European Movement Ireland

On 1 January 1973, Ireland officially became a member of the European Economic Community (now the European Union). To mark this momentous moment in Irish history, alongside the European Commission Representation in Ireland, we hosted a live recording between European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and Professor Brigid Laffan, reflecting on 50 years of Ireland's EU membership.

Mairead McGuinness is the European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union. The Commissioner’s vision for the portfolio is focused on ensuring the financial sector’s strength and stability, so that it can deliver for people, society and the environment.

Before joining the Commission in October 2020, Ms McGuinness was First Vice-President of the European Parliament. She served as an MEP from Ireland for 16 years, and was a Vice-President of the Parliament since 2014.

This episode is a part of a wider podcast series from European Mivement Ireland that celebrates 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the European Union and reflects 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’.

On 1 January 1973, Ireland officially became a member of the European Economic Community (now the European Union). As we approach the 50th anniversary of this momentous moment in Irish history, Mary Lou McDonald TD, Leader of Sinn Féin, speaks with Professor Brigid Laffan in front of a live audience to reflect on 50 years of EU membership in Ireland.

This episode is a part of a wider podcast series from EM Ireland that 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'.

The webinar discussed various ways of pursuing a potential pathway into an EU career. Speakers provided information on everything from traineeships, contract positions and how to become a permanent official.

Speakers included:

Luís Loureiro de Amorim, Head of Outreach and External Relations at EU Careers, EPSO

Caoimhe McCarthy, Projects Coordinator, European Movement Ireland

Cian Duff, EU Career Student Ambassador, EPSO, Trinity College Dublin

Moderator: Ciarán Murray, EU Careers Manager, European Movement Ireland

Clár speisialta é seo de Just the Chats mar cheiliúradh ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge 2022! Shuigh ár gCeanasaí Cumarsáide agus Oideachais, Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh síos le painéal aíonna, atá ag obair leis na hInstitiúidí Eorpacha leis an nGaeilge, i mbun cainte faoin Aontas Eorpach agus an Ghaeilge – ón deireadh a tháinig le maolú na Gaeilge san AE mí Eanáir 2022, go dtí an Chomhdháil ar Thodhchaí na hEorpa, go deiseanna fostaíochta do dhaoine le Gaeilge sna hInstitiúidí agus go leor eile. Ar an bpainéal bhí Róisín Abbott, Oifigeach Caidrimh Poiblí i bParlaimint na hEorpa agus ateangaire; Daniel Burke, eagarthóir Gaeilge le hOifig na bhFoilseachán sa Pharlaimint; Tomaí Ó Conghaile,  aistritheoir leis an gCoimisiún Eorpach agus Kevin Lally, Comhairleoir Polaitíochta sa Pharlaimint.

A special Irish language episode of Just the Chats to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge 2022 – a discussion on the end of the derogation of Irish in the EU in January 2022, the Conference on the Future of Europe, EU Job opportunities for Irish speakers and more! Guest speakers include Kevin Lally, Political Advisor at the European Parliament (Sinn Féin); Tomaí Ó Conghaile, translator with the European Commission; Daniel Burke, Language Editor with the Publications Office of the Parliament and Róisín Abbott, Public Relations Officer at DG TRAD in the Parliament and interpreter.

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible, and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

In this podcast we sat down with Ivailo Kalfin, Executive Director of Dublin-based EU agency, Eurofound, for a conversation about Eurofound’s work and research in 2021, the impacts of Covid-19 on Ireland and Europe more broadly, the Conference on the Future of Europe and much more.

In this podcast we sat down with Rector of the College of Europe, former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, for a conversation about the College of Europe, the increasing interest of Irish students in postgraduate studies at the College, EU security, defence and foreign policy, women in leadership roles in the EU, the Conference on the Future of Europe and much more.

In the latest episode of Just the Chats we sit down with Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, for a discussion on the key role played by the Defence Forces during the Covid-19 pandemic; Ireland, the EU and security and defence; multilateralism; diversity and inclusion in the Defence Forces and more. 

In this episode of Just the Chats we sit down with European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Unions, Mairead McGuinness for a discussion on her role as Commissioner to date, taking on the role as she did during the Covid-19 pandemic; her portfolio, financial sustainability and Brexit; her various roles to date in the European Parliament and Commission; her experience as a woman in high level, leadership positions and other aspects of her working life.

For over six decades the Eurovision Song Contest has brought people across Europe together through what has been identified as the longest-running annual international televised music competition in the world, with over 40 countries now taking part regularly. However, while Eurovision aims to be politically neutral, it has often found itself at the centre of various debates and controversies around issues such as LGBTQI+ rights and equality. In this episode of Just the Chats, we explore the history of the renowned song contest, the music, impacts of Covid-19 and the social and political issues surrounding the contest. Sitting in for the discussion is Dónal Mulligan, lecturer and researcher at DCU’s School of Communications and Ciarán O’Driscoll, EM Ireland’s Policy and Research Officer, hosted by Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh, EM Ireland’s Head of Communications and Education.

Eamon Gilmore has been the EU Special Representative for Human Rights since March 2019 and was recently re-appointed for a second two-year term. The tasks of the Special Representative for Human Rights are to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy. He is the former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has also served as the EU Special Envoy for the Peace Process in Colombia.

Listen to Eamon Gilmore's keynote address at a recent event hosted by the European Commission Representation in Ireland, in co-operation with European Movement Ireland, on his role as the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights and on the EU’s role in the protection and promotion of Human Rights.

For the past 12 months, the European Movement Ireland team have been working remotely, having to adapt to the various challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this special episode of 'Just the Chats', our team reflects on their final days in the office in March 2020, and changes for the organisation in its digital outputs, communications and policy publications throughout the year. Noelle O Connell gives an in-depth insight into learnings and developments from a leadership perspective in her role as CEO of EM Ireland, and how COVID-19 has potentially impacted the future of general working life.

The discussion is hosted by EM Ireland Digital Communications Manager, Ryan Levis, in conversation with CEO, Noelle O Connell; Deputy CEO, Stephen O'Shea; Head of Communications and Education, Lisa Nic An Bhreithimh; and Policy & Research Officer, Ciarán O'Driscoll.

Listen to a recent EMI Online Event between ESB CEO, Pat O'Doherty and EM Ireland CEO, Noelle O Connell. This event looked at the electric future for Ireland and Europe including electricity’s innovative role in facilitating a green recovery and meeting the climate commitments of the EU’s Green Deal.

Pat O’Doherty is the CEO of ESB, Ireland’s leading energy company which has operations spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution and supply. He has recently been appointed as President of Eurelectric, the federation for the European electricity industry.

In this special episode of Just the Chats for the 67th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Council of the European Movement, which later become European Movement Ireland, we sit down with one of our distinguished founding members, Denis Corboy. Denis shares an account of the early days of the organisation, how it played a key role in Ireland’s Referendum on EEC Membership in 1972 and the political, social landscape of Ireland at the time. 

In this special EU Jobs episode of Just the Chats, our CEO Noelle O Connell sits down with Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, our own Graduate Jobs Programme manager, Ciarán Murray and two young Irish professionals working in the EU Institutions - Sophie McNamara, a language assistant with the European Commission, and Christopher Finn, a language editor on the Irish team of the Publications Office of the European Union. Our guests discuss the government’s priorities and strategy on EU Jobs, tips for those interested in applying for EU Jobs, an Ghaeilge and more - a must-listen for those interested in working in Brussels, Strasbourg or further afield!

With Brexit negotiations reaching the endgame, Noelle O Connell sits down with newly appointed UK Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston for an in-depth discussion on Brexit, his thoughts on the future of UK relations with Ireland, Europe and the US, his career as a diplomat to date and hopes and goals for his tenure as ambassador of the UK to Ireland.

In this episode of Just the Chats we take a look behind the curtain of Germany’s past and present in a frank and insightful conversation with the current German Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Deike Potzel. Our discussion explores 30 years of unity in Germany, lessons learned and recent commemorations of reunification; Germany’s current role as holder of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), the German perspective on Brexit, the strong German-Irish relationship and the unique role of Germany in the EU.

As we tick closer to Election Day in the US, we are joined by David O’ Sullivan (who served as the Ambassador of the EU to the US from 2014 until 2019), and Suzanne Lynch (the current Irish Times’ Washington correspondent, and former Irish Times’ Brussels correspondent) for their insights on Trump’s America, Biden’s chances, and the US-EU relationship. 

Disagreements exist between the EU and US on a whole host of pressing policy issues, such as how to combat the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, globalisation, international trade, climate change, defence and security to China and Iran. It is hard to imagine a time when the relationship between the EU and US was in a more challenging position. 

Hosted by our CEO Noelle O Connell, we explore these topics with David and Suzanne in further detail, as well as providing predictions for November. 

Enjoy listening to this ‘behind-the-scenes’, in-studio conversation, hosted by EM Ireland’s Executive Director, Noelle O Connell and Board members, Catherine Day, former Secretary-General of the European Commission and Rory Montgomery, former Second Secretary General at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Permanent Representative to the EU, who share their insights in a moderated discussion with Professor Gavin Barrett of the UCD Sutherland School of Law.  

The webinar, broadcasting live from recording studios in Dublin, took place just before the special meeting of the European Council on 17/18 July, including discussion on the European Recovery Plan and the Multi-Annual Financial Framework, Brexit, climate change and the Green New Deal, and the EU’s relations with the US and China. The discussion looks forward to the future relationship between the new Government of Ireland and the EU in the years ahead. 

We were delighted to host an online event with the European Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly.   Emily O’Reilly was first elected as the European Ombudsman in July 2013. Following the European Parliament elections, she was re-elected for a five year mandate in December 2014 and again in December 2019.  As the European Ombudsman she investigates maladministration in the institutions and bodies of the European Union.  Speaker Emily O'Reilly - European Ombudsman  Moderator Martina Fitzgerald   Hosted by Noelle O Connell - Executive Director, EM Ireland.

We were delighted to host our latest online event with Karen Banks, Deputy Director General of the Legal Service of the European Commission.  Prior to this position, Ms Banks was Director responsible for running the AGRI-FISH team of the Legal Service. She has also worked in the areas of competition law, social law, intellectual property and the external relations aspects of EU law.  Hosting this discussion was our Executive Director, Noelle O Connell.

During an exclusive European Movement Ireland webinar for our members, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Andrew McDowell, was in conversation with our Chair, Maurice Pratt, and our Executive Director, Noelle O Connell. The discussion focused on how the EIB can best support business in Ireland during the COVID-19 crisis.

On 11 March 2020, we were delighted to get the opportunity to interview Claire Hanna - MP for Belfast South. Speaking to our Executive Director, Noelle O Connell, Claire discusses Brexit, the United Ireland question, what it is like to be an MP during this remarkable time and much more. 

"The Good Friday Agreement is the lodestar for me and as John Hume always said, 'it’s about uniting people not uniting territory'".

Clár speisialta é seo de Just the Chats mar cheiliúradh ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Labhair ár mBainisteoir Cumarsáide agus Feachtas, Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh le hEimear Ní Bhroin, Oifigeach Cúrsaí Teangan le hIonadaíocht Choimisiún na hEorpa In Éirinn, le Mícheál Ó Conaire, Príomhoifigeach leis an Roinn Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta agus le hEoin Ó Catháin a bhfuil roinnt blianta caite aige ag obair sa Bhruiséil, agus phléigh siad uile an tAontas Eorpach agus an Ghaeilge. Labhair Eoin faoina shaol sa Bhruiséil go dtí seo ag obair i réimsí éagsúla agus ina dhiaidh sin labhair Eimear agus Mícheál faoi na deiseanna éagsúla ata ann do cheimithe ó Éirinn leis na hInstitiúidí Eorpacha agus faoin nasc tábhachtach atá ann idir an Ghaeilge agus an AE. 

A special Irish language episode of Just the Chats to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge – a discussion about all things Gaeilge and Europe, EU Job opportunities for Irish graduates and more! 

Ceol (Music Credit): Ailbhe Crowley.

In November 2019, European Movement Ireland held an event with Bonnie Greer and Miriam O'Callaghan in Dublin. During the audience Q&A, Áine Mulloy spoke openly and honestly about her experiences of racism in Ireland. We wanted to continue this conversation, so we invited Áine onto our podcast to discuss what she raised in further detail.

This discussion was hosted by our Communications Manager, Lisa Nic An Bhreithimh, and involved our Communications Officer and Blue Star Programme Manager, Ryan Levis, and our Vice Chair and former Chief Commissioner of Irish Girl Guides, Jillian van Turnhout. 

So listen in as we explore the importance of multiculturalism in Ireland, the role of social media in society, and how young people can lead the way in embracing diversity.

American-British playwright, novelist and critic Bonnie Greer spoke to broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan at a sold out European Movement Ireland event in the National Concert Hall this evening, less than two months after her comments on BBC’s ‘Question Time’ in relation to the impact of Brexit on Ireland and the 'special' relationship between Ireland and the US went viral worldwide.

In conversation with Miriam O Callaghan, Ms Greer spoke about the devastating impact Brexit is expected to have on Ireland and addressed the sensitive 'four-way' issue of Irish - UK - EU - US relations. She went on to discuss the current state of democracy worldwide and politics in the US as the 2020 US Election campaign gets underway. She spoke about her own work and what her influences over the years, one of which being her own move from the US to the UK in 1986. She concluded by looking forward to address the challenges of Brexit, and both the present and future of the UK and the European Union as a whole.

So listen along to Bonnie, Miriam and our very own Noelle O Connell, as they speak to a live audience on an array of topics. 

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Irealnd is not responsible, and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]