EM Ireland have appointed Daniel Keohane as the new Head of Policy and Advocacy, starting in January 2019. Commenting on the appointment, Executive Director Noelle O Connell, says: “We are delighted that Daniel is joining EM Ireland. Daniel will bring a wealth of policy experience and knowledge to the team as we head into a…
EU leaders met in Brussels on 13-14 December for the final European Council Summit of the year to discuss a wide range of issues including: the Multiannual Financial Framework; the Single Market; migration; and external relations. On Thursday, EU leaders met in EU27 format to discuss Brexit, following an address given by UK Prime Minister,…
The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) sets out the long-term budget of the European Union (EU). Policy priorities are outlined for a minimum period of five years, with recent MFFs covering seven years, and under each policy priority heading, spending ‘ceilings’, maximum annual amounts that can be spent, are agreed. The current MFF covers the period…
The term ‘Norway Plus’ has recently entered the discussion on Brexit, with advocates of this proposal suggesting it as a model for the UK’s future relationship with the EU. In our latest ‘All EU Need to Know’ we explain what the European Free Trade Association and the EEA Agreement are, as well as what ‘Norway…
What is meant by a ‘meaningful vote’? Under the EU Withdrawal Act 2018, the UK House of Commons is legally entitled to have a vote on the Withdrawal Agreement reached by UK and EU negotiators, and its accompanying political declaration on the framework for a future relationship between the UK and EU. Since October 2016,…
On Sunday, 25 November, EU27 leaders met in Brussels for a special meeting of the European Council to endorse the draft withdrawal agreement reached between EU and UK negotiators on 14 November. EU27 leaders also approved the political declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK. Background On…
Thursday, 22 November 2018: Fifth class children from Castleknock Educate Together National School paid a visit to Government Building this morning (22/11/18) for the national launch of the 2018/2019 Blue Star Programme. The children were joined by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar; Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee, TD; Gerry Kiely, Head of Representation of…
by European Commission Representation in Ireland The European Commission Representation in Ireland, in conjunction with European Movement Ireland, invites you to a town hall meeting “Brexit & Europe – where are we headed?” on Tuesday 4 December from 12.00pm – 14.00pm in the Institute of Technology Tallaght. The event is part of a series…
European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland) welcomes the publication of the Draft Article 50 Withdrawal Agreement reached between the EU–UK negotiators. Commenting on the developments, Noelle O Connell, Executive Director of EM Ireland, said today, “We welcome the progress and publication of last night’s Draft Article 50 Withdrawal Agreement. It is a credit to the perseverance…
On 14 November 2018, it was announced that EU and UK negotiators had reached decisive progress on the text of the draft withdrawal agreement, which was resultantly published by both sides. The draft withdrawal agreement outlines the terms by which the UK will leave the EU. What is it? The withdrawal agreement sets out the…
European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland) Executive Director, Noelle O Connell, will give an address on the Irish experience holding a national conversation about the EU, to the French National Assembly at a conference in Paris today (8/11/18). Noelle O Connell will tell the conference that Ireland’s citizens’ consultations have provided a vital forum for people…
The College of Europe is an independent university institute of postgraduate European studies with campuses in Bruges and Natolin. Online applications for the 2019-2020 academic year are now being invited. If you wish to apply, submit your complete application before the deadline of Wednesday, 16 January 2019. History The College of Europe was the world’s…
The twelfth edition of The Green Book was launched at the Autumn 2018 Brussels Connection event in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU in Brussels. This year’s guest speaker will be RTE European Editor, Tony Connelly
What is the Common Travel Area? The Common Travel Area (CTA) is an open borders area comprising the UK (including the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) and Ireland. Within the CTA, Irish and British citizens can travel freely with minimal controls at borders. The CTA tends to be associated as well with the ‘special…
On Thursday, 18 October, the European Council met in Brussels to discuss migration, internal security and external relations. Following the morning session, EU27 leaders held a Euro Summit to discuss the deepening of the Economic and Monetary Union. EU leaders had previously met in EU27 format on Wednesday, 17 October over a working dinner to…
Luxembourg General Election Luxembourg went to the polls on Sunday, 14 October to elect a new Parliament, known as the ‘Chambre des députés’, or Chamber of Deputies. While the centre-right Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) won the most seats as a single party with 21 seats, the current centre-left coalition government made up of the…
Latvian General Election The Latvian electorate went to the polls on Saturday, 6 October to elect a new Parliament, known as the ‘Saeima’. Seven political parties secured enough votes to take seats in Parliament, with the Social Democratic Party, ‘Harmony’, topping the polls with 19.8 per cent of the vote. Coalition negotiations are expected to…
Reflections on Salzburg They say a week is a long time in politics. It’s easy to forget that it was only this time last week that Theresa May was making a speech from 10 Downing Street re-stating her commitment to the UK government’s ‘Chequers proposal’. It came after EU leaders had met in Salzburg as…
EM Ireland travelled to Wexford for the European Commission Representation in Ireland’s Citizens’ Dialogue Wexford County Hall on “Brexit & Europe – Where are we headed?”. The dialogue was moderated by Noelle O Connell and included a panel of expert speakers: Gerry Kiely, Head of the European Commission Representation; Deirdre Clune MEP Ireland South; Verona Murphy, President…
The European Council met in Salzburg, Austria for an informal meeting under the Leaders’ Agenda on 19-20 September to discuss migration, internal security, and Brexit. The informal summit was hosted by Austrian Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, as Austria currently holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). On Wednesday, 19 September, Chancellor…
Commenting on today’s State of the European Union address by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Noelle O Connell, Executive Director of European Movement Ireland, said: “In his final address as Commission President, Mr. Juncker’s speech touched on a very broad range of topics and ambitions for the future: the role of the EU as a…
State of the European Union Address President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, delivered his fourth and final annual ‘State of the European Union’ address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 12 September 2018. The forward-looking speech, entitled ‘The Hour of European Sovereignty’, set out the priorities of the European Commission for the last…
Swedish General Election The Swedish electorate went to the polls on Sunday, 9 September to elect a new Parliament. Sweden traditionally has a high voter turnout, and this year was no different at 84.4 per cent. Preliminary results show that the electorate has returned a hung Parliament, with no outright winner. Official results will be…
Riksdag Runners and Riders The Swedish electorate will go to the polls on Sunday, 9 September to elect a new Parliament, or ‘Riksdag’. The Swedish system is unicameral, meaning there is one legislative house which is made up of 349 representatives elected through a proportional representational system. Much attention in the lead up to the…
UK White Paper on Legislating for the Withdrawal Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union On Tuesday, 24 July, the UK government released a White Paper on Legislating for the Withdrawal Agreement between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU). It sets out the UK government’s plans for the withdrawal legislation…
What is the UK White Paper? On Thursday, 12 July, the UK government published a 98-page White Paper outlining its proposals for the future relationship between the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) after the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019. The White Paper covers areas such as the future EU-UK economic relationship,…
On the annual Blue Star Programme teachers’ trip to Brussels, the teachers visited the European Commission, the House of European History, the European Parliament (where they met the Irish MEPs and much thanks to the European Parliament Information Office in Ireland for organising this), and the Irish Permanent Representation to the EU.
Migration, competitiveness and enlargement were on the agenda at our briefing on the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union with Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee TD, and Ambassador of Austria to Ireland, H.E. Helmut Freudenschuss. You can download a copy of the calendar at http://bit.ly/EMIATPresidencyCalendar
The United Nations defines migrants as people who choose to move to another country mainly to improve their lives by finding work, or in some cases for education, family reunion, or other reasons. Refugees, on the other hand, are defined as fleeing armed conflict or persecution and cannot return home because it is too dangerous. …
Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union On 1 July, Austria took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Bulgaria, marking the third time Austria has held the Presidency since joining the EU in 1995. In 2009, the Lisbon Treaty established a system whereby a trio of Member States consecutively…
Dublin, 29 June 2018: Commenting on the conclusions of the European Council Summit in relation to Brexit, Noelle O Connell, Executive Director of European Movement Ireland, says: “It is understandable that both businesses and individuals alike are frustrated that greater progress on Brexit was not made at this week’s European Leaders’ Summit. At this stage, the…
European Council Summit On Thursday, 28 June, the European Council met in Brussels to discuss a wide range of issues including migration, security and defence, jobs, growth and competitiveness. On Friday, 29 June, EU leaders met in an EU27 format to discuss the Brexit negotiations. EU27 leaders also met for a Euro Summit to discuss reform of the Economic and Monetary Union. Migration The…
Blue Star Programme wins third place in the Altiero Spinelli Prize for Outreach Brussels, Wednesday 20 June 2018: An Irish primary school programme has been awarded the Altiero Spinelli Prize for Outreach: Spreading Knowledge about Europe from the European Union. The Blue Star Programme, implemented by European Movement Ireland, allows primary school pupils across the country to learn…
What is the EU Withdrawal Bill? The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill is currently being debated in the UK Houses of Parliament. Effectively, it seeks to copy EU law into UK law, meaning that after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, all EU legislation would remain in force as domestic legislation, unless it is amended or…
Iar-Thaoiseach Enda Kenny TD was the recipient of this year’s European of the Year Award, sponsored by Uniphar. The award was presented by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD.
Taoiseach presents award in recognition of contribution to enhancing Ireland’s place in Europe European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland) is honouring Iar-Thaoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, with its European of the Year award in recognition of his contribution to Irish-EU relations. The award is being presented by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD at an event sponsored by…
Slovenian General Election The Slovenian electorate went to the polls on Sunday to elect a new Parliament. 25 political parties contested the election, with nine expected to have secured enough votes to be elected. Provisional results show the conservative Slovenian Democratic Party emerging as the largest party with 24.9 per cent of the vote. As…
On Friday, 25 May 2018, a new EU Regulation, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), relating to the protection of citizens’ right to privacy, and the modernisation of data protection laws in the EU, came into effect. The GDPR aims to give individuals greater control over how their personal data are processed and used. …
In partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, we held a National Citizens’ Dialogue on the Future of Europe to celebrate Europe Day. The event was the culmination of a six-month process of regional dialogue events.
On Thursday, 17 May, EU leaders and the leaders of the six Western Balkan partners (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) met in Sofia, Bulgaria. Security and connectivity were the themes of this first EU-Western Balkans Summit since 2003. EU Member State leaders also discussed other issues,…
European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland) in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade today held a National Citizens’ Dialogue on the Future of Europe to celebrate Europe Day. The event brought together civil society, government officials, representatives of Embassies and people from all over the country to discuss Ireland’s key priorities for the…
EM Ireland / Red C Poll show even split in opinion on whether Brexit makes a united Ireland more likely The majority of Irish people believe Brexit is a mistake, but just 44 per cent think that it makes a united Ireland more likely, according to a recent European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland) / Red…
We partnered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to host a series of public regional dialogues on the Future of Europe in Galway, Cork, Donegal and Meath
The Hungarian electorate went to the polls on Sunday, 8 April to elect a new Parliament. Sunday’s election saw a high voter turnout and with 98 per cent of results reported, Fidesz-KDNP are expected to be elected for a third consecutive term in office and achieve a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Background The Hungarian…
Reflections on Salzburg The Hungarian electorate will go to the polls on Sunday, 8 April to elect a new Parliament. The Hungarian Parliament is unicameral, i.e. it is made up of one house, the National Assembly. Pre-election polls show that the current ruling party, Fidesz, is likely to emerge as the winners for a third…
On Thursday, 22 March, the European Council met in Brussels to discuss a wide range of issues including trade, digital taxation, Turkey and the Salisbury attack. On Friday, 23 March, leaders met in an EU27 format to discuss the ongoing Brexit negotiations and adopt guidelines on the framework for the future EU-UK relationship. On Friday,…
To coincide with the next meeting of the EU27 Heads of State on Brexit at a European Council Summit in Brussels this week, European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland) have launched an online guide to help people make sense of all things Brexit-related. Brexit A-Z translates the top 100 terms about Brexit into plain, straightforward language.…
The Italian electorate went to the polls on Sunday to elect a new Parliament made up of the Chamber of Deputies (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House). The centre-left Democratic Party (PD) had been in power since the last general election in February 2013. The anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) are set to emerge…
Imprevedibile Italia The Italian electorate will go to the polls on Sunday, 4 March to elect a new Parliament made up of the Chamber of Deputies (Lower House) and the Senate (Upper House). This is sure to be one of the most intriguing elections to take place in Europe this year. The outcome is near…
Speaking after the publication of the European Commission Draft Withdrawal Agreement today, Noelle O Connell, Executive Director of European Movement Ireland, said: “The text published today by the European Commission sets out in draft, the arrangements for the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The draft Withdrawal Agreement essentially converts what was agreed by the EU and…
On Friday, 23 February 2018, the European Council met in Brussels at an informal meeting to discuss the EU’s long-term budgetary plans and Institutional issues. Brexit, relations with Turkey, and Syria were also discussed. The meeting took place under the Leaders’ Agenda and as the discussions were future-orientated, leaders met in an EU27 format without…
Presidential elections took place in the Republic of Cyprus over the course of two rounds of voting, with the first round taking place on 28 January 2018. Nine candidates stood for election, including the incumbent President, Nicos Anastasiades. Voters went to the polls once again in the run-off on Sunday, 4 February, re-electing President Anastasiades…
Presidential elections were held in Finland on Sunday, 28 January 2018, with eight candidates contesting the election. Finnish President, Sauli Niinistö, was re-elected for a second term as President. For the first time since 1994, there was no second round run-off as President Niinistö secured more than 50 per cent of the first round vote…
Presidential elections took place in the Czech Republic over two rounds of voting, which took place on 12-13 and 26-27 January. Nine candidates stood for election, including the incumbent President, Miloš Zeman, who was re-elected for a second term in office. Background The President of the Czech Republic is elected every five years, using…
We partnered with the DCU Brexit Institute for their inaugural event, Brexit, Ireland and the Future of Europe, on 25 January 2018.The event was opened by his Excellency Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland. Noelle O Connell joined a panel of academics and civil society representatives, including Etain Tannam (Trinity College Dublin) and Dan Kelemen (Rutgers University)…
European Movement (EM) Ireland today hosted a seminar in the Department of the Taoiseach on the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and launched its Bulgarian Presidency Calendar which runs from 1 January to 30 June 2018. Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Ireland, H.E. Branimir Zaimov said: “The…
Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Ireland, H.E. Branimir Zaimov and Minister for European Affairs, Helen McEntee T.D. spoke at EM Ireland’s briefing on the new Presidency of the Council of the EU and launch of the latest Presidency Calendar
On 1 January, the Republic of Bulgaria took over the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Estonia, marking the first time Bulgaria has held the Presidency since joining the EU in 2007. In 2009, the Lisbon Treaty established a system whereby a trio of Member States consecutively hold the Presidency, working…
Comment on the announcement of approval to move on to phase two of the Brexit negotiations Commenting on the announcement that EU leaders have approved moving on to the second phase of Brexit negotiations, Noelle O Connell, Executive Director of European Movement Ireland, says: “We now have the principles and parameters in place for progress…
Dublin, 15 November 2017: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland) is urging every person to have their say on the future direction of the EU by getting involved in Ireland’s dialogue on the future of Europe, launched by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD with Minister Coveney and Minister McEntee today (15/11/17). Following today’s national launch, public…
On Thursday 15 June, a new EU Regulation relating to roaming charges for mobile phone users within the European Union (EU) and the wider European Economic Area (EEA) came into effect which largely abolishes roaming charges. This follows a number of previous EU Regulations aimed at reducing roaming charges. The new ‘roam like at home’…
A parliamentary election took place in the United Kingdom (UK) on Thursday, 8 June 2017. The Conservative Party had held a majority since the previous election in May 2015. Conservative Party leader, Theresa May, served as Prime Minister since July 2016 following the resignation of former Prime Minister David Cameron after the UK’s vote to…
Dublin, Tuesday, 9 May 2017: Primary school children throughout Ireland will today once again ‘shake hands across Europe’ to mark Europe Day, 9 May 2017. Nearly 165 schools with more than 12,500 participating pupils, in communities in every county of Ireland will participate in their own events. At Iveagh House in Dublin today, Minister for…
On Saturday 29 April 2017, the EU27 leaders met in Brussels for a Special European Council where they adopted guidelines for the Article 50 negotiations on the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The guidelines outline the framework for the negotiations, setting out the broad EU principles for the talks, which will be conducted…
European Movement Ireland Statement on UK invoking Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union Dublin, Wednesday 29 March, 2017: In the wake of UK Prime Minister Theresa May invoking Article 50 today, European Movement (EM) Ireland is calling for Ireland to use its voice fully across all the negotiating tables. Speaking earlier today, Chairperson…
On Saturday 25 March 2017, the leaders of 27 EU Member States met in Rome, Italy, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. At the ceremony, EU leaders adopted the Rome Declaration on the future of Europe in which they pledged to make the EU “stronger and more resilient, through even greater…
Dublin, Tuesday 24 January, 2017: The UK’s Supreme Court has today upheld, by a majority vote of 8 judges to 3, the ruling that parliamentary approval is required to invoke Article 50. However, the judges unanimously rejected the notion that Westminster has a legal obligation to seek the consent of the devolved administrations before doing…
Elections took place in the European Parliament on Tuesday, 17 January 2017 to replace the outgoing President, Martin Schulz. President Schulz, a member of the Socialists and Democrats group, had held the position since January 2012. Antonio Tajani of the European People’s Party group was elected as the 30th President of the European Parliament and…
European Movement Ireland Statement on UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s Speech Dublin, Tuesday 17 January, 2017: In the wake of UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s speech today in which she announced that the UK would not seek to retain membership of the European Single Market once it has left the EU, European Movement (EM) Ireland…
At the Paris climate conference in December 2015, 197 Parties, including Ireland and the EU, agreed the first universal, legally binding climate deal. The Agreement sets out a global action plan to avoid the adverse effects of climate change by limiting global warming to below 2˚C. The EU ratified the Agreement on 5 October 2016…
Vital to get out the Irish vote tomorrow in the UK’s EU Referendum Dublin, Wednesday, June 22 2016: Chairman of European Movement (EM) Ireland Maurice Pratt is urging Irish parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends to ‘phone or text their Irish relatives and contacts in Britain today to remind them to vote tomorrow, Thursday, 23…
One More Day for Irish in Britain and British in Ireland to Have their Say in EU Membership Referendum Dublin, Wednesday, 8 June 2016: European Movement (EM) Ireland has welcomed the extension of the registration deadline for the UK’s historical EU membership referendum on June 23rd until midnight tomorrow. The extension occurred after unprecedented numbers…
The UK’s EU referendum taking place on 23 June is a once in a generation decision. It really matters. If you have a vote, have your say. If someone you know is eligible to vote, remind them to use it! Did you know that …. Irish born people who live in the UK are eligible to vote…
Vital to register by tomorrow to vote in UK EU Referendum Dublin, Monday, 6 June 2016: Chairman of European Movement (EM) Ireland Maurice Pratt is calling on Irish parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends to ‘phone or text their Irish relatives and contacts in Britain on today’s Bank Holiday to remind them that tomorrow (Tuesday,…
More than 4 out of 5 Irish people think UK should remain in the EU Dublin, 25 May, 2016: Just under a month before the United Kingdom’s referendum on its EU membership on 23 June, a nationwide Red C poll commissioned by European Movement Ireland, shows increasing support for the EU among Irish people. …
On Thursday, 12 May, European Movement Ireland launched a 4 Day Appeal to let British people in Ireland know that they had just days to register to vote in the UK referendum on EU membership which will take place on June 23rd. Over 1,000 press releases were issued to national and local media in Ireland, to alert British…
Dublin, Monday, 18 April, 2016: European Movement Ireland is today launching an online voter registration drive for the UK’s EU ‘In-Out’ referendum. The awareness raising campaign is aimed at two distinct groups: Irish-born people who live in the UK; British citizens who live in Ireland. European Movement Ireland is urging them to register to vote…
Dublin, Monday, 18 April, 2016: European Movement Ireland is today launching an online voter registration drive for the UK’s EU ‘In-Out’ referendum. The awareness raising campaign is aimed at two distinct groups: Irish-born people who live in the UK; British citizens who live in Ireland. European Movement Ireland is urging them to register to vote…
Do you know someone Irish who lives in the UK? Irish born people who live in the UK are eligible to vote in the EU membership referendum on 23 June. That’s about a half million people. Do you know someone from the UK who lives in Ireland? Remind them to register to vote too! Whether you’re Irish or…
Tribute was paid to former President of the European Parliament and former President of European Movement International, Pat Cox, at a reception hosted by An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore TD, in Iveagh House this evening. Current President of European Movement International, German MEP, Jo Leinen, led the tribute to Mr Cox,…
Dublin 11 January 2013: Today, 11 January 2013, European Movement Ireland celebrates the 59th anniversary of the founding of the organisation. EM Ireland is the oldest Irish organisation dealing with the EU. Forty years on from Ireland’s accession to the EU, EM Ireland continues to work to campaign for every Irish person to get involved…
EM Ireland banishes “triskaidekaphobia” in favour of optimism for the opportunities on offer to Ireland in 2013 Following the launch of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU earlier this week, the Dublin-based not-for-profit, independent organisation, European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland), is today calling on all Irish citizens to banish any phobias they…
Dublin, 7 February 2012: The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD and Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD launched a new pilot programme for primary schools which focuses on the EU, called the Blue Star Programme. The idea of the Programme is simple, to foster better understanding and knowledge of the European Union and…
Dublin, 10 January 2012: On 11 January 2012, European Movement Ireland celebrates the 58th anniversary of the foundingof the organisation. The oldest Irish organisation dealing with the EU, pre-dating Ireland’s membership of the EU in 1973 by almost twenty years, today European Movement Ireland continues to campaign for every Irish person to get involved with…
