Europe Day 2023
Marking the culmination of the Government’s EU50 programme with number of events taking place around the country and streamed online.
9 May: Europe Day 2023 marked the culmination of the Government’s EU50 programme.
This programme celebrated key milestones in Ireland’s 50 years of EU membership since joining the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1972.
'Ode To Joy'
To celebrate 50 Years of Ireland's Membership of the European Union, the Department of Foreign Affairs, together with the National Concert Hall, the European Commission and European Parliament hosted a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 performed by the National Symphony Orchestra and conducted by David Brophy, with a specially-formed choir and Irish and European soloists.
Symphony No. 9 features the much-loved ‘Ode to Joy’, recognised today as the European Anthem.
This concert complemented performances of ‘Ode to Joy’ by primary and secondary schools across the country on 8 and 9 May as part of theÁr nAmhrán / Our Anthem initiative.
The event was livestreamed and this is the recording from Tuesday, 9 May.
My EU50
Ministers and Ambassadors will meet with young people around Ireland to hear what Europe means to them and answer their questions on Europe’s future.
Many of our young people have taken part in MyEU50: The Ireland EU50 Youth Competition.
The competition aimed at primary, post-primary and third level students encouraged new ideas about Ireland and Europe. Submissions from students took the form of posters, podcasts and speeches. This initiative was led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and managed by European Movement Ireland.
50 years of membership
Since becoming a member of the European Union on 1 January 1973, there has been profound social, economic and cultural change in Ireland, shaping the country and its people, providing equality, prosperity and opportunity for Irish people everywhere.
Our progress over 50 years has been neither linear nor constant, but it amounts to a remarkable story.
It has been one of consistent solidarity and friendship from our partners around the EU table. Ireland’s story in Europe is perhaps our greatest contribution to our Union, because it is a story that proves our Union works.