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 to discuss the new geopolitical background shaping the European Union’s accession process.
On 1 May 2004, ten countries became members of the European Union. This historic occasion led to the economic and societal transformation of member states such as Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. At present, there are nine candidate countries seeking EU membership, including Ukraine and Moldova. Kosovo is also a potential candidate country.
H.E. Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Ireland, said: “European integration for Ukraine is not just a policy, it’s a part of our national identity and a pillar of our democratic development. Despite the immense challenges of the war, Ukraine stands strong and unwavering in its commitment to meet the European Commission’s recommendations and move forward towards EU membership”.
Matthias Barner, Director Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung UK & Ireland, delivered the welcome address. The panel was moderated by Noelle O Connell, CEO of EM Ireland and Vice President of European Movement International.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and amid the changing geopolitical landscape, the EU has signalled its commitment to enlargement. It is focused on supporting the progress and implementation of fundamental reforms for aspiring member states, while also pursuing internal EU reforms. The aim of today’s discussion was to provide a better understanding of the EU’s enlargement policies and approach in the coming years.
Matthias Barner, Director, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung UK & Ireland said; “The Russian attack on Ukraine, serves as a stark reminder of the geostrategic importance of a strong and united European Union and continent.”
While EU enlargement presents challenges in areas such as security and defence, EU budgetary decision-making, rule of law and agricultural policy, among other issues. EU enlargement is still viewed as the advancement of stability, peace, and prosperity across the continent.
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Contact: Aisling Brady, Head of Communications | E: aisling@europeanmovement.ie
Photo caption:
Pictured is Noelle O’Connell, CEO European Movement Ireland, Peter Power, Senior Expert in DG NEAR, European Commission, H.E. Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland, Prof. David Phinnemore, Queens University Belfast and Matthias Barner, Director, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung UK & Ireland this afternoon in Chartered Accountants Ireland at Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung event, with support from European Movement Ireland, on ‘EU Enlargement: The New Geopolitical Background’.
Social Media:
KAS: Twitter: @KAS_UKIRL, twitter.com/kas_ukirl| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) UK & Ireland: Overview | LinkedIn
EM Ireland: @emireland, twitter.com/emireland | facebook.com/emireland | linkedin.com/company/european-movement-ireland | instagram.com/europeanmovementireland/
Notes:
· About KAS: The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is a German political foundation closely associated with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). At home as well as abroad, the civic education and dialogue programmes aim at promoting freedom, liberty, peace, and justice. Primary concerns are strengthening representative democracy, promoting European unification, expanding transatlantic relations, and increasing development cooperation. The foundation has an office based in Dublin, Ireland since January 2020. For more information visit www.kas.de/uk-irl
· About European Movement Ireland: Founded in 1954, European Movement (EM) Ireland is the longest established Irish not-for-profit, independent, membership organisation working on European affairs. EM Ireland works to develop the connection between Ireland and the European Union. We facilitate links between all sectors of Irish society and the EU, through advocacy campaigns, education programmes, training courses, information briefings and networking events. For more information visit www.europeanmovement.ie.