EU50 Europe Day Celebrations

Over the course of Europe Day, 9 May, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of Ireland voting overwhelmingly to join the then EEC (10 June 1972), accompanied by EU Ambassadors, Government Ministers met with young people in schools across Ireland, to hear what Europe means to them and to answer their questions on Europe’s future.

Ministers and Ambassadors visited in particular primary schools that are part of the Blue Star Programme - which teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects - and secondary schools which are part of the European Parliament Ambassador School (EPAS) Programme - a network of secondary and vocational schools across the European Union raising awareness of European parliamentary democracy and European citizenship values.

The Houses of the Oireachtas also marked the occasion through various events and initiatives.