to the Chair and its members, that support for EU membership remains strong at 82%, though down from a peak…

06 May 2026 European Movement Ireland’s Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026, conducted by Amárach Research, finds that a clear majority 71% believe the EU should seek greater independence from the United States, suggesting there is a recognition that the EU needs to become more self-reliant in a changing geopolitical context. As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, support for…

6 May 2026 In the tenth year anniversary of the Brexit Referendum, European Movement Ireland’s Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026 conducted by Amárach Research, revealed 73% of respondents in Northern Ireland said they would vote to rejoin the EU, if the UK called a referendum tomorrow. As Ireland prepares to host its eighth Presidency of the Council of the EU, 76% support Ireland’s EU membership in Northern Ireland. European Movement…

30 April 2026 Trinity College Dublin Student Charlie Swan was awarded the European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Affairs at the SMEDIA Awards held in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin. The European Commission also provided a cash prize of €1,000 to accompany the prestigious award.   Charlie’s article for the University Times, Where will Europe Get Its Missiles?, explored the current security challenges for…

27 April 2026 European Movement Ireland and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung today held Irish German Perspectives on Europe’s Path Ahead at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin. With preparations underway for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the discussion provided a timely update on German Irish relations with Minister for European Affairs…

30 March 2026 European Movement Ireland is pleased to announce a new appointment to its voluntary board of directors, the former Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland Barbara Nolan. With over 30 years of experience in the Commission, Barbara’s career spans several high-profile roles, which included leading Fundamental Rights Policy at the Directorate-General…

Monday 23 February 2025 The National Student Media Awards 2026 are now open for submissions. As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July 2026, student journalists are invited to enter the European Commission category for Journalism relating to European Issues.   The European Commission Category for Journalism Relating to European Issues award recognises the best article on…

12 February 2026 European Movement Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade today held a briefing on The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Iveagh House in Dublin. Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Ireland His Excellency Louis Telemachou and Secretary General of the Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Joe Hackett, provided keynote addresses for attendees on the…

03 February 2026 European Movement Ireland have released a briefing on Migrant Integration in the European Union’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The paper analyses the risk of deprioritising support for migrant integration in the EU and in Ireland particularly at a time when restricting access to asylum and externalising responsibility for refugee protection dominate the policymaking agenda in Brussels and member states.  The paper looks at the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) in the EU’s next long-term…

29 January 2026 European Movement Ireland is delighted to announce the appointment of David Geary as its new Chief Executive Officer. David brings a wealth of experience in public affairs, communications and European policy to the role. He is currently serving as Assistant General Secretary and Director of Communications at the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation…

20 January 2026 RTÉ Broadcasters Miriam O’Callaghan and Florence Okojie shared invaluable professional experiences and tips with aspiring student-journalists at a seminar at Europe House in Dublin today. The training targeted student-journalists hoping to compete and win the European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Issues at the 2026 Student Media Awards late this…

12 November 2025 European Movement Ireland today launched a new policy briefing examining the European Union’s Just Transition Fund (JTF), introduced under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill. The JTF aims to support regions most affected by the transition to climate neutrality, particularly in areas impacted by the end of peat production such…

2 October 2025 – European Movement Ireland today launched its new Blue Star Programme Media Literacy Video Series to help primary school pupils’ separate fact from fiction on European matters in a child-friendly, creative, and accessible way. With pupils increasingly turning to online sources for information, this three-part interactive video series introduces basic research skills…

Dublin, Friday, 26 September 2025 – European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland) has today published a new policy briefing, Budgeting for Democracy: Ensuring Civil Society’s Place in the EU’s Long-Term Budget. The publication comes in response to the European Commission’s draft proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), released in July.  At a time when…

Thursday, 25 September 2025 – European Movement Ireland welcomed Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, for a Member’s Roundtable Discussion today, discussing Irish-EU relations, the work of the European Commission and Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Commissioner McGrath’s portfolio spans the European Democracy Shield, safeguarding…

Monday, 22 September 2025 – The CEO of European Movement Ireland (EMI), Noelle O Connell is to step down from her role at the end of the year to pursue new professional opportunities. Speaking today, European Movement Ireland Chair Julie Sinnamon, said; ‘The board of European Movement Ireland is very sorry to lose our CEO…

Friday, 14 February 2025 The National Student Media Awards 2025 are now open for submissions. Enter the European Commission category for Journalism relating to European Issues for a chance to win a €1000 prize. The European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Issues is presented to the best article on the topic of EU…

Thursday, 6 February 2025 Today, European Movement Ireland launches a report, The Disinformation Landscape: Youth in Ireland and the EU, examining how European authorities and civil society organisations are countering disinformation among young people and working to build resilience in communities. It explores some of the trends around disinformation and youth, in particular from Active…

20 January 2025 Today, Department of Foreign Affairs and European Movement Ireland’s hosted a briefing on Poland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, at Iveagh House. Poland commenced its on January 1, 2025, with the motto “Security, Europe!” The Minister for European Affairs and Defence Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD and Artur Michalski, Minister…

17 January 2025 European Movement Ireland welcomes the publication of the draft Programme for Government and, in​ particular, its highlighting the importance of Ireland being a pro-European society. Strengthening Ireland’s role within the European Union must be imperative for the common good of citizens across Ireland. As we near Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European…

Monday 9th December, Dublin, Today, the European Parliament Liaison Office and the European Commission Representation in Ireland in collaboration with European Movement Ireland hosted, “Where to Next? Looking Ahead to the New EU mandate” at Europe House in Dublin. As a new world order and fast changing geopolitical landscape presents itself for the next EU…

Tuesday, 26 November, Dublin – European Movement Ireland General Election Manifesto Overview 2024 launches today, it provides a comprehensive overview of Irish political parties’ positions on key EU issues as outlined in their published manifestos for the upcoming general election. EMI’s overview provides a snapshot of the parties’ stated commitments on a range of EU policy areas including Migration,…

Thursday, 21 November 2024, Dublin Today, European Movement Ireland launches a report highlighting the European Union’s failure to respond to Israel’s ongoing military assaults in Gaza and Lebanon and outlines its obligations to uphold international law. Hamas’ attacks on 7 October 2023 resulted in the killings of approximately 1,200 Israeli citizens and the abduction of…

Wednesday, 23 October 2024 Today at Government Buildings, Taoiseach and Honorary President of European Movement Ireland, Simon Harris and the Minister for European Affairs, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill launched the 2024/2025 Blue Star Programme with pupils from fourth class at Loreto College Junior School, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. In its 14th year, the initiative is…

21 October 2024, Dublin Over the next fortnight preparations are currently underway at the European Parliament to appoint the next European Commission, with security and defence issues set to dominate the next EU mandate. Almost three years on Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine continues, the escalating conflict in the Middle East marked it’s one year…

Friday 18 October, Dublin – A significant shift in mindset is required for companies to prioritise sustainability reporting with the same diligence as financial reporting. This was a central theme at the event “CSRD Unpacked: The Practicalities of Implementation and What Comes Next,” hosted by Grant Thornton Ireland in partnership with European Movement Ireland. During her…

Tuesday 08 October, Dublin False stories, claims and narratives on immigration have been a prevalent disinformation trend in Ireland in recent months. This reflects a wider European disinformation wave throughout the summer that pushed false stories seeking to exploit dramatic events to drive anti-immigrant sentiment and alarmism, among other disinformation narratives. Leading Irish and EU…

17 September 2024 European Movement Ireland would like to today congratulate Ireland’s former Minister for Finance Michael McGrath on being announced as the European Union’s next Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and the Rule of Law. The Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law is a significant portfolio, which involves leading the EU’s efforts to…

European Movement Ireland’s General Election Manifesto We are calling on all political parties to demonstrate clear positions on European policies and initiatives by including them in their manifestos for the next general election. Our vision is of an Ireland that contributes to making the European Union fairer and better; an Ireland that recognises that a…

Monday, 19 August 2024 Today, registration opens for primary school teachers across Ireland to enrol in the Blue Star Programme. In its 14th year, the award-winning Programme teaches children about the European Union. To date, over 1,200 schools and an estimated 200,000 pupils have completed the Programme. From today until 11 October 2024, the National…

Tuesday, 25 June 2024 Today, the Irish Government has nominated Michael McGrath TD, Minister for Finance to be Ireland’s next European Commissioner. Noelle O Connell, CEO European Movement Ireland said, “On behalf of European Movement Ireland, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Minister Michael McGrath on the nomination by the Irish Government to be…

Monday 10 June Dublin Today, European Movement Ireland honours President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe as European of the Year. This award recognises individuals and organisations who have made an outstanding contribution to promoting and enhancing Ireland’s place within the EU and is sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers Ireland (PwC). European Movement Ireland has awarded Minister Donohoe their…

Thursday, 30 May 2024, Dublin Next week, nearly 450 million citizens across Europe will go to the polls from the 6-9 June, in Ireland we’ll vote on Friday 7 June. European Movement Ireland, in co-operation with the European Parliament Liaison Office, this evening hosted the European Elections Dublin Constituency Town Hall in The Alex Hotel.…

Thursday, 16 May 2024, Galway European Movement Ireland, in co-operation with the European Parliament Liaison Office, this evening hosted the European Elections Midlands Northwest Constituency Town Hall in the Galmont Hotel, Galway City. Next month, nearly 450 million citizens across Europe will go to the polls from June 6 to 9, in Ireland we’ll vote on…

Increase in Dissatisfaction with Direction of EU but Support for Membership Remains High Almost 10% increase in dissatisfaction with the direction of the European Union, however 84% of Irish citizens believe Ireland should remain a member of the EU. 8 May 2024 Despite a slight decline of 4% on last year’s poll, the overwhelming majority of…

Thursday, 2 May 2024, Cork European Movement Ireland, in co-operation with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, today hosted the European Elections Ireland South Town Hall in the UCC Centre for Executive Education, Cork City. Nearly 450 million citizens across Europe will go to the polls from June 6 to 9, in Ireland we’ll…

Dublin, 24 April 2024 Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and European Movement Ireland today hosted ‘EU Enlargement: The New Geopolitical Background’. In the year of the 20th Anniversary of the largest-ever EU enlargement, H.E. Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Ireland, Professor David Phinnemore, Queens University Belfast, and Peter Power, Senior Expert in DG NEAR, European Commission gathered…

Thursday 11 April 2024: University College Dublin student Joshua McCormack has been awarded the European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Affairs at the 2024 National Student Media Awards which took place last night in Dublin’s Mansion House. This award is given to the student who has written and published the best article relating to…

12 March 2024 Today, European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland) launches the Can Vote, Will Vote campaign to encourage Irish people to vote in the upcoming European Parliament elections. The elections will take place across the EU between 6-9 June 2024. MEP candidates elected to the European Parliament will shape and influence the direction of the European Union for…

28 February 2024 Today European Movement Ireland appeared before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on EU affairs to discuss the upcoming European elections and the importance of combatting disinformation online. The presentation provided the opportunity to discuss the organisation’s new research to be published next week which examines online discourse regarding migration, the Israel-Gaza conflict, and…

Westmeath, 04 September 2023: Minister of State for European Affairs Peter Burke TD visited Saint Thomas’s National School in Rathowen, Co Westmeath this morning to kick off the school’s particpation in the Blue Star programme and to encourage primary school students around the country to take part and get creative about how they learn and think about Europe.…

‘Reindustrialising the EU, making progress on ecological transition, social and economic justice and strengthening European unity’ are crucial tasks ahead as Spain assumes Presidency of the Council of the EU Minister Peter Burke T.D., Minister of State for European Affairs and H.E. Ion de la Riva, Ambassador of Spain to Ireland speak at European Movement…

  Young people in Europe value democracy, doubt that their voices are represented in their countries and in the EU but carry a positive outlook for their European future, although with caveats. These are some of the findings from conducting 13 focus groups with young people living in Austria, Greece, Ireland and Slovakia. The work…

Dublin, July 4th: Minister for European Affairs Peter Burke today honoured Ireland’s first European citizens, known as the Eurobabies, at a special event held in Government Buildings. The event, titled ‘Celebrating EU Values’, was hosted by European Movement Ireland. The group of 13 individuals from across Ireland were born on January 1, 1973, coinciding with…

  Dublin, July 3rd, 2023: Support for Ireland remaining a member of the EU remains stable and overwhelmingly positive at 88% in Ireland (ROI) and 79% in Northern Ireland, according to a poll released by European Movement Ireland. In Northern Ireland, 71% of people who say they voted leave in the Brexit referendum support Ireland remaining…

As part of Pride Month, this evening at the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland’s event “LGBTI+ rights: What did the EU ever do for you?”, a report will be launched that is entitled “Moments of LGBTI+ Victories and Struggles in Europe and the European Union – Past, Present, Future”.  Written by European Movement Ireland’s Policy…

European Movement Ireland held a live podcast discussion at The Royal Irish Academy in Dublin with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD hosted by University College Cork’s Dr Theresa Reidy, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s membership in the EU.  Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD said, “It is a pleasure to join European Movement Ireland to celebrate…

Original Speech from European Commission Website here Ladies and gentlemen. Good evening. It is a pleasure to be here at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union, both to welcome the latest group of stagiaires, and to mark two important anniversaries. I want to thank Europe Movement Ireland for organising this event and…

Tánaiste announces MyEU50 Third Level Competition Winner The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD has announced the winner of the MyEU50 Third Level competition. Over 5000 pupils and students participated in a nationwide competition to mark 50 years of Ireland’s EU membership. University College Dublin student Favour Ochonma from…

Friday, 21 April 2023: University of Galway student Tom O’Connor has been awarded the European Commission Award for Journalism Relating to European Affairs at the 2023 National Student Media Awards which took place last night in the Aviva Stadium. This award is given to the student who has written and published the best article relating…

Dublin, 27 February 2023: Today’s agreement on the Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland should be taken as an opportunity to reset relationships, said European Movement Ireland CEO, Noelle O Connell: “This agreement, the Windsor Framework, brings long-overdue clarity on the Protocol and the relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom. However, clarity…

Ireland marks 50 years of EU membership on 1 January 2023.   Dublin, 21 December 2022: European Movement Ireland is calling for babies born on 1st January 1973 who were presented with special medallions marking Ireland joining the then European Economic Community to please come forward and enjoy a special celebration to mark the occasion.  …

Ireland’s “existential challenge” has resulted in energy supply shortages – Eirgrid CEO   Dublin, 10 October 2022: Ireland has an “existential challenge” in terms of its energy generation capacity, Eirgrid CEO Mark Foley has said to European Movement Ireland. It comes after the operator of the national grid in its Generation Capacity Statement (GCS) –…

Dublin, 28 September: The EU must act on reforming its policies and institutions as outlined in the findings of a year-long citizens forum across 27 of its member states or risk ‘eroding public trust in the EU’, European Movement Ireland warns the Oireachtas. EM Ireland appeared in front of Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union…

3 in 5 people say EU countries should be allowed to delay meeting EU climate targets to deal with current energy crisis costs   Dublin, 21 September 2022: Almost three in five people in Ireland agree that EU countries should be allowed to delay meeting EU environmental targets in order to deal with the current…

Dublin, 8 September 2022 : The European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, European Movement Ireland and the European Commission Representation in Ireland held an online roundtable discussion this morning ahead of the upcoming State of the European Union (SOTEU) debate in the European Parliament by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 14 September 2022.…

EM Ireland reflects on 50 years since air crash claimed the life of its former Director, Michael Sweetman As we mark the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s EEC accession referendum which took place 10 May 1972,  it was a seminal moment in Irish history. Today, European Movement Ireland paid tribute to one if its former Chief…

18 May 2022:  EM Ireland Chair, Julie Sinnamon; CEO, Noelle O Connell and Deputy CEO, Stephen O’Shea met Maroš Šefčovič, Vice President of the European Commission for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight this afternoon in Brussels. Speaking after the meeting, EMI Chair, Julie Sinnamon said: “We discussed the need for continued engagement to resolve issues surrounding the…

Dublin, 10 May 2022: European Movement Ireland has called for a European Convention as a follow up to the Conference on the Future of Europe which came to a conclusion in Strasbourg yesterday (Monday). Noelle O Connell, CEO of EM Ireland said, “Now the Conference on the Future of Europe has finalised its recommendations, the…

Dublin, 9 May 2022:  Pupils from St Andrew’s National School, Curragha, Co. Meath paid a visit to Government Buildings today for a Blue Star Programme celebration of Europe Day and a special commemoration this year of the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s vote to join the then European Communities (EC) in May 1972. The children met…