The European Commission this week published its fifth annual Rule of Law Report which covers developments in four key areas: justice systems, the anti-corruption framework, media freedom and pluralism, and other institutional issues linked to checks and balances. The report includes an overview of the situation in the EU as a whole as well as 27 country chapters looking at positive developments and challenges in each EU country and recommendations to each EU country. The specific recommendations for Ireland include: taking forward the necessary legislative work to reduce litigation costs; completing the reform of the Defamation act to improve the professional environment for journalists; and ensuring that rules or mechanisms are in place to provide funding for public service media that is appropriate for the realisation of its public service remit while guaranteeing its independence.

The European Commission has decided to open an infringement procedure against Ireland for not carrying out market surveillance as required by the Construction Products Regulation. The Commission is also starting infringement procedures against Ireland for failure to comply fully with the requirements of: the EU Data Governance Act; the Single European Sky Regulations; the Waste Framework Directive; and the Framework Decision on the European Arrest Warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States. Ireland now has two months to reply to the letters of formal notice. In the absence of satisfactory responses, the Commission may decide to issue reasoned opinions.

The EU and Singapore have concluded negotiations for a Digital Trade Agreement (DTA). The DTA will complement the 2019 EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, connecting both economies further and benefiting businesses and consumers that want to engage in digital trade. It will also provide binding rules that build consumer trust, ensure predictability and legal certainty for businesses, as well as removing and preventing the emergence of unjustified barriers to digital trade.

Two new European Citizens' Initiatives, entitled ‘Stop Cruelty Stop Slaughter' and ‘Stop Fake Food: Origin on Label' were this week registered by the European Commission. The organisers now have six months to open the signature collection. If a European Citizens' Initiative receives at least one million statements of support within one year with minimum numbers reached in at least seven different Member States, the Commission will have to react. The Commission will have to decide whether or not it will take action in response to the request, and will be required to explain its reasoning.

According to Eurostat, the expected average duration of working life for 15-year-olds in Ireland was 40 years in 2023, 5th highest in the EU after Netherlands (43.7 years), Sweden (43.1 years) Denmark (41.3 years) and Estonia (40.8). The EU average was 36.9 years dropping to 32.2 years in Romania. Young Irish men had an average expected duration of working life of 42.8 years in 2023 while for young Irish women it was 37.1 years. Overall, the average expected duration of working life for young Irish people in 2023 was up by 4 years from 2015 when it was 36 years.

A new Eurobarometer survey on businesses' attitudes towards corruption shows that 33% of Irish companies surveyed think the problem of corruption is widespread in their country, with only 7% considering it very widespread, joint 3rd lowest in the EU. The EU average was 64% rising to 97% in Greece. Irish companies (9%) were also the second least likely after Denmark (6%) to rate corruption as a problem for their company when doing business in Ireland. The EU average was 37%. And only 6% of Irish companies surveyed rate patronage and nepotism as a serious problem, the lowest share in the EU where the average was 38%.

84% of Irish people, joint highest in the EU with Luxembourg, consider that the EU plays an important role in helping to uphold the rule of law in their country according to a new Eurobarometer survey. The EU average is 72%. The survey also shows that 91% of Irish and 89% of European respondents consider it essential or important that all EU Member States respect the core values of the EU, including fundamental rights, the rule of law and democracy. When asked about justice in their country, 60% of Irish and 53% of EU respondents agree that judges are independent and not under the influence of political or economic interests.

In this address to the IIEA, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, will discuss the membership aspirations of Moldova and ongoing negotiations with the European Union, particularly about the necessary structural reforms underway within the country, and the feasibility of the 2030 target date for EU Accession. Another theme of his address will cover Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ongoing “grey zone” assaults on Moldova. This hybrid event takes place at 10 am on Friday 26 July.

On Tuesday lunchtime 30 July Dr Alexander Vindman, former director for European Affairs on the White House’s National Security Council, will address a hybrid IIEA event on "The Russia-Ukraine War: Its Causes, Conduct, and Geopolitical Context". In his address to the IIEA, Dr Vindman will examine the Russia-Ukraine War: Past, Present, and Future. He will discuss the roots of the war and its conduct to date, highlighting the conflict’s effects on European security, the trans-Atlantic alliance, and broader geopolitics. Dr Vindman will also provide analysis on how the war is likely to unfold and conclude.

On Wednesday lunchtime 31 July, the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland will hold their next EU Basics Webinar. This one-hour webinar will cover the following: why the EU matters in your personal life; how the EU works and why voting matters; how have half a century of EU membership influenced Ireland; and how can you get involved. Register at the link below.

The 2024 call for pilot projects is now launched and is open to sports organisations active at local level. This pilot project aims to encourage community integration of children and youth affected by humanitarian crisis and mass migration processes due to war. Sport activities, with their power of bringing people together, will help interaction with the host community, facilitate integration into the education system and the labour market. Applications are open until 17 October 2024.