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 Union in 2026, we welcome the plan to deliver and resource a successful EU Presidency.
Commenting on the draft Programme for Government, CEO European Movement Ireland Noelle O Connell said;
“European Movement Ireland welcomes the draft Programme which outlines an ambitious plan to strengthen Ireland’s role within the European Union, in particular, its commitment to increase Irish applications for jobs within the EU Institutions, funding Northern Ireland students to participate in the Erasmus programme, the John Hume Fund for reconciliation, promoting EU enlargement, continuing support for Ukraine and the advancement of a two state solution to achieve peace in Israel and Palestine, as hope of a ceasefire emerges this weekend.”
“However, European Movement Ireland is disappointed to see no mention of the civil society or non-profit sectors despite evidence of shrinking civic space in Europe. European Movement Ireland is hopeful that the government will support initiatives in strengthening civic space, which contributes to a healthy and functioning democracy and also forms part of the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath’s portfolio.”
As outlined in European Movement Ireland’s General Election Manifesto, Putting Europe on the Agenda, European Movement Ireland is calling for the following in the Programme for Government; protections for civil society, clearer commitments and targets to increase the number of Irish people working in the EU Institutions, ensuring the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum complies with human rights standards, and the publication of a timeline for a referendum on the Unified Patent Court, following its deferral in April 2024.