50 years of Ireland in the EU
Ireland’s 50 years of EU membership has coincided with a radical economic and social transformation of our country.
Welcome to EU50
Communicating Europe Initiative
Find a list of organisations and projects funded by the Communicating Europe Initiative
Europe Day 2023
Marking the culmination of the Government’s EU50 programme, with activities in schools around Ireland and a performance of 'Ode to Joy' in the National Concert Hall.
Into Europe: Ireland and the EU 1973 – 2023
INTO EUROPE is a Royal Irish Academy exhibition commissioned by EU50, DFA.
The Government’s EU50 programme is marking Ireland’s 50 years of EU membership since our decision to join the EEC in 1972. Government Departments, State Agencies, second and third level institutions, civil society groups, industry, cultural institutions and our Mission network have all been encouraged to get involved.
Ireland in the EU Irish Times supplement
On 27 January 2023, the Irish Times group, in association with the Department of Foreign Affairs, published a special report in the Irish Times and Irish Examiner on Ireland in the EU: The impact of 50 years
What is EU50?
EU50 news and events
EU50 Iveagh House Lecture
Emily O’Reilly, European Ombudsman will deliver a Department of Foreign Affairs EU50 Iveagh House Lecture on Wednesday, 3 May 2023 at 12.30 pm.
Ireland is Europe and Europe is Ireland
President of European Parliament, H.E. Roberta Metsola, visited Ireland to celebrate EU50 and addressed a special sitting of both Houses of the Oireachtas.
Irish Times EU50 Debate
The motion for the debate was: "This House Believes that it is time for the citizens of the European Union to directly and democratically elect the President of the European Commission".
Embassy Helsinki host EU50 Seminar
The Embassy of Ireland in Helsinki together with the Embassy of Denmark in Helsinki jointly organised an EU50 seminar in Finland.
Gender equality in Europe: Are we there yet?
The Consulate General of Ireland, Frankfurt, hosted its first St. Brigid’s Day event on 1 February.
St Brigid's Day EU50 Lecture recording
President of the European Court of Human Rights, Justice Síofra O’Leary marks St Brigid’s Day with EU50 Iveagh House Lecture
Embassy Lisbon hosts Minister James Browne TD
Embassy Lisbon hosts Minister James Browne TD in collaboration with the Danish Embassy.
Gender equality in Europe: Are we there yet?
The Consulate General of Ireland, Frankfurt, hosted its first St. Brigid’s Day event on 1 February 2023.
Embassy Vilnius joint seminar with Embassy of Denmark
Embassy of Ireland in Vilnius held a joint public seminar with the Embassy of Denmark to commemorate 50 years of EU membership.
Launch of An Post EU50 Stamp
An Post’s first stamp of 2023 marking the 50th anniversary of Ireland joining the European Communities (EC), now the European Union (EU), was unveiled on 6 January.
“Ireland Lies at the Heart of Europe”
President of European Commission, H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, addresses both Houses of the Oireachtas, celebrating EU50 and Ireland's place in Europe.
Ireland and the single market conference
A cross-section of stakeholders from Irish and European economic, academic and political life met to offer perspectives on the past, present and future of Ireland’s development as a member of the Single Market.
Minister Byrne marks Ireland’s 50 years of EU membership at Columbia University
Minister of State Byrne addressed an audience of students and faculty at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs
Ireland & Denmark marking 50 years of EU membership – a mid-life crisis?
Embassy of Ireland Stockholm partnered with the European Commission and the Danish Embassy in Stockholm.
Seminar - The Future of the European Financial Sector
The Consulate in Frankfurt, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, underlined Ireland’s role as a key player in setting the EU financial services agenda
Ireland & Denmark marking 50 years of EU membership – a Golden Jubilee?
Embassy Copenhagen co-hosted the event with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Denmark, at Europa House in Copenhagen.
Professor John O’Brennan on Ireland's relationship with the EU
Embassy of Ireland Bucharest hosted the event in partnership with Bucharest University
Into Europe – Reflections on 50 years of EU membership
The UCD school of history hosted an EU50 conference, which sought to reflect on Ireland’s 50 years of membership.
Commissioner McGuinness celebrates Ireland’s 50 years of EU Membership
Mairead McGuinness addressed an event hosted by Ireland's Consulate in New York.
EU50 inaugural Iveagh House lecture with Michel Barnier
Mr Barnier delivered his Iveagh House lecture on “A European perspective on Ireland’s membership of the European Union”.
Prof. Imelda Maher and Journalist Jamie Smyth in conversation in NYC
Discussions covered Ireland’s winding path to EU membership, and how the EU can garner hope as it looks to the future
Ireland and Denmark EU50 celebration panel discussions
Discussions focused on the role of small countries in the EU, particularly how Ireland and Denmark have maximised their influence over the last 50 years.
Irish Universities Association Universities50 event
The reception highlighted the continued two-way opportunities for both Irish and European students and universities across all disciplines.
Human Rights discussion with Eamon Gilmore at Embassy Madrid
Mr Gilmore spoke about the Irish and Colombian Peace Processes, and the global Human Rights situation.
Commemoration of the 1972 Staines Air Disaster
Minister of State Thomas Byrne T.D. hosted the families of victims of the Staines Air Crash to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the tragedy.
Presentation of John Hume Bust and Address by Taoiseach Micheál Martin to the European Parliament
This bust is a reminder of John’s unwavering commitment to peace on the island of Ireland.
University of Limerick Symposium, 10-11 May 2022
The Department of Foreign Affairs, under the EU50 programme, supported a two day symposium on "The European Dimension in Irish Education".
EU50 Europe Day Celebrations
Over the course of Europe Day, 9 May, Government Ministers met with young people in schools across Ireland, to hear what Europe means to them.
Celebrating 50 Years in the EU
Taoiseach Micheál Martin addresses #IrelandEU50 Accession of Ireland to the ECC event
Gaeilge san AE
Is cuid ríthábhachtach dár bhféiniúlacht agus dár n-oidhreacht í an Ghaeilge. Ar an 1 Eanair 2022, bhain an Ghaeilge stádas iomlán amach mar theanga oifigiúil de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh. Mar gheall air seo, tá an Ghaeilge anois ar chomhchéim leis na teangacha oifigiúla eile san AE. 50 bliain tar éis dul isteach san AE, tá ár dteanga náisiúnta anois ag croílár an Aontais.
Relevant links
- Ireland and the EU: Timeline of Key Events (Houses of the Oireachtas)
- Ireland Says Yes To Europe (rte.ie)
- Ireland in the EU History
- The History of Ireland’s Accession to the European Communities (Council of the European Union)
- Conference on the Future of Europe
- Your gateway to the European Union (europa.eu)
- Ireland’s A Career for the EU Strategy
Related initiatives
EU Jobs
Find all of the latest EU Jobs news and announcements here
Global Europe
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European Movement Ireland
Since 1954, European Movement Ireland has been working to strengthen the connection between all sectors of Irish society and Europe.
Blue Star Programme
The Blue Star Programme teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects.
Communicating Europe
The Communicating Europe Initiative is aimed at deepening public awareness of the role the EU plays in our daily lives and at improving the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues.
Access Europe
Access Europe is a support and capacity-building programme for Irish civil society organisations to better access EU funds and engage in EU policy.
European Year of Youth 2022 - Leargas
2022 is the European Year of Youth, shining a light on the importance of European youth to build a better future.
Global Ireland
Although geographically a small island on the periphery of Europe, Ireland's people and our outlook are global, influenced by connecting with people and events.