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
Find out more about some of the events that have formed part of the EU50 Programme.
29 December 2022
“Ireland Lies at the Heart of Europe”
Read more
29 November 2022
Minister of State Thomas Byrne TD at Columbia University
Read more
28 November 2022
UCD School of History hosts Into Europe – reflections on 50 years
Read more
28 November 2022
Ireland and Denmark 50 years in the EU: a mid-life crisis?
Read more
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
Global Europe will particularly support countries most in need to overcome long-term developmental challenges.
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.