This week, European Movement Ireland honoured former Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD with its European of the Year award in recognition of his contribution to Irish-EU relations.

Presenting the award, current Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD said that “Enda Kenny is someone who has always stood up for Ireland, and for Europe. (…) guiding his work at all times was his genuine appreciation of, and commitment to Europe”.

The European of the Year Award recognises and honours individuals or organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to promoting and enhancing Ireland’s place in the EU. Since it was established in 1988, the title of European of the Year has been awarded to a distinguished list of Irish individuals and organisations with diverse backgrounds in art, business, politics and public service.

In accepting the award, Iar-Thaoiseach Enda Kenny TD, said: “Ireland’s membership of the EU has transformed our country, from being backward, introverted and protectionist to outward-looking, export-oriented, with a globally confident people.”

He added: “It is Europe’s value system that makes it so strong: peace, personal dignity, freedom, opportunity, privacy. (…) A Europe that forges strong leadership and that shows real partnership can build a continent that is life giving, hopeful and popular and not one that is divisive, destructive and populist.”

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