On 15 November, European Movement Ireland partnered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the national launch of Ireland’s Citizens’ Dialogues on the Future of Europe. Ireland’s Citizens’ Dialogues was launched by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D., the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D. and the Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee T.D. in the Science Gallery of Trinity College Dublin.

At the event, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D., encouraged all Irish citizens’ to participate in the process, stating that the future of the European Union is Ireland’s future:

“The EU is one of the most successful political projects in human history. It brought an end to war in Europe, by creating a dynamic for peace and cooperation. Ireland has benefitted considerably from our EU membership. The Customs Unions and Single Market brought about free trade, allowing our economy to grow; the Common Agricultural Policy has stabilised farm incomes, boosting our rural communities; and our entry into the EEC back in 1973 led to the abolition of the marriage bar, establishing the principle of equal pay for equal work. The Future of Europe is a great opportunity for Irish people to have their say on what the EU should be prioritising, and how Ireland could benefit, in the years ahead.”

Between now and 9 May 2018 (Europe Day) the Irish government will hold a series of public and sectoral meetings, hearing the views in person and on-line of members of the public and representative organisations.  The intention is that the views expressed on Europe will provide an input into the Irish Government’s contribution to the broader future of Europe debate.

Speaking at the launch the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D. said:

“It’s just over 40 years since we joined the EU and in another 40 years no single European Member State will have more than 1% of the world’s population.  This is why we need to stick together with our European friends.  Europe is best placed to serve our needs and project our values in an increasingly competitive and multi-polar world. But, if Europe is to find its voice in the world, we need you to give voice first to your ideas and to give us your input on Ireland’s contribution to this future of Europe debate.”

The Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee T.D., urged interested parties to get involved in the debate and added:

“Every organisation, even successful ones like the European Union, need to go through a process of renewal.  The European Union is 60 years old. We believe we need to work on a new vision of an attractive Union that the citizens of Europe can trust and support. It is crucial that the EU listens to its citizens, the future of Europe debate is about people and we need to hear their views.  That is why I am encouraging people to get involved.”

Find video of the event below: