EU leaders meet this week to decide on top jobs (27/06/2024)

EU leaders are meeting this afternoon and tomorrow in Brussels where they will decide on the top EU jobs for the next institutional cycle and adopt the strategic agenda 2024-2029, a policy plan that sets the EU’s direction and goals. Leaders are also expected to adopt a roadmap for future work on internal reforms to be undertaken by the EU to fulfil long-term ambitions and strengthen its capacity to deal with increasingly complex challenges. Also on the agenda are: Ukraine; the Middle East; security and defence; competitiveness; migration; foreign policy; and, hybrid threats.

European Union opens accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova (25/06/2024)

The European Union opened accessions negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova this week. Welcoming the news, President von der Leyen said: "The people of Ukraine and Moldova have demonstrated their unwavering commitment and determination to be a part of this project. Even in a time of war and turmoil they have started extensive reforms. They know, that their journey will be rigorous and demanding. The accession negotiations are designed to prepare the candidates for the responsibilities of membership. This is why there are no shortcuts. We embark on these negotiations in a strong spirit of openness, engagement, and commitment".

EU adopts 14th package of sanctions against Russia (26/06/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the adoption by the Council of the EU this week of a 14th package of sanctions against Russia. The new sanctions target high-value sectors of the Russian economy such as energy, finance and trade, and make it increasingly difficult to circumvent EU sanctions. In addition, political parties and foundations, and NGOs will no longer be allowed to accept funding from Russia, and 116 entities and individuals have been sanctioned.

Commission sends Statement of Objections to Microsoft over possibly abusive tying practices regarding Teams (25/06/2024)

The European Commission this week informed Microsoft of its preliminary view that Microsoft has breached EU antitrust rules by tying its communication and collaboration product Teams to its popular productivity applications included in its suites for businesses Office 365 and Microsoft 365. Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said: "We are concerned that Microsoft may be giving its own communication product Teams an undue advantage over competitors, by tying it to its popular productivity suites for businesses. And preserving competition for remote communication and collaboration tools is essential as it also fosters innovation on these markets. If confirmed, Microsoft’s conduct would be illegal under our competition rules".

Convergence Report reviews Member States' progress towards joining the euro area (26/06/2024)

The European Commission this week published the 2024 Convergence Report in which it provides its assessment of the progress non-euro area Member States have made towards adopting the euro. The report covers the six non-euro area Member States that are legally committed to adopting the euro: Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Sweden. It concludes that none of the six currently meets all of the criteria for joining the euro area.

EU steps up the fight against vaccine-preventable cancers under Europe's Beating Cancer Plan (21/06/2024)

The European Commission welcomed the adoption of a set of recommendations on vaccine-preventable cancers at last Friday's Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council. Proposed by the Commission in January, the recommendations aim to increase the uptake of vaccination against viruses that can lead to cancers Human papillomaviruses (HPV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV). By boosting vaccination uptake, Member States can prevent cancers caused by these viruses, save lives and reduce the pressures on health systems.

EU gains US market access for certain plants (27/06/2024)

Producers of certain plants from 21 EU Member States, which include Ireland, will soon be able to export to the United States, thanks to the European Commission’s efforts to negotiate the removal of US import restrictions. On 12 June 2024, after several years of discussions, the US published its final Notice recognising 'country free' status for 21 EU Member States for two plant pests: the Asian long-horned beetle (ALB) and the Citrus long-horned beetle (CLB). This positive result follows a long and detailed engagement with the US to see this trade restriction lifted.

EU signs agreement with Serbia to strengthen migration and border management cooperation (25/06/2024)

The European Union and Serbia have signed an agreement on operational cooperation in border management with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The agreement will allow Frontex to carry out joint operations and deploy the European Border and Coast Guard standing corps anywhere on the territory of Serbia, including its borders with neighbouring non-EU countries. Reinforcing border management along the whole migration route is essential to reduce irregular arrivals, also considering the evolving modus operandi of smugglers, and the risks of firearms trafficking and organised crime.

First Net-Zero Academy to train 100,000 workers in the EU solar photovoltaic value chain (21/06/2024)

Last Friday, the European Commission launched the European Solar Academy, the first in a series of EU Academies to be set up under the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). It is estimated that in the solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing sector alone, some 66,000 skilled workers will be needed by 2030 for the EU to meets its ambitious renewable energy targets while ensuring industrial competitiveness. The Solar Academy aims to train 100,000 workers in the solar photovoltaic value chain over the next three years.

Commission provides new evidence for approach to R&I for a more competitive Europe (27/06/2024)

A new report published this week by the European Commission highlights three main challenges for EU Research and Innovation (R&I): underutilised R&I ecosystems; persistent R&I divide; and technological gap compared to other regions of the world. The Science, Research and Innovation Performance report (SRIP) also shows that there has been an increase in EU investments in R&I over the past two decades which has contributed to the EU's competitiveness in green tech especially, and to the overall high quality of EU research.

Temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees extended until March 2026 (26/06/2024)

The Council of the EU this week adopted a decision to extend the temporary protection until 4 March 2026 for the more than 4 million Ukrainians fleeing from Russia’s war of aggression. According to their national procedures member states may have to adopt additional implementation acts to formalise the prolongation. Temporary protection provides immediate and collective protection to a large group of displaced persons who arrive in the EU and who are not in a position to return to their country of origin. It reduces pressure on national asylum systems because applications do not have to be examined individually.

New EU report looks at the inclusion of displaced Ukrainian children in the EU education system (26/06/2024)

Approximately 700,000 displaced children from Ukraine are estimated to be enrolled in schools across the EU, according to a new European Commission report on the inclusion of displaced Ukrainian children in European education systems. In Ireland, there are over 11,000 Ukrainian students enrolled in primary schools, almost 7,000 in secondary schools and over 18,600 in the third level sector. All 23 Member States that responded to the survey, which include Ireland, have mobilised support for students, families, teachers and educational institutions, across all levels of education and training. They also provide support in the language of schooling.

Strong Irish support for EU trade policy: Eurobarometer (25/06/2024)

68% of Irish people feel they benefit from trade according to a new Eurobarometer on Europeans' attitudes on trade and EU trade policy, above the EU average of 62%. The survey also showed that 85% or Irish respondents agreed that the EU is more effective at defending the trade interests of Member States' in the world than they are when acting alone - again well above the EU average of 74%. And 83% of Irish people, the second highest in the EU after Portugal at 87%, trust the EU to conduct its trade policy in an open and transparent manner. The EU average was 65%.

Renewables made up 44.7% of EU electricity production: Eurostat (27/06/2024)

Renewable energy (hydro, wind and solar PV) was the leading source of electricity in the EU in 2023, according to Eurostat, when it accounted for 44.7% of all electricity production, an increase of 12.4% on 2022. Fossil fuels were in second place accounting for 32.5 % of electricity (down from 39.4 % in 2022). The remaining 22.8% came from nuclear power, which saw a very mild recovery in 2023 compared with the record-low levels registered in 2022.

Thursday 27 and Friday 28 June: European Council, Brussels (21/06/2024)

EU leaders will discuss the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, the next institutional cycle, Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, competitiveness, and other items.

Monday 1 July:European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen to address IIEA event on the Global Gateway investment strategy (21/06/2024)

On Monday afternoon 1 July, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, will present the Global Gateway investment strategy at an IIEA hybrid event. In a time of geopolitical turmoil and subsequent global crises, which have hit the most vulnerable the hardest, Global Gateway is the European Union’s positive and holistic partnership offer to advance Sustainable Development Goals in partner countries. It reflects the new paradigm of development cooperation, stemming from the need to reset relations with the Global South and build mutually beneficial, equal partnerships to solve global challenges.

Wednesday 3 July: Webinar - Launching your EU Career: Opportunities in Crisis Management and Migration (21/06/2024)

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) recently launched a recruitment competition for Administrators (AD7) in the field of Crisis management and Migration and internal security. On Wednesday morning 3 July, Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the EU will host a webinar on this competition starting at 11:00 am (Irish time). Attendees will hear from colleagues working in this policy area, as well as hearing from EPSO regarding the competition process. Anyone interested in attending this online event should register by 2 July 2024.

Thursday 4 July: Eurofound webinar - Is Europe’s green transition in jeopardy? (26/06/2024)

On Thursday morning 10 July, Eurofound and the European Environment Agency (EEA) are hosting #EurofoundLive webinar: Is Europe's green transition in jeopardy? Join the experts Maria Jepsen, Deputy Director at Eurofound, and Riyong Kim, Head of Sustainability Transitions (STR) at the EEA, who will discuss why Europe has embarked on its green transition, what impact will be on jobs, and the prospects for Europe’s environmental policies are for the future.

Friday 5 July: Lessons for Irish Reunification from Germany (IIEA hybrid event) (21/06/2024)

On Friday 5 July at 1pm, Professor Tobias Lock will give a detailed examination of the constitutional and legal processes behind German reunification to highlight the substantial legal challenges that Irish unification would entail. Similar to German reunification, achieving Irish unity would necessitate negotiations at multiple levels: domestic, bilateral, and international, including with the EU. This process would involve integrating two distinct legal systems, addressing issues ranging from the routine to the contentious. Tobias Lock is a Professor of Law at Maynooth University and the founding director of the Maynooth Centre for European Law

Monday 15 July: Eurogroup meeting, Brussels (26/06/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Monday 15 July: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Brussels (26/06/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Tuesday 16 July: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social, Employment), Brussels (26/06/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Tuesday 16 July: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Brussels (26/06/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Thursday 18 July: Meeting of the European Political Community, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire (26/06/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Call for proposals - projects fight migrant smuggling (21/06/2024)

The European Commission has opened a call for proposals to fight agains migrant smuggling. This call, which has a budget of €12 million, will support Common Operational Partnership projects that enhance the prevention and fight against migrant smuggling and support cooperation between law enforcement, judicial authorities and other relevant services of the participating Member States and third countries. The application deadline is 4 September 2024.

Applications open for Access City Awards 2025 (27/06/2024)

Applications opened this week for the Access City Awards 2025, an EU initiative that recognises efforts by cities to become more accessible and to promote equal access to urban life for people with disabilities. The awards are open to all EU cities of over 50,000 inhabitants and to urban areas composed of two or more towns with a combined population of over 50.000 inhabitants. The winner and runners-up will receive a monetary prize: €150,000 for the first place; €120,000 for second place and €80,000 for third place. Applications are open until 10 September 2024. Dublin received a special mention in 2011 while South Dublin County received a special mention for landscape and playground areas in 2024.

2025 European Prize for Women Innovators open for applications (27/06/2024)

The European Commission this week launched the 2025 edition of the European Prize for Women Innovators. This joint initiative, supported by the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), celebrates the outstanding achievements of women entrepreneurs behind Europe's most game-changing innovations. Winners will be selected in three prize categories: EIC Women innovators, EIC Rising innovators and EIT Women leadership. The deadline for applications is 25 September 2024. A number of Irish women have won prizes in recent years.

Call for expressions of interest in order to recruit DSA (Digital Services Act) Policy Officers (CA FG IV) in the Commission's Representations (21/06/2024)

The European Commission has launched a call for expressions of interest in order to recruit DSA (Digital Services Act) Policy Officers (CA FG IV) in the Commission's Representations in the 27 Member States. Candidates must hold EU citizenship, have passed an EPSO CAST in the relevant Function Group for this position; and have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma. If you are interested in applying, please click on the link below. The deadline for applications is 16 July 2024.

ICT Experts in the European Parliament (27/06/2024)

The European Parliament has recently published two Calls for Expression of Interest for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Officers (Contract Agents – Function Group III) and ICT Experts (Contract Agent – Function Group IV). They are looking to recruit these positions in Luxembourg, Strasbourg and Brussels. Applicants must hold EU citizenship; have fulfilled any obligations imposed by national laws concerning military service; and produce the appropriate character references as to your suitability for the performance of the duties.

Commission launches stakeholder consultation on the Digital Europe Programme (27/06/2024)

The European Commission has launched a 12-week open stakeholder consultation on the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL). The consultation seeks to gain insights into the needs of stakeholders related to the digital transformation, DIGITAL's benefits and possible improvements - small and medium-sized enterprises, non-governmental organisations, academia, social partners, public authorities, and other public and private organisations and citizens from EU Member States and associated countries.

Over €32 million in grants announced under Fáilte Ireland EU Just Transition Scheme (19/06/2024)

Fáilte Ireland this week announced the first round of approved investment grants for projects under the EU Just Transition Fund which are being delivered as part of its Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023-2026, co-funded by the EU and the Government of Ireland. In total, 22 projects have been approved for €27.1 million investment. These include walking and cycling trails on former industrial peatland, and investment in Local Authority and State Agency tourism and visitor experience projects in the Midlands Region. Head of the Commission Representation in Ireland Barbara Nolan, said: "Investing in sustainable tourism will not only generate local jobs but is also a step further in positioning the Midlands as an attractive tourist destination in the heart of Ireland".

Council of the EU adopts Nature Restoration Law (18/06/2024)

EU Environment Ministers this week formally adopted the – first of its kind – regulation on nature restoration. This law aims to put measures in place to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. It sets specific, legally binding targets and obligations for nature restoration in terrestrial, marine, freshwater, forest, agricultural and urban ecosystems. Specific measures include protecting pollinators and grassland butterflies, protecting urban green spaces and planting at least three billion additional trees by 2030 at the EU level.

European Commission publishes Spring 2024 Post-Programme Surveillance Report for Ireland (19/06/2024)

As part of its 2024 European Semester Spring Package, the European Commission published this week the Spring 2024 Post-Programme Surveillance Report for Ireland. Post-programme surveillance reports assess the economic, fiscal and financial situation of Member States that have benefited from financial assistance programmes, focusing on their repayment capacity. Ireland retains the capacity to repay its debt according to the report. The European Semester package also includes country reports analysing the economic, employment and social developments in each EU country, including Ireland, and providing policy guidance

President von der Leyen calls for a “comprehensive, just and sustainable peace” for Ukraine at Summit on Peace (18/06/2024)

Speaking at last weekend's Summit on Peace in Ukraine, which took place in Bürgenstock (Switzerland), President von der Leyen said: “Freezing the conflict today, with foreign troops occupying Ukrainian land, is not the answer. Instead, we need to support a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace for Ukraine. One that restores Ukraine's sovereignty and its territorial integrity. The inviolability of all borders. The sovereignty of all nations. This is at stake.” This peace, the President stressed, needs to be based on a firm commitment to the Charter of the United Nations.

EU leaders discuss the candidates for the new heads of EU institutions (18/06/2024)

At an informal meeting this week, EU leaders started discussions on the next institutional cycle, including EU top jobs. The discussions will continue with a view to taking a decision at the formal European Council on 27-28 June. All nomination processes are laid out in the Treaty on European Union (TEU), one of the EU’s primary treaties. Any decision by the European Council needs to reflect the diversity of the EU in terms of geography, country size, gender and political affiliation.

Commission funds Regional Innovation Valleys with €116 million to strengthen competitiveness and promote innovation (20/06/2024)

The European Commission has identified 151 regions in the EU as Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs), as part of the New European Innovation Agenda (NEIA). By bringing together a range of regions across Europe with different innovation levels and linking up their key innovation actors, RIVs aim to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems, bridge the innovation gap in Europe and improve Europe's overall innovation performance. The EU will support this initiative with €116 million. The three Irish regions are included in the 151 - the Northern and Western region, the Southern region and the Eastern and Midland region.

European Climate Pact Ambassadors meet in Dublin (20/06/2024)

Ireland's South East Energy Agency (SSEA) hosted the first European Climate Pact National Conference in Dublin this week. The aim of the Conference was to improve networking, engagement and collaboration between the Pact Community, the European Commission Representation in Ireland, and the country coordinator (SEEA), who are all working towards the shared goal of building a more sustainable Europe and helping the EU to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. The conference was addressed, among others, by Helen Kearns, Head of Communications at the Commission Representation, and by Paulo Caridi, Head of Unit in the Commission's Directorate General for Climate Action. They both welcomed Ireland's 18 new EU Climate Pact Ambassadors and commended them on the important role they are undertaking in their communities.

Commission launches new public procurement portal (20/06/2024)

The European Commission this week launched an online platform providing easy-to-access information on the rules governing public procurement for contracting entities in the EU Member States. This new tool, “Procurement for Buyers”, will serve as a portal for public procurement entities in Member States, helping them understand and apply international procurement rules in a clear and consistent manner. It will also help EU contracting entities identify which bidders are eligible to participate in public procurement procedures in EU Member States.

Commission decides to register two new European Citizens' Initiatives (19/06/2024)

The European Commission this week decided to register two European Citizens' Initiatives, entitled ‘Air-Quotas' and ‘Stop Destroying Videogames'. The ‘Air-Quotas' initiative calls for the Commission to establish a citizens' carbon quota mechanism in each country that will encourage businesses to decarbonise through consumer demand. The organisers of the ‘Stop Destroying Videogames' initiative call for the Commission to introduce a requirement for publishers selling or licensing videogames in the EU to leave such games in a functional (playable) state, and to prevent publishers from remotely disabling videogames.

MSCA co-funds doctoral training and postdoctoral fellowship programmes with €96.2 million (18/06/2024)

The European Commission this week announced the results of the 2023 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) call for Co-funding of regional, national and international programmes (COFUND), part of the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation Horizon Europe. The Commission is to provide €96.2 million to fund 27 COFUND projects. They include 12 doctoral training programmes and 15 post-doctoral fellowship programmes of outstanding quality. Three of the 27 projects are based in Ireland.

EU begins dispute settlement proceedings against Algeria to defend European companies (18/06/2024)

The EU has launched a dispute settlement case against Algeria and requested consultations with Algerian authorities to address several restrictions imposed on EU exports and investments. The EU considers that, by imposing these trade restrictive measures since 2021, Algeria is not respecting its trade liberalisation commitments under the EU-Algeria Association Agreement. The EU's aim is to engage constructively with Algeria with a view to removing the restrictions on several market sectors, spanning from agricultural products to motor vehicles.

Team Europe announces over €750 million to the African Vaccines Manufacturing Accelerator (20/06/2024)

The European Union and its Member States have announced that they will contribute over €750 million, including close to €220 million from the EU budget, to the African Vaccines Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) launched this week in Paris. Through this innovative instrument, developed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance together with Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), it will be possible to enhance the predictability of demand for vaccines made in Africa and to support the sustainable growth of Africa's manufacturing base. The EU and its Member States France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Luxembourg are together the largest contributors to the initiative.

EU to provide €99 million in humanitarian assistance for Democratic Republic of the Congo (19/06/2024)

During a visit this week to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič announced EU plans to provide close to €99 million in total in humanitarian assistance for the country this year. Between conflict, poverty, malnutrition and frequent disease outbreaks, humanitarian needs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are among the highest in the world. There are currently over 7 million displaced people within the DRC – the second highest number in Africa, after Sudan.

Ireland second most expensive for household goods and services in the EU in 2023: Eurostat (20/06/2024)

New figures from Eurostat show that the cost of household goods and services in Ireland was at 142% of the EU average in 2023, just behind Denmark in top place at 143%. Ireland was the most expensive country in the EU for tobacco (258% of the EU average) and the second most expensive for alcohol (201%). It also had the third highest prices for restaurants and hotels (128% of the EU average). The cost of food was also above the EU average (111%). Clothing, however, was a little below the EU average (96%). Overall, the cheapest countries in the EU were Bulgaria and Romania (each at 60% of the EU average).

Ireland second highest for per capita GDP in the EU in 2023 but AIC below the EU average: Eurostat (19/06/2024)

Per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Ireland stood at 211% of the EU average in 2023, second only to Luxembourg at 239%, according to new figures published this week by Eurostat. However, the figures also show that Active Individual Consumption (AIC) was below the EU average in Ireland (94%) in 2023. AIC includes all goods and services that households use, irrespective of whether they were purchased and paid for by households directly, by government, or by nonprofit organisations and can be considered as an indicator of the material welfare of households. AIC was highest in Luxembourg in 2023 at 138% of the EU average.

Ireland has the second lowest share of organic farming in the EU: Eurostat (19/06/2024)

Ireland had the joint 2nd lowest share (with Bulgaria) of agricultural land devoted to organic farming in the EU in 2022 at just over 2%, well below the EU average of 10.5%, according to Eurostat. Only Malta (1%) had a lower share than Ireland. The figures show that Austria at 27% had the highest share, followed by Estonia (23%) and Sweden (20%). Overall, the share of land used for organic farming in the EU is increasing - from 14.7 million hectares in 2020 to 16.9 million hectares in 2022.

Expenditure on pensions as a share of GDP lowest in Ireland: Eurostat (18/06/2024)

New data from Eurostat show that just over 27% of the EU population were pension beneficiaries in 2021, with around 80% of them being old age pensioners. Approximately €1,882 billion, or 12.9% of the total gross domestic product (GDP) of the EU, was spent on pensions in 2021. In terms of share of GDP, the highest expenditure was in Greece at 16.4% while the lowest was in Ireland at 4.5%.

Friday 21 June: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Luxembourg (18/06/2024)

On the agenda: VAT in the digital age; the state of play of the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF); the state of play of the economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine; the 2024 European Semester Spring Package; tax issues; and, the state of play of legislative proposals in the field of financial services.

Friday 21 June: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Health), Luxembourg (18/06/2024)

On the agenda: the regulatory incentives set out in the revision of the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation; vaccine-preventable cancers; and, the future of the European Health Union.

Monday 24 June: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Luxembourg (18/06/2024)

On the agenda: the future of agriculture in the EU and the state of play of sustainable fishing in the EU and the orientations for the exercise of setting fishing opportunities for 2025.

Monday 24 June: Foreign Affairs Council, Luxembourg (18/06/2024)

On the agenda: the Russian aggression against Ukraine; the situation in the Middle East; an exchange of views on Western Balkans; recent developments in Georgia; and the Great Lakes region.

Tuesday 25 June: Dublin Briefing: The many faces of self-employment – How to pave the way for greater social protection, Europe House, Dublin 2 (18/06/2024)

In cooperation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Eurofound is organising its latest Dublin Briefing, on self-employment, on Tuesday morning 25 June at Europe House, 12-14 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. The in-person, off-the record briefing with Eurofound experts will examine self-employment and platform work and how to improve the situation of these workers. Drawing on the latest data from Eurofound’s European Working Conditions Telephone Survey, the expert briefing will cover the working conditions of different groups of self-employed people. While most self-employed people enjoy good working conditions, autonomy and good earning potential, the policy debate at both EU and Member State level has increasingly focused on the most vulnerable, especially those finding themselves in false and bogus self-employment. If you are interested in attending this event, please register at the link below.

Tuesday 25 June: General Affairs Council, Luxembourg (18/06/2024)

Ministers will continue preparations for the European Council meeting on 27 and 28 June 2024 by discussing draft conclusions. They will also discuss: Ukraine; the Middle East; security and defence; competitiveness; the next institutional cycle. In public session, ministers will hold a policy debate on the directive on transparency of interest representation on behalf of third countries.

Wednesday 26 June: Addressing Myths and Misconceptions amidst the Rise of right-wing Populism (IIEA online event) (18/06/2024)

In his presentation Gerald Knaus, founder and chairman of the European Stability Initiative, will argue that migration fears drive populist leaders like Viktor Orban and Donald Trump to undermine post-war liberal democracies. Using examples from Austria, France, Italy, and Germany, Dr Knaus will demonstrate how these fears have enabled the far-right to achieve their strongest results in recent European elections. He will offer suggestions on how to improve migration management in Europe by moving towards a more humane legal system which balances border control and human rights by introducing fast and fair asylum procedures, strategic deportations, and legal mobility for migrants. He will also discuss partnership agreements and other options to deter illegal migration. This online event takes place at 1pm on Wednesday 26 June.

Thursday 27 June: A Less Fractured Union? Where Next for the UK’s Territorial Constitution after General Election 2024? (IIEA hybrid event) (19/06/2024)

In his address to the IIEA, Michael Kenny will discuss the main themes of his new book, Fractured Union, which provides a comprehensive analysis of how and why the UK’s Union has, in his opinion, come near to breaking apart in recent years. Michael Kenny is Professor of Public Policy and the inaugural Director of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at the University of Cambridge. This hybrid event takes place at 1 pm on Thursday 27 June.

Thursday 27 and Friday 28 June: European Council, Brussels (18/06/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Wednesday 3 July: Webinar - Launching your EU Career: Opportunities in Crisis Management and Migration (20/06/2024)

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) recently launched a recruitment competition for Administrators (AD7) in the field of Crisis management and Migration and internal security. On Wednesday morning 3 July, Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the EU will host a webinar on this competition starting at 11:00 am (Irish time). Attendees will hear from colleagues working in this policy area, as well as hearing from EPSO regarding the competition process. Anyone interested in attending this online event should register by 2 July 2024.

Call for expressions of interest in order to recruit DSA (Digital Services Act) Policy Officers (CA FG IV) in the Commission's Representations (18/06/2024)

The European Commission has launched a call for expressions of interest in order to recruit DSA (Digital Services Act) Policy Officers (CA FG IV) in the Commission's Representations in the 27 Member States. Candidates must hold EU citizenship, have passed an EPSO CAST in the relevant Function Group for this position; and have a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma. If you are interested in applying, please click on the link below. The deadline for applications is 16 July 2024.

Public consultation on Creative Europe (18/06/2024)

The European Commission has opened a public consultation to collect feedback from everyone, in addition to the organisations and individuals directly involved in or benefiting from the Creative Europe programme. The consultation is open until 6 September 2024. Creative Europe is the European Commission's programme for providing support to the cultural and audiovisual sectors.

Public consultation on the European Capitals of Culture (19/06/2024)

The European Commission has opened a public consultation to seek feedback from all stakeholders involved in the implementation, management, and delivery of the European Capital of Culture (ECoC) action as well as from the wider public who are either interested or participate in culture. The consultation is open until 24 September 2024.

Public consultation on 2025-27 priorities for New European Bauhaus Facility (20/06/2024)

The European Commission is inviting all interested parties to participate in a consultation process to help define the 2025-27 roadmap for the New European Bauhaus Facility. The NEB Facility is a unique EU funding tool that aims to revitalise neighbourhoods through design for sustainability and inclusion. The consultation launched today seeks to gather information on specific needs on the ground and as well as most cutting-edge ideas required for comprehensive transformation of neighbourhoods for the better. This will help the Commission develop the roadmap that will guide the facility's implementation in the 2025-27 period. The consultation is open until 17 September 2024.

Public consultation on the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) (20/06/2024)

The European Commission has launched a consultation to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the common fisheries policy (CFP). The consultation aims to gather evidence and different perspectives on the CFP from a range of stakeholders, including individuals, the fisheries and the maritime sectors, non-governmental and other organisations, and national administrations from Member States. The consultation is open until 6 September 2024.

Message from Barbara Nolan, Head of Representation (13/06/2024)

While counting continues in the European Elections, good news has arrived from European Commission HQ in Brussels. South Korea, one of the biggest import markets for beef in the world, has officially opened its market for Irish and French beef, which is good news for Irish beef producers. Earlier this week, I was delighted to attend European Movement Ireland’s, European of the Year ceremony, in honour of Minister Paschal Donohue, President of the Eurogroup. You can see more in the links below.

Trade barriers removed from exports of Irish and French beef to Republic of Korea (13/06/2024)

In a significant development for the European beef industry, the Republic of Korea has officially opened market access for beef from Ireland and France. This positive result follows consistent representations made by the Commission, including through direct outreach by Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis in Seoul last November, when he raised the removal of restrictions on imports of EU beef with ministers and parliamentarians. The Republic of Korea is one of the biggest import markets for beef in the world.

Commission presents the Common Implementation Plan for the Pact on Migration and Asylum (12/06/2024)

The Common Implementation Plan for the Pact on Migration and Asylum sets out the key milestones for all Member States to put in place the legal and operational capabilities required to successfully start applying the new legislation by mid-2026. In addition, the EU Agencies will also provide both operational and targeted support to the Member States throughout this process. It provides a template for the National Implementation Plans to be adopted by Member States by the end of this year. It groups the legal, technical and operational work into 10 building blocks to focus and facilitate the practical implementation efforts.

Commission investigation provisionally concludes that electric vehicle value chains in China benefit from unfair subsidies (12/06/2024)

As part of its ongoing investigation, the European Commission has provisionally concluded that the battery electric vehicles (BEV) value chain in China benefits from unfair subsidisation, which is causing a threat of economic injury to EU BEV producers. The investigation also examined the likely consequences and impact of measures on importers, users and consumers of BEVs in the EU. Consequently, the Commission has reached out to Chinese authorities to discuss these findings and explore possible ways to resolve the issues identified in a WTO-compatible manner.

The EU signs €1.4 billion of new guarantee and grant agreements to support Ukraine's recovery and attract private sector investments (12/06/2024)

At Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024 in Berlin, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the signature of €1.4 billion in new guarantee and grant agreements to support Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, as part of the Ukraine Facility's Investment Framework. These agreements underscore the EU's steadfast commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

President of Eurogroup Paschal Donohoe Awarded European of the Year (12/06/2024)

European Movement Ireland honoured President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe as European of the Year at a ceremony on Monday, 10 June. The award recognises individuals and organisations who have made an outstanding contribution to promoting and enhancing Ireland’s place within the EU.

Commission proposes to extend temporary protection for people fleeing Russian aggression against Ukraine until March 2026 (12/06/2024)

The European Commission has proposed to extend the temporary protection for people fleeing Russia's aggression against Ukraine for another year, from 5 March 2025 to 4 March 2026. Given continued Russian attacks on the civil and critical infrastructure across Ukraine, safe and durable conditions for the return of people to Ukraine are not currently in place. The Commission therefore considers that the reasons for temporary protection persist, and that it should be prolonged for another year as a necessary and appropriate response to the current situation.

EU law on combatting violence against women enters into force (13/06/2024)

The first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence enter into force on 13 June. Violence against women and domestic violence affect an estimated one in three of the 228 million women in the EU. By criminalising certain forms of violence against women across the EU, including online, and strengthening victims’ access to justice, protection and support, the Directive aims to ensure the fundamental rights of equal treatment and non-discrimination between women and men.

Commission sends request for information on illegal content and protection of minors to Pornhub, XVideos and Stripchat under the Digital Services Act (13/06/2024)

The Commission sent Pornhub, Stripchat and XVideos requests for information under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission is requesting the companies to provide more detailed information on the measures they have taken to diligently assess and mitigate risks related to the protection of minors online, as well as the to prevent the amplification of illegal content and gender-based violence. Among others the Commission is requiring details on age assurance mechanisms adopted by these pornographic platforms.

Commission secures access for Member States to 665,000 doses of zoonotic influenza vaccines to prevent avian flu (12/06/2024)

The European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) as part of its mandate on preparedness, has signed on behalf of participating Member States, a joint procurement framework contract for the supply of up to 665,000 pre-pandemic vaccine doses of the up-to-date Zoonotic Influenza Vaccine Seqirus, as well as an option for a further 40 million doses over the duration of the contract. Thanks to this contract the participating Member States will have access to medical countermeasures to prevent avian flu.

EU Justice Scoreboard 2024 shows that perception of judicial independence has improved (12/06/2024)

The European Commission published the twelfth edition of the EU Justice Scoreboard, an annual overview providing comparative data on the efficiency, quality, and independence of justice systems among the EU Member States. Compared to last year, the public's perception of judicial independence has improved, also in countries that had experienced systemic challenges.

Progress on recovery of fish populations - fish stocks in North-East Atlantic on average within healthy ranges (07/06/2024)

The overall sustainability of EU fisheries continues to gradually improve and fewer stocks are overfished, according to a new Commission Communication ‘Sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2025'. The Communication highlights that fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic, and particularly in EU waters, are on average within healthy ranges, proving that EU sustainable fisheries management decisions and fishers' efforts are paying off. However, several species essential for ecosystem balance and commercial purposes continue to underperform. The news for fish stocks in the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea is less positive.

New EU rules make high-value datasets available to fuel artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation (13/06/2024)

New EU rules on making more public datasets available for reuse have started applying since 9 June. These so-called ‘high-value datasets' contain information on six thematic areas laid out in the Open Data Directive: geospatial, earth observation and environment, meteorological, statistics, companies and mobility.

EU announces €150 million in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan crisis (12/06/2024)

In view of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the EU has activated its emergency aid reserve to avoid a risk of famine in the country. This will bring the total EU response to nearly €150 million in humanitarian aid for this crisis in 2024. This funding will support partners working inside Afghanistan (nearly €126 million) and responding to the need of Afghan refugees in Pakistan (over €11 million) and for humanitarian organisations in Iran (nearly 11 million), as well as strengthening disaster preparedness.

Commission publishes transition pathway for a resilient, sustainable and digital aerospace industrial ecosystem (07/06/2024)

The European Commission has published the transition pathway for the aerospace ecosystem. The pathway is a dynamic roadmap to support the green and digital transition of the aerospace ecosystem, as well as to improve its resilience and competitiveness. The aerospace ecosystem's stakeholders will be invited in the next weeks to propose commitments to turn the pathway into reality, with the Commission's support and cooperation.

Commission launches Destination Earth system in Finland to help climate change adaptation (12/06/2024)

The European Commission activated the initial Destination Earth (DestinE) system in the presence of Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager and the Finnish Minister for employment, Arto Satonen. DestinE is a flagship initiative of the Commission, aiming to develop a highly accurate digital twin of the Earth. Deployment of the DestinE system means that the Europe's High-performance computers (EuroHPC), including the LUMI supercomputer in Kajaani, Finland, have been tasked to simulate the effects of climate change and extreme weather events. Thanks to this initiative, Europe will be better prepared to respond to major natural disasters, adapt to climate change and assess the potential socioeconomic and policy impacts of such events.

Over 19% of people in Ireland at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2023 (13/06/2024)

19.2% of the people in Ireland in 2023 were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This means that they lived in households experiencing at least one of the three poverty and social exclusion risks: risk of poverty, severe material and social deprivation, and/or living in a household with very low work intensity. The figure for Ireland is slightly lower than the average for the EU of 21% of the population or 94.6 million people living at risk. The shares of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion varied across the EU in 2023. The highest values were reported in Romania (32%), Bulgaria (30%), Spain (27%) and Greece (26%). On the other hand, the lowest shares were recorded in Czechia (12%), Slovenia (14%), Finland and Poland (both 16%), according to the data published by Eurostat.

Thursday 13 and Friday 14 June: Justice and Home Affairs Council, Luxembourg (07/06/2024)

On the agenda: the state of play of a legislative proposal to combat child sexual abuse; the extension of the temporary protection for persons having fled from Ukraine after the start of the war; the Schengen area; the pact on asylum and migration; progress achieved in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime; internal security; a proposed regulation to facilitate the recognition in a member state of the parenthood of a child which has been established in another member state; and the update of the directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.

Monday 17 June: Environment Council, Luxembourg (07/06/2024)

On the agenda: the revision of the waste framework directive; the green claims directive; the soil monitoring directive; Europe's 2040 climate target and path to climate neutrality by 2050; and the mid-term review of the 8th environment action programme.

Monday 17 June: Informal meeting of leaders, Brussels (07/06/2024)

Following the European Parliament elections, EU leaders will discuss the next institutional cycle. The European Council is central in designating the next high-profile EU-level roles. Any decision by the European Council needs to reflect the diversity of the EU in terms of geography, country size, gender and political affiliation. All these procedures are laid out in the Treaty on European Union (TEU), one of the EU’s primary treaties.

Tuesday 18 June: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, Brussels (07/06/2024)

On the agenda: maritime safety and inland waterways; greening freight transport; and EU efforts towards achieving its road safety objectives.

Wednesday 19 June: European Climate Pact National Conference (12/06/2024)

South East Energy Agency invites you to attend the European Climate Pact National Conference on Wednesday, 19th June 2024, 09:00 to 15:00, at Wynn’s Hotel, Dublin. The Conference aims to improve networking, engagement, collaboration between Pact Community, European Commission Representative in Ireland, and Country Coordinator (SEEA), to deliver the Climate Pact in Ireland. The Head of Unit, Communication and Civil Society at DG CLIMA who is also in charge of the Climate Pact, the Head of Communications, European Commission’s Representation, Dublin, Climate Pact Ambassadors, members of the Pact Community, UCC, LAs, SEAI, and people passionate about the climate will also be attending this event.

Wednesday 19 June: ICEL conference, RIA, Dublin (07/06/2024)

The Irish Centre for European Law (ICEL) is hosting its annual Privacy and Data Protection Conference in the Royal Irish Academy, 19 Dawson St, Dublin 2, on Wednesday 19 June. This hybrid event will feature leading practitioners and experts providing updates on important and topical issues including: Professor Christopher Kuner (remote), on the international data transfers; Professor Eleni Kosta on how the CJEU is shaping developments in data retention; and Dr David Fennelly BL on damage compensation for data protection claims.

Thursday 20 June: Eurogroup meeting, Luxembourg (07/06/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Thursday 20: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social Policy), Luxembourg (07/06/2024)

On the agenda: the European Works Council Directive; a proposed directive prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in areas other than employment; the Spring Package of the European Semester, the EU’s framework for coordinating and monitoring economic and social policies; and, the social dimension of the internal market.

Friday 21 June: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Luxembourg (07/06/2024)

On the agenda: VAT in the digital age; the state of play of the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF); the state of play of the economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine; the 2024 European Semester Spring Package; tax issues; and, the state of play of legislative proposals in the field of financial services.

Friday 21 June: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Health), Luxembourg (07/06/2024)

On the agenda: the regulatory incentives set out in the revision of the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation; vaccine-preventable cancers; and, the future of the European Health Union.

Administrators in the field of statistics (12/06/2024)

The EU is seeking highly qualified professionals in the field of data and statistics, as well as macroeconomic statistics. Successful candidates will be recruited at the administrator grades AD 6 and AD 7, respectively.

Commission seeks feedback on draft targeted amendments to rules on small amounts of State aid to the agricultural sector (07/06/2024)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation inviting all interested parties to comment on draft targeted amendments to the rules on small amounts of aid to the agricultural sector (‘Agricultural de minimis Regulation'). All interested parties can respond to the public consultation until 21 July 2024. The Agricultural de minimis Regulation exempts small amounts from State aid control since they are deemed to have no impact on competition and trade in the Single Market. Member States can currently grant support to the agricultural sector of up to €20,000 per beneficiary over a period of three fiscal years without prior notification for Commission approval.

Commission launches consultations on fisheries and maritime activities funding programmes (13/06/2024)

The European Commission launched two consultations to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of past and current funding programmes for fisheries and maritime activities.

Survey about the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (12/06/2024)

Are you between 15-29 years old? Then, we are keen to hear your views on certain aspects of the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027. The Strategy aims to encourage young people to participate in democratic life, support social and civic engagement, and ensure that all young people have the resources they need to play an active part in society. Your answers will be included in the next EU Youth Report on the progress of the Strategy during the years 2022-2024. They will complement results of other consultations to provide a better picture of young people’s views and how to give young people a stronger voice in EU policymaking. This survey is available until 30/06/2024.

Survey on Europe-by-Satellite (12/06/2024)

Are you a Europe-by-Satellite user? We would like to get your feedback! Thank you for taking this short survey on Europe by Satellite (EbS) and its programming. Tell us what you appreciate, and what we could improve.

Message from Barbara Nolan, Head of Representation (06/06/2024)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues from Eurofound, DG Health in Grange (Co Meath) and European Movement Ireland for their invaluable support at our gold medal-winning ‘In Perspective’ show garden at Bloom last weekend. Our partnership with Bord Bia and the very talented garden designers, Oliver and Liat Schurmann, was a great success and allowed us to meet and engage with almost 80,000 people over the festival. This outreach project was new territory for the Representation and we could not have done it without the many volunteers who gave up their time over the bank holiday weekend to support us. Well done everyone!

EU supports President Biden's three-phase Gaza plan (05/06/2024)

The European Union is giving its full support to the comprehensive roadmap presented by President Biden, that would lead to an enduring ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and a surge of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. In a statement this week the High Representative, Josep Borrell, said: "The EU urges both parties to accept and fulfil the three-phase proposal and stands ready to contribute to reviving a political process for a lasting and sustainable peace, based on the two state solution, and to support a coordinated international effort to rebuild Gaza".

Almost 400 hundred Irish 18 year-olds receive Discover EU travel passes (04/06/2024)

398 young Irish people are to receive travel passes from the European Commission to travel around Europe this summer under the results of the latest round of the DiscoverEU scheme announced this week. They will also receive a European Youth Card, offering discounts on cultural visits, learning activities, sports, local transportation, accommodation, and food. DiscoverEU is an action of the Erasmus+ programme that offers 18-year-old residents of EU Member States and countries associated to Erasmus+ the opportunity to explore Europe’s diversity, learn about its cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from all over the continent. Applications for the scheme open twice per year, in spring and autumn.

McDonald’s loses the EU trade mark Big Mac in respect of poultry products (05/06/2024)

The Court of Justice of the EU this week published its ruling in the case of Supermac's v. EUIPO - McDonald’s International Property (BIG MAC). Supermac’s and McDonald’s, an Irish and American fast-food chain respectively, are involved in a dispute regarding the EU trade mark Big Mac. That trade mark had been registered for McDonald’s in 1996. In 2017, Supermac’s filed an application for revocation of that mark in relation to certain goods and services. It submitted that the mark had not been put to genuine use in the European Union in connection with those goods and services within a continuous period of five years. The Court held that McDonald’s has not proved genuine use within a continuous period of five years in the European Union in connection with poultry products.

Large majority of Irish people aware of EU role in crisis management: Eurobarometer (05/06/2024)

A new Eurobarometer survey on Perceptions of EU Crisis Management shows that over 9 in 10 Irish people are aware of the EU’s efforts in responding to cross-border crises (health emergencies, natural disasters and conflicts). In fact, 21% of Irish respondents (the highest share in the EU) say that they (or people around them) have directly benefitted from EU support in response to a major crisis. A large majority of Irish people also think that the EU's response to potential crisis scenarios affecting Ireland and neighbouring countries would be effective. And more than 7 in 10 Irish people agree that the EU should be provided with the necessary resources to anticipate, prepare for and respond to major crises, even if this means slightly reducing EU funding in other areas.

Young people in Ireland most likely to be contemplating a move abroad: Eurofound report (05/06/2024)

A new report from Eurofound shows that 61% of young people in Ireland are either planning (35%) or wishing (26%) to move to a different country within three years, the highest overall share in the EU. When it comes to actually planning to move, the highest shares were in Cyprus (50%) while the lowest were in Finland (8%). The Eurofound report "Becoming adults: Young people in a post-pandemic world" also shows that 40% of young Irish people aged 25-34 and in employment are still living with their parents. This compares to just 2% in Sweden and Finland. The highest shares of employed 25-34 year olds living with their parents were in Croatia (65%) and Greece (57%),

Commission kick-starts work on a new pilot mechanism to boost the hydrogen market (05/06/2024)

The European Commission this week launched work on a hydrogen pilot mechanism to collect, process and give access to information on demand and supply for renewable, low-carbon hydrogen and derivatives, allowing European off-takers to match with both European and foreign suppliers. EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said: "This mechanism will help us better understand and identify where hydrogen demand and supply are emerging. The information that will be available will help us create bridges between European off-takers and hydrogen suppliers both within and outside the EU, preparing the ground for future auctions under the European Hydrogen Bank".

European elections: EU institutions prepared to counter disinformation (06/06/2024)

The EU institutions are playing their part to defend the European elections on 6-9 June against disinformation and information manipulation targeting European democracy. Institutions, authorities, civil society actors and fact-checkers such as the European Digital Media Observatory, the European Fact-Checking Standards Network and EUvsDisinfo have detected and exposed numerous attempts to mislead voters with manipulated information in recent months.

EU trade support measures for Ukraine enter into force (06/06/2024)

The suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the European Union have been extended for another year, following this week's entry into force of the regulation adopted by the Council on 13 May. These so-called Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) are a pillar of the EU's support to Ukraine's economy, providing access to the EU market in the face of Russia's relentless aggression. The measures are also mindful of EU stakeholders' concerns and contain a reinforced safeguard mechanism and an emergency brake applies to eggs, poultry, sugar, oats, maize, groats, and honey. The new ATMs will be in effect until 5 June 2025.

Commission designates Temu as Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act (31/05/2024)

The European Commission has formally designated Temu as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Temu is an online marketplace with an average of more than 45 million monthly users in the European Union which puts it above the DSA threshold for designation as a VLOP. This means that it will have to comply with the most stringent rules under the DSA within four months of its notification, such as the obligation to duly assess and mitigate any systemic risks stemming from their services, including the listing and sale of counterfeit goods, unsafe or illegal products, and items that infringe intellectual property rights.

More than 27,000 unitary patents registered in the first, successful year of the Unitary Patent system (31/05/2024)

During the first successful year of application of the Unitary Patent system, the European Patent Office (EPO) has already registered more than 27,000 unitary patents. This means that on average, almost one in four (23%) granted European patents apply across all participating Member States. This rate is also steadily increasing. The uptake rate reaches almost 50% among applicants established in Denmark and Poland, and about 40% in Spain. Most patents are awarded for medical technology (31%), civil engineering (6%) and transport (5%).

Council signs off on measures to make the EU mercury-free (05/06/2024)

The Council of the EU last week adopted a regulation to completely ban the use of dental amalgams and to prohibit manufacturing, import and export of other mercury-added products. Current rules already ban the use of dental amalgam for treating teeth in children under 15 years old, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. The new rules will extend the prohibition to include everybody in the EU as of 1 January 2025.

Council adopts new measures to help prevent shortages of medical devices (05/06/2024)

The Council of the EU last week adopted new rules updating the law on medical devices in order to help prevent shortages and ease the transition to greater transparency and access to information. In 2017, new rules were introduced to modernise and update the EU framework for IVDs, guaranteeing their safety and effectiveness. The amendment adopted last week extends the deadline for transitioning to the new system under certain conditions, to avoid shortages of critical IVDs without compromising on safety.

EU represented 15.2% of world’s GDP in 2021: Eurostat (05/06/2024)

The EU's gross domestic product (GDP) represented 15.2% of world GDP when expressed in purchasing power standards (PPS) in 2021 according to Eurostat putting it in third place behind China with about 18.9% of world GDP and the United States with 15.5%. India was in 4th place with 7.2%. Five EU countries had a share larger than 1% of world GDP: Germany (3.4%), France (2.4%), Italy (1.9%), Spain (1.4%) and Poland (1.0%). They collectively contributed about 10.1% to world GDP.

Thursday 6 and Friday 7 June: EU Civil Protection Forum, Brussels (06/06/2024)

The European civil protection community is meeting in Brussels today and tomorrow to discuss lessons learned and ways forward in civil protection during the 8th edition of the European Civil Protection Forum. The European Commission is organising this conference under the theme of shaping a disaster-resilient Union: charting a path for the future of European civil protection. The event will be a timely opportunity to look back at what has been achieved by the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, and to generate ideas for development, innovation and collaboration in the field of disaster risk management going forward.

Tuesday 11 to Wednesday 12 June: Ukraine Recovery Conference, Berlin (06/06/2024)

The URC2024 is a continuation of the annual series of high-level political events dedicated to the swift recovery and long-term reconstruction of Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine. It is also the first Ukraine Recovery Conference hosted in an EU member state and comes at a critical time for Ukraine. The key goal of the URC2024 is to mobilise continued international support for recovery, reconstruction, reform, and modernization of Ukraine. This includes providing emergency assistance for immediate needs, implementing rapid recovery projects and creating attractive conditions for businesses to unlock the private sector investments in Ukraine, and civil society to actively engage in the reconstruction process.

Thursday 13 June: Monthly EU basics webinars (31/05/2024)

The European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland is hosting a one-hour webinar on EU basics from 12 noon to 1pm on Thursday 13 June. The webinar will offer an introduction into how the European Union works and what role it plays in our lives. Each webinar will start with a presentation followed by a Q&A for participants. There is no prior knowledge required. The topics covered range from the EU’s law making process, to areas where the EU makes rules and where it does not, to how half a century of EU membership have influenced Ireland. Anyone interested to participate can register via the links below.

Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 June: G7 summit, Apulia, Italy (31/05/2024)

The G7 Summit will be held in Borgo Egnazia (Fasano) in Apulia, on June 13-15, 2024. The event will bring together the Leaders of the seven member States, as well as the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission representing the European Union.

Thursday 13 and Friday 14 June: Justice and Home Affairs Council, Luxembourg (31/05/2024)

On the agenda: the state of play of a legislative proposal to combat child sexual abuse; the extension of the temporary protection for persons having fled from Ukraine after the start of the war; the Schengen area; the pact on asylum and migration; progress achieved in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime; internal security; a proposed regulation to facilitate the recognition in a member state of the parenthood of a child which has been established in another member state; and the update of the directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.

Monday 17 June: Environment Council, Luxembourg (31/05/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available shortly at the link below.

Monday 17 June: Informal meeting of leaders, Brussels (05/06/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Tuesday 18 June: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council, Brussels (05/06/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Tuesday 18 June: General Affairs Council (Cohesion), Luxembourg (05/06/2024)

Ministers will exchange views on the relationship between cohesion policy and the EU strategic agenda for 2024-2029, set to be adopted by the European Council at its meeting on 27 and 28 June 2024. The Council is also expected to approve conclusions on the Commission’s communication on the 9th Cohesion Report, published on 27 March 2024.

Wednesday 19 June: ICEL conference (05/06/2024)

The Irish Centre for European Law (ICEL) is hosting its annual Privacy and Data Protection Conference in the Royal Irish Academy, 19 Dawson St, Dublin 2, on Wednesday 19 June. This hybrid event will feature leading practitioners and experts providing updates on important and topical issues including: Professor Christopher Kuner (remote), on the international data transfers; Professor Eleni Kosta on how the CJEU is shaping developments in data retention; and Dr David Fennelly BL on damage compensation for data protection claims.

Thursday 20 June: Eurogroup meeting, Luxembourg (05/06/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Thursday 20 to Friday 21 June: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, Luxembourg (05/06/2024)

Thursday's meeting will be devoted to Social Policy while Friday's will discuss Health. Further information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Friday 21 June: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Luxembourg (05/06/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Climate Action photo competition (05/06/2024)

The European Climate Pact photo competition aims to showcase climate action taking place all around us: at home; in your community; and in your city. Ten winners (3 per category + 1 selected in a public vote) will receive an invite to the Climate Pact annual event in Brussels in 2025, with travel and accommodation covered as well as have their climate action photo showcased at a physical exhibition during the event and a digital certificate. Applications are open until 11pm (Irish time) on Friday 28 June 2024.

Competition for Administrators in the fields of Crisis management and Migration and internal security re-opened (06/06/2024)

The competition for Administrators in the fields of Crisis management and Migration and internal security has been re-opened and is now open to both existing and new candidates. Applicants must be EU nationals, have a thorough knowledge of one EU official language and a satisfactory knowledge of a different EU official language, and have a university degree of at least 4 years, followed by at least 6 years of relevant professional experience - or a university degree of at least 3 years, followed by at least 7 years of relevant professional experience. Please note that candidates who have already submitted applications must review and revalidate them to continue participating in this competition.

Message from Barbara Nolan, Head of Representation (30/05/2024)

I am delighted to announce that the European Commission’s ‘In Perspective’ garden was awarded a gold medal at the Bord Bia Bloom Festival in Dublin’s Phoenix Park this morning. The garden also won best in category awards for ‘best concept garden’ and for ‘best planting’. If you're one of the 100,000 visitors to Bloom over the weekend, I would invite you to drop in and experience our rather unique garden which was inspired by the ideals of the European Green Deal. It is the first time that the European Commission has sponsored a garden at Bloom and we are delighted with the feedback it is receiving from visitors. In other good news this week, Irish projects have won Natura 2000 and European Heritage awards (more on all of these stories below).

European Commission’s ‘In Perspective’ Garden wins triple gold at Bord Bia Bloom 2024 (30/05/2024)

The European Commission’s ‘In Perspective’ garden - a sculptural pavilion, over 10 metres high, created out of a simple and sustainable latticework structure - was awarded a gold medal at the Bord Bia Bloom Festival in Dublin’s Phoenix Park today (Thursday). The garden also won best in category awards for ‘best concept garden’ and for ‘best planting’. Designed for the European Commission by Oliver and Liat Schurmann, the garden articulates the values of the EU’s Green Deal, seeking to make Europe the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050.

EU Bathing Water report: share of Irish beaches with “excellent” water quality remains below the EU average (29/05/2024)

The vast majority of bathing water sites in Europe met the European Union's most stringent ‘excellent' bathing quality standards in 2023, according to the latest annual Bathing Water report published this week. This represents 85.4% of the EU's popular bathing waters. For Ireland, 77% of the 148 bathing water sites monitored in 2023 were rated as “excellent”, remaining below the EU average of 85.4%, and down from 79.1% in 2022.

New EU Methane Regulation to reduce harmful emissions from fossil fuels in Europe and abroad (27/05/2024)

The first-ever EU rules to curb methane emissions from the energy sector in Europe and across the globe were adopted this week. The new regulation obliges the fossil gas, oil and coal industry in Europe to measure, monitor, report and verify their methane emissions according to the highest monitoring standards, and to take action to reduce them. It also requires EU gas, oil and coal operators to stop avoidable and routine flaring and to reduce flaring and venting to situations such as emergencies, technical malfunctions or when it is necessary for safety reasons. The new regulation is expected to enter into force in June.

Commission clarifies support for farmers in case of exceptional weather events (30/05/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted a Communication clarifying the use of force majeure and exceptional circumstances for the EU agricultural sector in case of unforeseeable and extreme weather events. The concept of force majeure allows farmers who have been unable to fulfil all their CAP requirements due to exceptional and unforeseeable events outside their control (such as severe droughts or floods) not to lose CAP support.

Irish project wins Natura 2000 award (30/05/2024)

A ground-breaking agri-environment payment scheme for farmers in Natura 2000 areas in Ireland has just won a Natura 2000 award 2024 in the category 'working together for nature'. The Wild Atlantic Nature project, funded by the EU LIFE programme, aims to develop capacity among farmers, farm advisors, policy-makers and scientists to deliver improved ecosystem services – including water quality, biodiversity and climate regulation – by directly linking farmers’ agri-environment payments to the ecological condition of their land.

Irish project wins European Heritage Award 2024 (30/05/2024)

An Irish project to restore traditional farm buildings was one of the winners of the 2024 European Heritage (Europa Nostra) awards in the category Education, Training and Skills. The Traditional Farm Buildings Scheme is co-funded by the Irish government and the European Union under Ireland’s Rural Development Programme. Its aim is to help farmers recognise the cultural value of traditional Irish farm buildings buildings and to ensure that they are conserved for agricultural use.

26 Irish town centres awarded funding totalling €5 million under the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (24/05/2024)

Twenty-six town centres are set to benefit from funding of up to €200K each under THRIVE, the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, awarded under Ireland’s two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programmes. THRIVE aims to allow Local Authorities and citizens to reimagine and revitalise town centres though the renovation and reuse of publicly owned vacant or derelict heritage buildings. It is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027 and the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027.

Ireland sent letter of formal notice over failure to communicate measures to transpose transport directive (24/05/2024)

The European Commission is sending a letter of formal notice to Ireland over its failure to notify national measures transposing the amended Eurovignette Directive, whose transposition deadline was 25 March 2024. Adopted originally in 1999, the Directive sets common rules on distance-based charges (tolls) and time-based user charges (vignettes) for the use of road infrastructure. These rules stipulate that the cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining infrastructure can be recovered through tolls and vignettes. The amending Directive extended the rules to include passenger cars and small heavy-duty vehicles.

Net-Zero Industry Act makes the EU the home of clean tech manufacturing and green jobs (27/05/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the final adoption by the Council of the EU this week of the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). The Act aims to scale up the EU's manufacturing capacity of the technologies needed to achieve climate-neutrality such as solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps, batteries, electrolysers and nuclear technologies, among others, including key components of such technologies, such as photovoltaic cells or the blades on wind turbines.

EU adopts new sanctions regime on Russia for human rights abuses and repression (28/05/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the adoption this week by the Council of the EU of a new sanctions regime against the accelerating and systematic repression of human rights, democracy and the rule of law by the Russian authorities. The new regime will allow the EU to target also those who provide financial, technical, or material support for, or are otherwise involved in or associated with people and entities committing human rights violations in Russia. If also introduces trade restrictions on exporting equipment, which might be used for internal repression, as well as on equipment, technology or software intended primarily for use in information security and the monitoring or interception of telecommunication.

Increased EU tariffs on Russian and Belarusian products enter into force (30/05/2024)

The Council of the EU has today adopted a regulation to significantly increase tariffs on imports into the EU of certain products from Russia and Belarus. The measures are designed to suppress imports into the EU of cereals, oilseeds and derived products, as well as beet-pulp pellets and dried peas, while not affecting exports to third countries and preserving global food security. The increased tariffs also apply to Belarus in light of the country's close political and economic ties to Russia.

Commission decides to close the Article 7(1) TEU procedure for Poland (29/05/2024)

The European Commission has decided to close the Article 7(1) TEU procedure for Poland by withdrawing its reasoned proposal that had triggered this procedure in 2017. On 6 May 2024, the Commission finalised its analysis on the rule of law situation in Poland in the context of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure. The Commission considers that there is no longer a clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law in Poland within the meaning of that provision.

Statement by the High Representative with the European Commission on the final adoption of the law on transparency of foreign influence in Georgia (30/05/2024)

The European Union deeply regrets that the Georgian Parliament decided to override the President's veto on the law on transparency of foreign influence, and to disregard the Venice Commission's detailed legal arguments leading to a clear recommendation to repeal this law. The EU has stressed repeatedly that the law adopted by the Georgian Parliament goes against EU core principles and values. Its enactment leads to a backsliding on at least three out of the nine steps (on disinformation; on polarisation; on fundamental rights and involvement of Civil Society Organisations) set out in the Commission's recommendation for candidate status endorsed by EU leaders and will negatively impact Georgia's EU path.

EU pledges €2.12 billion in support of the future of Syria and the region (28/05/2024)

At the 8th edition of the Brussels Conference on 'Supporting the future of Syria and the region', the EU pledged €2.12 billion for 2024 and 2025. This assistance will support both Syrians inside Syria and those in neighbouring countries, as well as their host communities in Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said: "Syrians continue to be heavily affected by ongoing hostilities, water and food shortages, protection issues, lack of access to basic services and violations of International Humanitarian Law. A staggering 16.7 million people in Syria – half of whom are women and children – still need life-saving support".

EU and Australia sign partnership on sustainable critical and strategic minerals (28/05/2024)

The EU and Australia this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a bilateral partnership to cooperate on sustainable critical and strategic minerals. This partnership aims to support several common objectives, while based on mutual benefits. In particular, it seeks to enable the EU to diversify its supplies of materials necessary for the green and digital transitions, whilst contributing to the development of Australia's domestic critical minerals sector.

Commission establishes AI Office to strengthen EU leadership in safe and trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (29/05/2024)

The European Commission this week unveiled its new AI Office, established within the Commission. The AI Office aims at enabling the future development, deployment and use of AI in a way that fosters societal and economic benefits and innovation, while mitigating risks. The Office will play a key role in the implementation of the AI Act, especially in relation to general-purpose AI models. It will also work to foster research and innovation in trustworthy AI and position the EU as a leader in international discussions.

EU allocates €201 million in humanitarian aid for Sahel and Africa's Lake Chad countries (28/05/2024)

The European Commission is providing €201 million in EU humanitarian funding to address the needs of the most vulnerable people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Nigeria. The funding will support food security and assistance for malnutrition, health care and protection, water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter and education activities, as well as the transportation of humanitarian workers and supplies to remote and inaccessible locations.

Commission notifies Senegal of need to step up fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (27/05/2024)

The European Commission this week issued a ‘yellow card' to Senegal, a notification of the need to step up actions in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Deficiencies identified in the monitoring, control and surveillance systems of Senegal relate to vessels flying the flag of Senegal and operating in waters outside the country's jurisdiction, as well as in the controls carried out on foreign fishing vessels at Dakar port. In addition, illegal exportations from Senegal to the EU market have been detected.

Ireland tops EU for share of 25-34 year olds with third level education: Eurostat (29/05/2024)

New figures published this week by Eurostat show that 63% of Ireland's 25 to 34 year olds had a third level education in 2023, the highest share in the EU and up from 54% in 2016. The EU average for 2023 was 43%. Ireland was followed by Cyprus (62%) and Luxembourg (60%). At the bottom of the scale were Romania (23%) and Hungary (29%). Third level education comprises ISCED levels 5 to 8.

Six in ten Irish people prepared to pay more for environmentally-friendly products: Eurobarometer (29/05/2024)

According to a new Eurobarometer on Attitudes of Europeans towards the environment, 74% of Irish people agreed that environmental issues have a direct effect on their daily life and health, just below the EU average of 78%. And 88% of Irish respondents (above the EU average of 84%) agreed that EU environmental legislation is necessary for protecting the environment in Ireland. When asked if they would be willing to pay more for sustainable products that are easier to repair, recyclable and/or produced in an environmentally sustainable way, 60% of Irish respondents said they would, just above the EU average of 59%.

Thursday 30 May to Monday 3 June: Visit the European Commission garden at Bloom 2024 (24/05/2024)

We are delighted to announce that, for the first time ever, the European Commission Representation in Ireland will be at the Bord Bia Bloom Festival in Dublin's Phoenix Park. We've teamed up with award-winning designers Liat and Oliver Schurmann to create a spectacular sustainable garden inspired by the European Green Deal. Click on the link below for a preview of the European Commission garden.

Thursday 30 May: EU Election Town Hall - Ireland Dublin Constituency, Dublin (24/05/2024)

On Thursday evening 30 May, European Movement Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office are hosting an in-person event, ‘EU Election Town Hall – Ireland Dublin Constituency.’ Moderated by Journalist, Author and Broadcaster Flor MacCarthy, this event will see journalists and academics discuss topics such as the role of the European Elections, the impact of the European Parliament in our daily lives, and the role of voters in shaping our future. The format of the event will be a panel discussion followed by a Q and A session with audience members, including MEP candidates. Speakers will include: Prof Gavin Barrett, Professor in UCD Sutherland School of Law and Jean Monnet Professor of European Constitutional and Economic Law, UCD; John Lee, Execuitve Editor, Daily Mail Group Ireland; Prof Gary Murphy, School of Law and Government, DCU; and, Alison O’Connor, Columnist, Sunday Times. The event takes place from 7-8 pm at Odyssey Room, The Alex Hotel, 41-47 Fenian St, Dublin, D02 H678.

Thursday 30 May: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), Brussels (24/05/2024)

Energy ministers will approve conclusions on sustainable electricity grid infrastructure, followed by a discussion on the future of RePowerEU. Ministers will also hold an exchange of views on the European Green Deal and how it can help transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy.

Friday 31 May: A Changing Europe in a Changing World (IIEA hybrid event) (24/05/2024)

In his address to the IIEA, former President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, will discuss current global developments and how these relate to the European challenges of our time. In Mr Van Rompuy’s opinion, these challenges include democracy, leadership, strategic autonomy, deindustrialisation, immigration, and potential institutional changes. In his remarks, he will also discuss growing individualisation within the European Union and how this affects our societies and politics.

Thursday 13 to Saturday 15 June: G7 summit, Apulia, Italy (24/05/2024)

Information on the G7 summit will be available shortly at the link below.

Thursday 13 June: Monthly EU basics webinars (24/05/2024)

The European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland is hosting a one-hour webinar on EU basics from 12 noon to 1pm on Thursday 13 June. The webinar will offer an introduction into how the European Union works and what role it plays in our lives. Each webinar will start with a presentation followed by a Q&A for participants. There is no prior knowledge required. The topics covered range from the EU’s law making process, to areas where the EU makes rules and where it does not, to how half a century of EU membership have influenced Ireland. Anyone interested to participate can register via the links below.

Monday 17 June: Environment Council, Luxembourg (27/05/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available shortly at the link below.

Thursday 13 and Friday 14 June: Justice and Home Affairs Council, Luxembourg (24/05/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available shortly at the link below.

MSCA opens €608.6 million call for Doctoral Networks (29/05/2024)

The 2024 call for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks under Horizon Europe, the EU's key funding programme for research and innovation, opened for submissions this week with a deadline to apply of 27 November 2024. The call will dedicate €608.6 million to fund over 160 projects in all scientific fields and the training and skills development of 2,400 doctoral candidates.

Applications for the Lorenzo Natali Prize on journalism now open (29/05/2024)

Applications opened this week for the 2024 Lorenzo Natali Prize, the EU's flagship journalism award. Journalists reporting on issues related to climate, environment and energy, digital and infrastructure, gender equality, human development, migration and forced displacement, peace and governance, sustainable growth and jobs, and youth are invited to apply online until 11pm (Irish time) on 30 June.

Commission seeks feedback on the evaluation of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (27/05/2024)

The European Commission has launched a Call for evidence to seek feedback on the scope and content of its evaluation of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation, as amended in April 2023 (‘MVBER'), and of the related Supplementary Guidelines, also as amended in April 2023 (‘SGL'). The role of both the MVBER and of the SGL is to assist companies in the automotive sector to assess the compatibility of their vertical agreements with Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The purpose of the evaluation is to gather facts and evidence on the functioning of this framework and to assess the extent to which it is still fit for purpose.

Commission endorses Ireland's revised recovery and resilience plan, and preliminarily endorses its first payment request of €324 million (21/05/2024)

The European Commission this week gave a positive assessment of Ireland's modified recovery and resilience plan (RRP), which includes a REPowerEU chapter. The plan is now worth €1.15 billion (in grants) and covers 11 reforms and 19 investments. The Commission has simultaneously endorsed a positive preliminary assessment of Ireland's first payment request for €324 million under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The payment request covers important steps in the delivery of nine reforms and ten investments that will drive positive change for citizens and businesses in Ireland in the areas of energy efficiency of public buildings, sustainable transport, rehabilitation of peatlands, carbon taxation, supporting digitalisation in schools and business, skills (including green and digital skills), healthcare and anti-money laundering.

Irish people continue to be the most optimistic about the future of the EU: Spring 2024 Eurobarometer (23/05/2024)

According to the results of the Spring 2024 Standard Eurobarometer poll, published this week, respondents in Ireland and Denmark (both 80%) are the most optimistic about the future of the EU. On average across the EU, 62% of people surveyed were optimistic about the future of the EU with sentiment lowest in France at 46%. The survey also shows that 66% of Irish people continue to have a positive view of the EU (up 2 percentage points since the previous survey in Autumn 2023) and second highest overall after Portugal at 68% (up 4 points). The EU average was 44% (unchanged).

New Environmental Crime Directive comes into force (17/05/2024)

The new Environmental Crime Directive entered into force on Monday, 20 May. It contains a comprehensive and up-to-date list of environmental offences addressing the most serious breaches of environmental obligations. EU Member States will have to ensure that these breaches constitute criminal offences in their national law. The new directive also introduces several new offence categories, such as unlawful ship recycling, unlawful water abstraction, serious breaches of EU chemicals and mercury legislation, serious breaches related to dealing with fluorinated greenhouse gases, and serious breaches of legislation on invasive alien species.

New EU rules criminalising the violation of EU sanctions enter into force (17/05/2024)

New EU rules harmonising criminal offences and penalties for the violation of EU restrictive measures entered into force last Sunday, 19 May. The new rules will ensure that such violations can be criminally investigated and prosecuted in all Member States. They include a list of criminal offences related to the violation and circumvention of EU sanctions, such as for example: failing to freeze assets; breaching travel bans and arms embargoes; providing prohibited or restricted economic and financial services, transferring funds that should be frozen to a third party or providing false information to conceal funds that should be frozen.

Commission compels Microsoft to provide information under the Digital Services Act on generative AI risks on Bing (17/05/2024)

The European Commission is stepping up its enforcement actions against Microsoft following the latter's failure to provide an answer to a Commission request for information regarding specific risks stemming from Bing's generative AI features. The Commission has now sent a legally binding request for internal documents and data that were not disclosed in its previous response. The request is based on the suspicion that Bing may have breached the DSA for risks linked to generative AI, such as so-called ‘hallucinations', the viral dissemination of deepfakes, as well as the automated manipulation of services that can mislead voters.

Artificial intelligence (AI) act: Council gives final green light to the first worldwide rules on AI (22/05/2024)

The Council of the EU this week approved a ground-breaking law aiming to harmonise rules on artificial intelligence, the so-called artificial intelligence act. The flagship legislation follows a ‘risk-based’ approach, which means the higher the risk to cause harm to society, the stricter the rules. It is the first of its kind in the world and can set a global standard for AI regulation. The new regulation will enter into application in mid-2026 with some exceptions for specific provisions.

Digital Identity Regulation enters into force (21/05/2024)

The rules on establishing a European Digital Identity entered into force on Monday of this week. They pave the way for all EU citizens and residents to benefit from a personal European Digital Identity Wallet in 2026. The Wallet will consist of a mobile app issued in each Member State. It will allow EU citizens and residents to use online services, share digital documents such as a mobile driving license or an ePrescription, open bank accounts or make payments in full control of personal data all over Europe.

Commission welcomes Council decision on the use of proceeds from immobilised Russian assets for Ukraine (22/05/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the formal decision taken in this week's General Affairs Council to use the proceeds from immobilised Russian assets for Ukraine. Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: "I welcome the formal decision taken today in the Council which will allow the extraordinary revenues from assets of the Russian Central Bank immobilised under sanctions following Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, to be used to the benefit of Ukraine. The EU has chosen a way forward that is legally sound, and flexible so that support can adjust to Ukraine's most pressing needs. Speed remains of the essence and the Commission will continue making all efforts to allow the first payment to be made already in July.”

Commission welcomes new sanctions against disinformation and war propaganda (21/05/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the Council of the EU's decision to suspend the broadcasting activities of four more media outlets (Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, Izvestia and Rossiyskaya Gazeta) in the EU or directed at the EU, in view of their role supporting and justifying Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia has engaged in continuous and concerted propaganda as well as information manipulation actions targeted at civil society in the EU and neighbouring countries, gravely distorting and manipulating facts. These propaganda actions have been channelled through a number of media outlets under the permanent direct or indirect control of the leadership of the Russian Federation.

Consumers and industry to benefit from clean, secure and stable energy supplies thanks to the adoption of key market reforms (22/05/2024)

Consumers across the EU will soon have more stable energy prices thanks to major reforms of the EU electricity and gas markets adopted this week. At the same time, the EU will boost the development of hydrogen and other decarbonised gases. Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson said: "Once largely dependent on Russian supplies, Europe is now moving on to the electricity and gas markets of the future, where there is no space for Russian gas and where renewables, clean gases and hydrogen have a central role".

Commission welcomes European Citizens' Panel recommendations on Tackling Hatred in Society (21/05/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the recommendations made at last weekend's final session of the European Citizens' Panel on tackling hatred in society. The 150 European citizens who took part in the Panel addressed 21 recommendations to the European Commission and to national authorities aimed at combatting hatred in all its forms and fostering mutual respect. The input gathered from the Panel will be considered by the College of Commissioners and will support the European Commission's future work on tackling hate speech and hate crime.

European Health Union four years on: acting together for people's health (22/05/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted a Communication on the European Health Union, which highlights the strides made in EU health policy over the last four years, for the benefit of citizens in the EU and worldwide. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic showed that EU solidarity, collaboration and decisive action are the way forward. The EU Vaccines Strategy ensured all EU citizens had equal access to vaccines, the EU Digital COVID Certificate enabled the safe re-opening of economic and social activity, and SURE helped 31 million workers overcome the economic impact of the pandemic.

EU secures access to diversified, affordable, and sustainable supply of critical raw materials (23/05/2024)

Today (23 May) marks the entry into force of the European Critical Raw Materials Act, which aims at ensuring a diverse, secure, and sustainable supply of critical raw materials for the EU's industry. Secured access to critical raw materials is essential for strategic sectors including clean technologies, digital, defence and aerospace industries. Europe now has a regulatory framework to strengthen domestic capacities and consolidate the sustainability and circularity of critical raw material supply chains in the EU, while continuing to pursue its diversification agenda. With this Act, the EU will strengthen domestic supply and reduce reliance on single suppliers.

Commission urges Ireland to fully transpose the Motor Insurance Directive (23/05/2024)

The European Commission has decided to open an infringement procedure by sending a letter of formal notice to Ireland for not having fully transposed the insolvency provisions of the Motor Insurance Directive. The missing transposition affects the protection of injured parties after an accident in the case of the insolvency of an insurance undertaking. Ireland now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission.

New Regulation on waste shipments enters into force (17/05/2024)

New rules to ensure the EU takes greater responsibility for its waste entered into force last Monday, 20 May 2024. The new Waste Shipments Regulation sets out stricter rules on the export of waste to non-EU countries. The Regulation will also increase traceability and facilitate the shipments of waste for recycling in the EU and beyond.

European Court of Justice publishes Annual Report for 2023 (21/05/2024)

The European Court of Justice has just published its Annual Report 2023 | The Year in Review. The Year in Review, available online, is the main publication covering the activity of the institution and the case-law of its two courts throughout the past year. It provides a synthesis of the judicial, institutional and administrative activity of the Court of Justice and of the General Court.

Only 4 in 10 Irish people proficient in at least one second language: Eurobarometer (21/05/2024)

A new Eurobarometer on Europeans and their languages shows that, despite having a very positive attitude to language learning, only 40% of Irish people speak a second language well enough to have a conversation in it, considerably below the EU average of 59% and 4th lowest in the EU. English continues to be the mostly commonly spoken second language (47%) for Europeans, followed by French (11%) and German (10%). For Irish people, the most commonly spoken additional languages are Irish (16%) and French (12%). The survey also shows that English is the mother tongue for 83% of people in Ireland followed by Irish at 4%. Meanwhile, 3% of people surveyed in Ireland spoke Polish as a first language followed by 1% each for French, Romanian, Spanish, Portuguese, Hungarian, Lithuanian and Slovak.

Irish companies most likely to consider cyber security a priority: Eurobarometer (22/05/2024)

86% of Irish companies consider cyber security to be a high or very high priority, the highest share in the EU where the average is 71%, according to a new Eurobarometer published this week. However, only 29% of them have provided employees with training or awareness raising about cyber security during the past 12 months. The survey also showed that 24% of Irish companies found it difficult to find and hire staff with the right skills in cyber security, 3rd highest in the EU and well above the EU average of 12%. And only a third (34%) of Irish employees working in the area of cyber security have a formal qualification or certified training or are working towards one.

Thursday 23 May: Competitiveness Council (Space, research and innovation), Brussels (17/05/2024)

Ministers responsible for space will start the COMPET Council with a half-day session on the incoming space law, that the Commission is expected to adopt soon, focusing on security, resilience, and sustainability. On Thursday afternoon, ministers will continue with a half-day session on research issues.

Friday 24 May: AskTheExpert webinar (Eurofound event) (21/05/2024)

On Friday morning 24 May, Eurofound is hosting an interactive webinar on how to restore Europe’s social contract, and the impacts of declining trust in institutions on social cohesion in the EU, with a live Q&A. Speakers will include: Maria Jepsen, Deputy Director, Massimiliano Mascherini, Head of the Social Policies unit, and Barbara Gerstenberger, Head of the Working Life unit, who will discuss pressure points for citizens across Europe. The discussions will be moderated by Mary McCaughey, Head of Information and Communication at Eurofound.

Friday 24 May: Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry), Brussels (23/05/2024)

Ministers will aim to approve Council conclusions on “A competitive European industry driving our green, digital and resilient industrial future”. The Irish delegation will inform about the D9+ ministerial meeting that took place on 19 April. Ireland currently holds the chair of the “D9+” grouping, an informal alliance of digital frontrunners. The delegations from Czechia, the Netherlands, France and Ireland will inform about measures to use carbon in the chemical industry. Also on the agenda: the future of the internal market and EU public procurement contracts.

Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 May: Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels (17/05/2024)

The Foreign Affairs Council will take place over two days and be chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. On 27 May EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will discuss the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after an informal exchange of views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, via videoconference. EU Foreign Affairs Ministers will then have a discussion on the situation in the Middle East. Under current affairs the Council will be able to exchange views on recent events and fast-moving developments in external relations. The Council meeting will be followed by the “Supporting the future of Syria and the region” conference.

Monday 27 May: Inflation in the Eurozone (IIEA event) (17/05/2024)

In recent years, Europe and much of the world have suffered the largest inflation shock in decades. Central banks have responded with large and rapid increases in interest rates. In his presentation to the IIEA, Philip Lane, Chief Economist of the European Central Bank, will discuss the inflation outlook in the Eurozone at a time when hopes of a return to price stability are rising. This online event takes place at 1pm.

Tuesday 28 May: Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), Brussels (17/05/2024)

The Foreign Affairs Council in its defence configuration will meet on 28 May and will be chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. The main discussion items will be EU support to Ukraine and defence readiness. Under current affairs, Defence Ministers will touch on CSDP engagements and the PESCO strategic review. The meeting will be preceded by the European Defence Agency Steering Board.

Tuesday 28 May: European Economic Area Council, Brussels (17/05/2024)

The 58th meeting of the European Economic Area ('EEA') Council will take place in Brussels on 28 May. The EEA Council will discuss the overall functioning of the EEA Agreement and hold an orientation debate on 'The role of the green transition in Europe’s competitiveness: challenges and opportunities'.

Wednesday 29 May: What is the Future of EU-China Relations? (IIEA hybrid event) (17/05/2024)

Against the backdrop of increased geopolitical tensions, the relationship between the EU, its Member States, and China has continued to remain of significant importance. As the United States' relationship with China has deteriorated, the EU has increasingly sought to chart its own course vis a vis China, seeking partnerships where beneficial while ensuring its own interests are looked after. In this IIEA discussion, Finbarr Bermingham, Senior Europe Correspondent for the Hong Kong newspaper South China Morning Post, will reflect on the present state of the EU's relationship with China, its challenges and opportunities, and will explore what the future holds for the EU-China Relationship.

Thursday 30 May: EU Election Town Hall - Ireland Dublin Constituency, Dublin (17/05/2024)

On Thursday evening 30 May, European Movement Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office are hosting an in-person event, ‘EU Election Town Hall – Ireland Dublin Constituency.’ Moderated by Journalist, Author and Broadcaster Flor MacCarthy, this event will see journalists and academics discuss topics such as the role of the European Elections, the impact of the European Parliament in our daily lives, and the role of voters in shaping our future. The format of the event will be a panel discussion followed by a Q and A session with audience members, including MEP candidates. Speakers will include: Prof Gavin Barrett, Professor in UCD Sutherland School of Law and Jean Monnet Professor of European Constitutional and Economic Law, UCD; John Lee, Execuitve Editor, Daily Mail Group Ireland; Prof Gary Murphy, School of Law and Government, DCU; and, Alison O’Connor, Columnist, Sunday Times. The event takes place from 7-8 pm at Odyssey Room, The Alex Hotel, 41-47 Fenian St, Dublin, D02 H678.

Thursday 30 May: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), Brussels (17/05/2024)

Energy ministers will approve conclusions on sustainable electricity grid infrastructure, followed by a discussion on the future of RePowerEU. Ministers will also hold an exchange of views on the European Green Deal and how it can help transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy.

Thursday 30 May: Foreign Affairs Council (Trade), Brussels (17/05/2024)

The Foreign Affairs Council, in its Trade configuration, will take place in Brussels. Ministers will discuss trade and competitiveness and the future of EU trade policy, the state of play of trade and investment relations between the EU and Africa, and the follow up to the 13th World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference (MC13).

Thursday 30 May to Monday 3 June: Visit the European Commission garden at Bloom 2024 (17/05/2024)

We are delighted to announce that, for the first time ever, the European Commission Representation in Ireland will be at the Bord Bia Bloom Festival in Dublin's Phoenix Park. We've teamed up with award-winning designers Liat and Oliver Schurmann to create a spectacular sustainable garden inspired by the European Green Deal. Click on the link below for a sneak preview of the European Commission garden.

Friday 31 May: A Changing Europe in a Changing World (IIEA hybrid event) (17/05/2024)

In his address to the IIEA, former President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, will discuss current global developments and how these relate to the European challenges of our time. In Mr Van Rompuy’s opinion, these challenges include democracy, leadership, strategic autonomy, deindustrialisation, immigration, and potential institutional changes. In his remarks, he will also discuss growing individualisation within the European Union and how this affects our societies and politics.

Thursday 13 June: Monthly EU basics webinars (17/05/2024)

The European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland is hosting a one-hour webinar on EU basics from 12 noon to 1pm on Thursday 13 June. The webinar will offer an introduction into how the European Union works and what role it plays in our lives. Each webinar will start with a presentation followed by a Q&A for participants. There is no prior knowledge required. The topics covered range from the EU’s law making process, to areas where the EU makes rules and where it does not, to how half a century of EU membership have influenced Ireland. Anyone interested to participate can register via the links below.

Call for funding proposals on support and integration of victims of trafficking in human beings (22/05/2024)

The European Commission has just published a call for proposals on the support and integration of victims of trafficking in human beings. The call for proposals will make €6 million available through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) for public institutions, non-profit organisations, and international organisations established in EU Member States participating in AMIF. Projects should focus on preventing and identifying victims, raising awareness about trafficking, and providing specialised support for labour, sexual exploitation and forced criminality.

Proof-readers - Language editors in Bulgarian, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Irish, Lithuanian, Maltese, Romanian, or Swedish languages (22/05/2024)

The European Parliament has launched a call for expression of interest with a view to establishing a database of candidates interested in future vacancies as Proof-readers/Language editors within the Directorate-General for Translation (DG TRAD) based in Luxembourg. Applicants must be citizens of one of the Member States of the European Union; have fulfilled any obligations imposed by national laws concerning military service; and produce the appropriate character references as to their suitability for the performance of the duties.

Public Consultation on Technical Support Instrument – mid-term evaluation (17/05/2024)

The European Commission's Directorate General for Structural Reform Support has an ongoing Open Public Consultation on the mid-term evaluation of the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) for the period 2021-2023. The targeted consultations aims to collect the specialist views of the different categories of stakeholders involved in designing and implementing TSI actions, such as the beneficiary authorities of EU countries, the coordinating authorities of EU countries, technical support providers, REFORM staff and representatives of other Commission services. The consultation is open until 10 June 2024.

Spring 2024 Economic Forecast: Commission maintains its growth forecast for Ireland for 2024 (15/05/2024)

In its spring 2024 Economic Forecast, published this week,the European Commission has maintained its expectations for the performance of the Irish economy in 2024 with a predicted GDP growth rate of 1.2%. For 2025, Ireland is forecast to see GDP growth of 3.6%, up from 3.2% predicted in the Winter Economic forecast. Headline inflation meanwhile is set to continue easing to 1.9% in 2024 and 1.8% in 2025 (from 5.2% in 2023), a little lower than predicted in the Winter forecast.

Commission opens formal proceedings against Meta under the Digital Services Act related to the protection of minors on Facebook and Instagram (16/05/2024)

The European Commission this week opened formal proceedings to assess whether Meta, the provider of Facebook and Instagram, may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) in areas linked to the protection of minors. The Commission is concerned that the systems of both Facebook and Instagram, including their algorithms, may stimulate behavioural addictions in children, as well as create so-called 'rabbit-hole effects'. In addition, the Commission is also concerned about age-assurance and verification methods put in place by Meta.

Commission reports on overall progress on the Security Union (15/05/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted the Seventh Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Security Union Strategy for 2020-2025. It provides an overview of the implementation of the Security Union Strategy since its adoption in 2020. It takes stock of progress and achievements in 5 key areas: protecting the EU's physical and digital infrastructure; fighting terrorism and radicalisation; fighting organised crime; strengthening law enforcement and judicial cooperation; and cooperation with international partners.

Council gives final green light to a targeted review of the common agricultural policy (14/05/2024)

The Council of the EU this week gave its green light this week to measures that will simplify the Common Agricultural Policy and allow farmers more flexibility in complying with certain CAP rules. This review comes as a response to concerns voiced by farmers in recent months and takes into account the impact of geopolitical developments, such as the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and of extreme weather events.

Council adopts EU's pact on migration and asylum (14/05/2024)

The Council of the EU this week adopted the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The Pact establishes a set of rules that will help to manage arrivals in an orderly way, create efficient and uniform procedures and ensure fair burden sharing between Member States. Nicole de Moor, Belgian State Secretary for Asylum and Migration, said: "These new rules will make the European asylum system more effective and increase solidarity between member states. The European Union will also continue its close cooperation with third countries to tackle the root causes of irregular migration".

Commission designates Booking as a gatekeeper and opens a market investigation into X (13/05/2024)

The European Commission this week designated, under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Booking as a gatekeeper for its online intermediation service Booking.com. On the basis of Booking's self-assessment, the Commission has established that this core platform service constitutes an important gateway between businesses and consumers. In parallel, the Commission this week opened a market investigation to further assess the rebuttal submitted on 1 March 2024 in relation to the online social networking service X. This rebuttal argues that, despite meeting the thresholds, X does not qualify as a important gateway between businesses and consumers.

Need an expert EU speaker for your event? Check out Team Europe (10/05/2024)

Team EUROPE DIRECT is a network of independent and inspirational speakers and moderators, proficient in EU topics and communication, capable of conveying the activities of the EU to a broad audience and stimulating public debate about Europe. The Network has just been relaunched in Ireland with 6 members available to speak at EU-related events around the country.

Over half of young Irish people have taken action to change society: Eurobarometer (14/05/2024)

54% of young Irish people (15-30 years), the 2nd highest in the EU after Germany (57%), have taken action to change society in the past year, according to a new Eurobarometer survey. This includes signing petitions, participating in rallies, or sending letters to politicians. The EU average was 48% dropping to 31% in Cyprus. The survey also shows that 61% of young Irish people intend to vote in the upcoming European elections while 14% of those surveyed are not eligible to vote. When asked about their sources of information about the EU, social media (55%) was the most popular followed by television (48%).

Council signs off on stricter CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles (13/05/2024)

The Council of the EU this week formally adopted the regulation on CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles. The new regulation will cover almost all trucks, urban buses, long-distance buses and trailers. It establishes CO2 emissions reduction targets that will be applied progressively in the coming decades: -45% emissions for 2030-2034, -65% for 2035-2039 and -90% as of 2040, compared to 2019 levels. The regulation will now be signed and published in the Official Journal of the EU. It will enter into force 20 days after its publication.

EU extends trade support to Ukraine for one more year (13/05/2024)

The suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the European Union will be extended for another year, following adoption by the Council of the EU and the vote in the European Parliament. The EU is thereby delivering once again on its commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. These so-called Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs) have been in place since June 2022 and are a key pillar of the EU's unwavering support for Ukraine, providing a lifeline to the country's economy through access to the EU market.

Ukraine Plan: Council greenlights regular payments under the Ukraine Facility (14/05/2024)

The Council of the EU adopted this week an implementing decision giving a positive assessment to the ‘Ukraine Plan’, which sets out the intentions of the government of Ukraine regarding the recovery, reconstruction and modernisation of the country, and the reforms it plans to undertake as part of its EU accession process in the next four years. The Council considered in particular that thanks to this plan, Ukraine fulfils the precondition for support under the Ukraine Facility (up to €50 billion), and that now regular payments can start to flow.

The EU stands ready to continue supporting Georgians working towards a European future. (15/05/2024)

In a statement following the adoption of the “transparency of foreign influence” law in Georgia this week, the EU High Representative Josep Borrell said: "The adoption of this law negatively impacts Georgia's progress on the EU path. The choice on the way forward is in Georgia's hands. We urge the Georgian authorities to withdraw the law, uphold their commitment to the EU path and advance the necessary reforms detailed in the 9 steps. The EU stands ready to continue supporting Georgians working towards a European future".

Commission disburses €50 million in financial support to North Macedonia (10/05/2024)

The European Commission has provided €50 million in loans to North Macedonia. This is the first tranche of the ongoing Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) operation to the country. The assistance provides further support to North Macedonia, whose economy has been severely hit by the recent energy crisis triggered by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It will support macro-economic stability and provide for further reforms, in conjunction with the ongoing International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme for North Macedonia. It will also help North Macedonia advance on its European path.

Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest wins EU Gender Equality Award (15/05/2024)

The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest has won the newcomer category of the EU Gender Equality Champions in Research and Innovation Awards 2023. The Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding results achieved by European academic and research organisations through the implementation of Gender Equality Plans.The other award recipients were: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) from France, and Universitat Rovira i Virgili from Spain, who won in the Sustainable Gender Equality Champions category. Each of the award winners received a €100,000 prize.

Commission presents guidance and recommendations to accelerate renewable energy roll-out (13/05/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted a series of new and updated recommendations and guidance documents to help Member States to improve and streamline permitting procedures and auctions for renewables. These documents will help to implement the EU framework for renewable energy by improving the conditions for a rapid deployment of home-grown renewable energy.

EU boosts readiness to combat 2024 wildfire season (15/05/2024)

As Europe is preparing for the approaching wildfire season, the EU is taking significant steps to bolster firefighting efforts and safeguard communities, by pre-positioning firefighters and assembling a fleet of firefighting aircraft. Firstly, 556 firefighters from 12 countries will be strategically prepositioned across key locations in Europe this summer, such as France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain, ready to help local fire brigades. Secondly, the EU has also assembled a dedicated rescEU fleet of firefighting aircraft for this summer, consisting of 28 airplanes and 4 helicopters stationed in 10 Member States.

Joint statement by European Commission Executive Vice-President Šefčovič and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron (16/05/2024)

The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) this week held a meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) Partnership Council, welcoming their close cooperation at a time of threats and challenges to European peace. The Joint Committee took note of the state of play of the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement since the last meeting and the work ahead, focussing on citizens' rights and the Windsor Framework.

Commission invests over €1 billion in 54 ambitious defence industrial projects through the European Defence Fund (16/05/2024)

The European Commission today (Thursday) announced the results of the 2023 calls for proposals under the European Defence Fund (EDF) amounting to €1,031 million of EU funding to support 54 outstanding joint European defence research and development projects. The selected projects will support technological excellence across a wide range of defence capabilities in critical areas, including cyber defence, ground, air and naval combat, protection of space-based assets or Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) defence. Three of the projects have Irish partners: ARCHYTAS, GENIUS and STEALTH.

Online ticket marketplace Viagogo commits to improving terms and consumer information after dialogue with Commission and consumer authorities (16/05/2024)

Following a dialogue with the European Commission and the national consumer authorities of Member States, Viagogo, online marketplace for the second-hand sale of event tickets, has committed to better inform consumers on the conditions under which tickets are resold and to stop pressuring consumers with excessive countdown messages in its role as trader. The Commission and national consumer authorities had received multiple complaints concerning Viagogo's website which Viagogo now committed to address.

Ireland records 3rd largest growth in population between January 2003 and January 2023: Eurostat (15/05/2024)

According to Eurostat's just published 'Demography of Europe 2024', Ireland recorded a 33% increase in population between 1 January 2003 and 1 January 2023, the 3rd highest rise in the EU after Luxembourg (47%) and Malta (36%). Over the same period, the population of the EU27 rose by 4% - from 431.2 million to 448.8 million. Meanwhile, large decreases were recorded in Latvia (−18%), Bulgaria and Lithuania (both −17%), and Romania (−12%). Ireland also stands out for having the highest share of children and young adolescents (19.3% of its population) on 1 January 2023, compared to an EU average of 14.9%. It also had the third highest crude birth rate in the EU in 2022 at 10.5 live births per 1,000 persons, after Cyprus (11.2) and France (10.7), and the joint lowest crude death rate (6.8 deaths per 1,000 persons). Check out Eurostat's interactive publication for more demography figures.

69% of LGBTIQ people in Ireland suffered bullying or harassment at school: new EU survey (14/05/2024)

A new survey from the EU Fundamental Rights Agency reveals that 69% of Irish respondents suffered bullying, ridicule, teasing, insults or threats during their time in school because they were LGBTIQ. The EU average is 67%, up from 43% in 2019. The survey also reveals that 60% of LGBTIQ people in Ireland say that violence against them has increased, just above the EU average of 59%. On a more positive note, 58% of LGBTIQ people in Ireland are now fairly or very open about being LGBTIQ, well above the EU average of 51%. And 40% believe the Irish government effectively combats prejudice and intolerance against LGBTIQ people. Across the EU, only 26%.of LGBTIQ people believe their national government does this.

Thursday 16 May: EU Election Town Hall - Ireland Midlands-North-West Constituency, Galway (10/05/2024)

On Thursday evening 16 May, the European Movement Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office are hosting an in-person event, ‘EU Election Town Hall – Ireland Midlands-North-West Constituency’. Moderated by Journalist, Author, Broadcaster Flor MacCarthy, this event will see journalists and academics discuss topics such as the role of the European Elections, the impact of the European Parliament in our daily lives, and the role of voters in shaping our future. The format of the event will be a panel discussion followed by a Q and A session with audience members, including MEP candidates. Speakers will include: Dr. Brendan Flynn, Head of Discipline Political Science, School of Political Science & Sociology, University of Galway; Karen Coleman, Editor, Europarl Radio; and, Máirín Ní Ghráda, Presenter RTÉ RnaG and TG4. This event takes place from 7-8pm at the Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel, Lough Atalia Road, Galway, H91 CYN3.

Friday 17 May: Eurofound Open Day, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18 (10/05/2024)

The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, Eurofound, will open its doors to its neighbours and the local community on Friday 17 May when they will showcase their work on living and working in Europe, show visitors around their premises, and provide them with an opportunity to meet and talk to the team. Eurofound is located on the Wyattville Road, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18.

Tuesday 21 May: General Affairs Council, Brussels (10/05/2024)

Ministers will start preparations for the European Council meeting on 27 and 28 June 2024 by discussing an annotated draft agenda. They will also discuss developments regarding the Article 7(1) TEU procedure concerning Poland and the rule of law situation in Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Luxembourg.

Tuesday 21 May: 8th EU-Republic of Moldova Association Council, Brussels (16/05/2024)

The meeting - the first since the European Council decided to open accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova – will start with a discussion on bilateral relations, focusing on Republic of Moldova’s EU accession process, and political dialogue and reforms, particularly in the fields of justice, freedom and security. The EU and Moldovan delegations will then continue to exchange on cooperation and convergence in the field of foreign and security policy, and economic and sectoral cooperation, in particular in energy, trade and trade-related matters. The Association Council will also exchange views on global and regional challenges.

Tuesday 21 May: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications), Brussels (10/05/2024)

Ministers for Telecommunications will hold a policy debate on the need for a collaborative approach for consistent implementation of the recently adopted legislation in the digital field. The Council will also approve conclusions on the future of EU’s digital policy and on the future of cybersecurity. The Council is also expected to adopt the artificial intelligence act.

Wednesday 22 May: SME Perspectives on European Digital Policy (IIEA event) (13/05/2024)

SMEs are a vital part of Europe’s digital economy and are essential to ensuring Europe’s future prosperity. In his address to the IIEA, Sebastiano Toffaletti, Secretary General of the European DIGITAL SME Alliance, will provide a SME perspective on developments in digital policy and the digital economy over recent years. He will particularly assess the challenges that SMEs may face in navigating digital regulation and the potential role of digital policy in promoting SMEs. He will also assess the opportunities and challenges ahead for the digital SME sector.

Thursday 23 and Friday 24 May: Competitiveness Council (Space, research and innovation), Brussels (10/05/2024)

Agenda highlights: space, space law and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness through space; and research issues.

Monday 27 May: Inflation in the Eurozone (IIEA event) (10/05/2024)

In recent years, Europe and much of the world have suffered the largest inflation shock in decades. Central banks have responded with large and rapid increases in interest rates. In his presentation to the IIEA, Philip Lane, Chief Economist of the European Central Bank, will discuss the inflation outlook in the Eurozone at a time when hopes of a return to price stability are rising. This online event takes place at 1pm.

Thursday 30 May: EU Election Town Hall - Ireland Dublin Constituency, Dublin (10/05/2024)

On Thursday evening 30 May, European Movement Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office are hosting an in-person event, ‘EU Election Town Hall – Ireland Dublin Constituency.’ Moderated by Journalist, Author and Broadcaster Flor MacCarthy, this event will see journalists and academics discuss topics such as the role of the European Elections, the impact of the European Parliament in our daily lives, and the role of voters in shaping our future. The format of the event will be a panel discussion followed by a Q and A session with audience members, including MEP candidates. Speakers will include: Prof Gavin Barrett, Professor in UCD Sutherland School of Law and Jean Monnet Professor of European Constitutional and Economic Law, UCD; John Lee, Execuitve Editor, Daily Mail Group Ireland; Prof Gary Murphy, School of Law and Government, DCU; and, Alison O’Connor, Columnist, Sunday Times. The event takes place from 7-8 pm at Odyssey Room, The Alex Hotel, 41-47 Fenian St, Dublin, D02 H678.

Thursday 30 May to Monday 3 June: Visit the European Commission garden at Bloom 2024 (16/05/2024)

We are delighted to announce that, for the first time ever, the European Commission Representation in Ireland will be at the Bord Bia Bloom Festival in Dublin's Phoenix Park. We've teamed up with award-winning designers Liat and Oliver Schurmann to create a spectacular sustainable garden inspired by the European Green Deal. Click on the link below for a sneak preview of the European Commission garden.

Thursday 13 June: Monthly EU basics webinars (10/05/2024)

The European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland is hosting a one-hour webinar on EU basics from 12 noon to 1pm on Thursday 13 June. The webinar will offer an introduction into how the European Union works and what role it plays in our lives. Each webinar will start with a presentation followed by a Q&A for participants. There is no prior knowledge required. The topics covered range from the EU’s law making process, to areas where the EU makes rules and where it does not, to how half a century of EU membership have influenced Ireland. Anyone interested to participate can register via the links below.

Message from Barbara Nolan, Head of Representation (08/05/2024)

Happy Europe Day 2024! Today we celebrate the anniversary of the day, in 1950, when the then French foreign minister, Robert Schuman, presented the 'Schuman Declaration' which proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community leading to what we now know as the European Union. To mark the occasion, a special Europe Day concert will be broadcast on RTÉ Lyric Live this evening with Paul Herriott (see below for details).

Europe Day celebrated with a concert in Dublin (09/05/2024)

Europe Day celebrations in Ireland will culminate tonight in a Europe Day Concert at the Whyte Recital Hall of the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin. The concert will be broadcast on RTÉ Lyric Live with Paul Herriott at 7 pm. The performance will feature a collaboration between students from the Royal Irish Academy of Music and their peers from Belgium, students from Le Conservatoire royal de Liège and the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp. They will play works by European composers, including Bach, Bellini, Chopin and Sibelius. The concert is proudly presented in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office, the European Commission Representation, and the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU.

President von der Leyen discusses EU-China relations in a trilateral meeting with Presidents Macron and Xi (08/05/2024)

On Monday of this week, President von der Leyen met with Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China. In a statement issued following the meeting, President von der Leyen said: "We especially discussed Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East. We agree that Europe and China have a shared interest in peace and security. We count on China to use all its influence on Russia to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. President Xi has played an important role in de-escalating Russia's irresponsible nuclear threats, and I am confident that President Xi will continue to do so against the backdrop of the ongoing nuclear threats by Russia."

Commission launches campaign to raise awareness of the risks of disinformation and information manipulation (08/05/2024)

The European Commission this week launched a set of actions to raise awareness of the risks of disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference, in the run-up to the European elections. Together with the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services (ERGA), it kicked off a joint communication campaign to inform citizens about the related risks, encouraging critical thinking and providing practical tips on how to spot and tackle disinformation. It also published a new toolkit with hands-on guidance for teachers and educators.

European Media Freedom Act enters into force (07/05/2024)

The European Media Freedom Act entered into force this week. The new legislation provides safeguards against political interference in editorial decisions and against surveillance of journalists. It also guarantees that media can operate more easily in the internal market and online. Additionally, the regulation aims to secure the independence and stable funding of public service media, as well as the transparency of both media ownership and allocation of state advertising.

Council adopts first-ever EU law on violence against women (07/05/2024)

The Council of the EU this week adopted an EU directive to combat violence against women and domestic violence. The law requires all EU countries to criminalise female genital mutilation, forced marriage and cyber violence such as the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The new law also contains measures to prevent violence against women and domestic violence and sets standards for the protection of victims of these crimes.

Dublin City Council hosts Europe Day conference (09/05/2024)

A special Europe Day Bite Size Conference 2024 took place today in Dublin's Mansion House. The conference looked at the impact of 51 years of EU Membership on Dublin City and was addressed, among others, by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste; Richard Shakespeare, Chief Executive, and Anthony Flynn, Assistant Chief Executive, Dublin City Council; Barbara Nolan, Head of the Commission Representation in Ireland; and Noelle O’Connell, CEO, European Movement in Ireland. Addressing the Conference, Barbara Nolan said: "Being a member of the EU has been great for Ireland. In economic terms, joining the EU has turned out to be a ‘no-brainer’. Ireland has progressed from being the poorest member Member State to being one of the richest. Being part of a Single Market of 450 million people provides invaluable opportunities and attracts much investment to Ireland".

Commission requests information from X on decreasing content moderation resources under the Digital Services Act (08/05/2024)

The European Commission has sent X a request for information (RFI) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The request seeks to obtain more details on X's content moderation activities and resources, on the risk assessment conducted by X in relation to the implementation of generative AI tools in the EU as well as on other areas covered by the ongoing proceedings. X must provide the requested information related to content moderation resources and generative AI to the Commission by 17 May 2024, and for the remaining questions by 27 May 2024.

Irish group wins EIP-AGRI Innovation Award (08/05/2024)

Ireland's Illaun Farm-Forest Alliance has won the "sustainable forest management" category of this year's EIP-AGRI Innovation Awards. Illaun Farm-Forest Alliance won the award for its work on developing a new approach to farm forests in Ireland. Collaborating closely with farmers and other stakeholders, their work included planting thousands of trees and helping create a practical transferable model for achieving sustainability and enhancing water quality and biodiversity in forests. The awards are organised by the EU CAP Network support unit for Innovation and Knowledge exchange. The award ceremony took place this week in Portugal.

April 2024 was the warmest April on record globally: Copernicus (08/05/2024)

New figures from Copernicus, the EU's Climate Change Service, show that April 2024 was warmer globally than any previous April in the data record. It was also the 11th month in a row that is the warmest on record for the respective month of the year. The average European temperature for April 2024 was 1.49°C above the 1991-2020 average for April. Temperatures were most above average in eastern European regions. Fennoscandia and Iceland experienced below-average temperatures.

Commission intends to close Article 7(1) TEU procedure for Poland (09/05/2024)

The European Commission has finalised its analysis on the rule of law situation in Poland in the context of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure. The Commission considers that there is no longer a clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law in Poland within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union. Poland has launched a series of legislative and non-legislative measures to address the concerns on independence of the justice system, it has recognised the primacy of EU law and is committed to implementing all the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights related to rule of law including judicial independence.

EU allocates €125 million in humanitarian aid for most vulnerable in Yemen (07/05/2024)

The European Commission is providing €125 million in new EU humanitarian funding to address the most pressing needs of people in Yemen amidst the ongoing crisis and escalating tensions in the region. The funding will be channelled exclusively through the EU's humanitarian partners, including UN agencies and NGOs. Aid will support food security and assistance for malnutrition, health and specialised protection services and demining activities among others. Dedicated programmes for education and child protection will also be supported.

Immigration law - Second lowest number of returns in Ireland in 2023: Eurostat (07/05/2024)

According to new figures from Eurostat, Ireland returned 285 non-EU citizens following an order to leave in 2023, the second lowest number in the EU after Luxembourg (230). Germany reported the largest number of non-EU citizens returned to another country in 2023 (15,445), followed by France (12,170) and Sweden (10,330). Georgians (10,345) topped the list of non-EU citizens returned to another country, followed by Albanians (7,810) and Turks (5,595).

Thursday 9 and Friday 10 May: Exhibition - Voices from Syria: Thirteen Years in the Shadow of Conflict, Dublin (09/05/2024)

The 'Voices from Syria: Thirteen Years in the Shadow of Conflict' exhibition was launched this week by Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland. The exhibition, which is presented by Concern Worldwide, takes visitors behind the headlines and allows them to hear the stories of those affected by the crisis, which has been going on now for over 13 years. The exhibition is open to the public on 9 and 10 May from 11am to 7pm, at The Depot @ The Complex, 12 Mary's Abbey, Dublin 7, D07XR70. Concern Worldwide, with support from the European Union, is still on the ground in Syria, implementing an integrated programme in Education, WASH, Protection, Cash, Coordination and Shelter.

Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 May: Europe Day: 'Short Shorts from Europe' – Online Film Screening (03/05/2024)

To mark Europe Day on Thursday 9 May, the EUNIC Ireland Network (European Union National Institutes for Culture) is organising a free online screening of its 2023 Short Shorts from Europe programme showcasing the diversity of contemporary European cinema. Action, comedy, animation, drama – expect this and more from Short Shorts from Europe – a selection of European short films from eleven member countries of EUNIC Ireland. The programme also features shorts from Cork International Film Festival and TUS Limerick School of Art and Design (Clonmel). The full programme is available at the link below.

Friday 10 May: EUAct2 - European Parliament Elections Youth Event, Dublin (03/05/2024)

European Movement Ireland is hosting this in-person event as part of EUact2, a pan-European project promoting engagement with EU topics. This event will feature a keynote speech from journalist Muiris O’Cearbhaill (The Journal) and a crash course on the European Parliament and Elections, before breaking into roundtables where attendees will have their chance to share their views on the key issues ahead of the elections and discuss all things EU. It will take place from 1-3pm at ALE 1.17/18, O’Brien Centre for Science UCD, Belfield Dublin 4.

Monday 13 May: Disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation: A Challenge for Democracy? (IIEA event) (03/05/2024)

In this address to the IIEA, Lutz Güllner, Head of Division for Strategic Communications and Information Analysis at the European External Action Service, will discuss the issue of disinformation and foreign information manipulation and their implications for the EU’s democratic resilience. Mr Güllner will also focus on the ways in which the EU is responding to foreign disinformation and will provide his expert opinion on the further steps the EU could take in this domain.

Monday 13 May: Eurogroup meeting, Brussels (03/05/2024)

Information on this meeting is available at the link below.

Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 May: Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council, Brussels (03/05/2024)

Ministers from EU member states responsible for education, youth, culture and sport will meet in Brussels to discuss a range of topics, including: inclusive societies for young people, European and international policy agendas for children, youth and children’s rights, and the legacy of the European Year of Youth 2022; learning mobility and artificial intelligence in education and training; the rise of influencers as a part of the EU’s media ecosystem; and the EU’s Work Plan for Sport.

Tuesday 14 May: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Brussels (03/05/2024)

On the agenda: a proposal to make the relief of excess withholding taxes faster and safer; VAT in the digital age; the state of play of the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF); the economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine; the fiscal sustainability challenges arising from ageing; the G20; financial literacy; financial literacy; and the work programme of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action for 2024-2025. An economic and financial dialogue between the EU and the Western Balkans partners, Türkiye, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, as an observer, will take place in the margins of the meeting on 14 May.

Wednesday 15 May: Finland’s Priorities and Challenges as We Look Beyond the 2024 European Parliament Elections (IIEA event) (03/05/2024)

On Wednesday morning 15 May Anders Adlercreutz, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering of Finland, will address an online IIEA event. In Minister Adlercreutz’s view, the long-term success of Europe is being decided now, and Europe must act now. As part of the Future-Proofing Europe project, Minister Adlercreutz’s address will outline how Finland seeks to meet these challenges as well as the country’s key priorities: strategic competitiveness, comprehensive security, and promoting a clean ecological transition.

Thursday 16 May: Brussels Economic Forum (08/05/2024)

Ahead of the European elections, the Brussels Economic Forum (BEF) will discuss how democracy is linked to the economy, and how this year’s vote will help shape the economy of the years to come. For over 20 years, the flagship annual economic event of the European Commission has gathered high-level European and international policymakers, academics, civil society and business leaders to identify key challenges and debate policy priorities. This event takes place in-person and line. Prior registration is essential.

Thursday 16 May: EU Election Town Hall - Ireland Midlands-North-West Constituency, Galway (03/05/2024)

On Thursday evening 16 May, the European Movement Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office are hosting an in-person event, ‘EU Election Town Hall – Ireland Midlands-North-West Constituency’. Moderated by Journalist, Author, Broadcaster Flor MacCarthy, this event will see journalists and academics discuss topics such as the role of the European Elections, the impact of the European Parliament in our daily lives, and the role of voters in shaping our future. The format of the event will be a panel discussion followed by a Q and A session with audience members, including MEP candidates. Speakers will include: Dr. Brendan Flynn, Head of Discipline Political Science, School of Political Science & Sociology, University of Galway; Karen Coleman, Editor, Europarl Radio; and, Máirín Ní Ghráda, Presenter RTÉ RnaG and TG4. This event takes place from 7-8pm at the Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel, Lough Atalia Road, Galway, H91 CYN3.

Friday 17 May: Eurofound Open Day, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18 (03/05/2024)

The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, Eurofound, will open its doors to its neighbours and the local community on Friday 17 May when they will showcase their work on living and working in Europe, show visitors around their premises, and provide them with an opportunity to meet and talk to the team. Eurofound is located on the Wyattville Road, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18.

Tuesday 21 May: General Affairs Council, Brussels (08/05/2024)

Ministers will start preparations for the European Council meeting on 27 and 28 June 2024 by discussing an annotated draft agenda. They will also discuss developments regarding the Article 7(1) TEU procedure concerning Poland and the rule of law situation in Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Luxembourg.

Tuesday 21 May: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications), Brussels (08/05/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Thursday 23 and Friday 24 May: Competitiveness Council (Space, research and innovation), Brussels (08/05/2024)

Agenda highlights: space, space law and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness through space; and research issues.

Monday 27 May: Inflation in the Eurozone (IIEA event) (03/05/2024)

In recent years, Europe and much of the world have suffered the largest inflation shock in decades. Central banks have responded with large and rapid increases in interest rates. In his presentation to the IIEA, Philip Lane, Chief Economist of the European Central Bank, will discuss the inflation outlook in the Eurozone at a time when hopes of a return to price stability are rising. This online event takes place at 1pm.

Thursday 30 May: EU Election Town Hall - Ireland Dublin Constituency, Dublin (03/05/2024)

On Thursday evening 30 May, European Movement Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office are hosting an in-person event, ‘EU Election Town Hall – Ireland Dublin Constituency.’ Moderated by Journalist, Author and Broadcaster Flor MacCarthy, this event will see journalists and academics discuss topics such as the role of the European Elections, the impact of the European Parliament in our daily lives, and the role of voters in shaping our future. The format of the event will be a panel discussion followed by a Q and A session with audience members, including MEP candidates. Speakers will include: Prof Gavin Barrett, Professor in UCD Sutherland School of Law and Jean Monnet Professor of European Constitutional and Economic Law, UCD; John Lee, Execuitve Editor, Daily Mail Group Ireland; Prof Gary Murphy, School of Law and Government, DCU; and, Alison O’Connor, Columnist, Sunday Times. The event takes place from 7-8 pm at Odyssey Room, The Alex Hotel, 41-47 Fenian St, Dublin, D02 H678.

Call for Proposals: European Urban Initiative (07/05/2024)

The European Commission this week launched a third call for proposals worth €90 million under the European Urban Initiative (EUI). Projects selected under this call will test innovative solutions in cities to help them to deliver on the green and digital transitions. They must focus on one of the following two priorities: energy transition and technology in cities. The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will co-finance 80% of project costs, with each project receiving up to €5 million. The deadline to submit proposals is 14 October 2024.

Public consultation on the eco-design and energy labelling of computers (03/05/2024)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation (open from 25 April to 18 July 2024) to gather feedback on ecodesign and energy labelling of computers. The consultation invites input from computer users and stakeholders such as businesses, interest groups, national administrations and others involved in all parts of the value chain (original equipment manufacturers, component suppliers, users, repairers, recyclers, etc.). It is an opportunity to express views on how to best address policy challenges and the best ways to provide clear and relevant information to consumers.

Celebrations in Dublin for the 20th anniversary of EU's 'Big Bang' enlargement (01/05/2024)

Dublin's Samuel Beckett Bridge was illuminated on Tuesday night as part of the celebrations across the EU for the 20th Anniversary of the European Union's biggest enlargement which welcomed 10 countries as new Member States. On 1 May 2004, the citizens of Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia became citizens of the EU. Dublin was at the centre of this historic enlargement as it took place during the 2004 Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Day of Welcomes: 20th Anniversary Celebration (02/05/2024)

The government hosted a ‘Day of Welcomes’ reception in Farmleigh House on 1 May. The venue was used during Ireland’s EU Presidency back in 2004 to host a ceremony to mark the accession of the ten new Member States. The event included speeches by the Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and the Minister for European Affairs Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Pat Cox, President of the European Parliament during the 2004 Enlargement, also joined, along with members of Seamus Heaney’s family. Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney was commissioned by the Government of Ireland to write a poem for the 2004 ceremony -‘Beacons at Bealtaine’ - which was translated and published in the languages of the ten states this week.

Free trade agreement between EU and New Zealand enters into force (30/04/2024)

EU businesses, producers and farmers are now able to take advantage of a host of new export opportunities with the entry into force of the EU-New Zealand trade agreement this week. The deal is expected to cut €140 million a year in duties for EU companies. Thanks to this deal, EU-New Zealand trade is expected to grow by up to 30% within a decade, with EU exports potentially growing by up to €4.5 billion annually. EU investment into New Zealand has the potential to grow by up to 80%. This landmark agreement also includes unprecedented sustainability commitments, including respect of the Paris Climate Agreement and core labour rights.

Winners of ‘Aistritheoirí Óga 2024’ (Young Translators) announced (02/05/2024)

The winners of the 'Aistritheoirí Óga 2024' (Young Translators) contest were announced at an award ceremony in Dublin yesterday evening. Five secondary school students made the list - one from each of the 4 provinces in Ireland and one overall winner, Róisín Ní Lionaird from Coláiste na Coiribe in Galway. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Irish and the Gaeltacht said “It is encouraging to see young people showing so much interest in the field of translation and that secondary school students are thinking about the employment opportunities in Europe. I have no doubt that we will see some of these fine young people here today again as our colleagues in the European institutions in the years to come.”

Commission opens formal proceedings against Facebook and Instagram under the Digital Services Act (30/04/2024)

The European Commission this week opened formal proceedings to assess whether Meta, the provider of Facebook and Instagram, may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA). The suspected infringements cover Meta’s policies and practices relating to deceptive advertising and political content on its services. They also concern the non-availability of an effective third-party real-time civic discourse and election-monitoring tool ahead of the elections to the European Parliament, against the background of Meta’s deprecation of its real-time public insights tool CrowdTangle without an adequate replacement.

Commission designates Shein as Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act (29/04/2024)

The European Commission has formally designated Shein as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Shein is a fashion online retailer with an average of more than 45 million monthly users in the European Union putting it above the DSA threshold for designation as a VLOP. Shein will now have to comply with the most stringent rules under the DSA within four months of its notification (i.e. by the end of August 2024), such as the obligation to adopt specific measures to empower and protect users online, including minors.

Commission designates Apple's iPadOS under the Digital Markets Act (29/04/2024)

The European Commission this week designated Apple with respect to iPadOS, its operating system for tablets, as a gatekeeper under the Digital Markets Act (“DMA”). Apple now has six months to ensure full compliance of iPadOS with the DMA obligations. Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said: "Our market investigation showed that despite not meeting the thresholds, iPadOS constitutes an important gateway on which many companies rely to reach their customers. Today’s decision will ensure that fairness and contestability are preserved also on this platform".

Council adopts revised 'breakfast directives' (01/05/2024)

The Council of the EU this week formally adopted updated rules on the composition, labelling and naming of honey, fruit juices, fruit jams and dehydrated milk. In the case of honey blends, the new rules will make the labelling of the countries of origin clearer. For fruit juices, three categories will be introduced:'reduced-sugar fruit juice', 'reduced-sugar fruit juice from concentrate' and 'concentrated reduced-sugar fruit juice'. For jams, the minimum fruit content will be increased from 350 to 450 g per kilo in jams and from 450 to 500 g per kilo in extra jams.

President von der Leyen announces a €1 billion package of EU funding for Lebanon (02/05/2024)

During a visit to Beirut this week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU will provide a financial assistance package for Lebanon worth €1 billion for 2024 to 2027. This continued EU support will strengthen basic services such as education, social protection and health for the people in Lebanon. It will accompany urgent economic, financial and banking reforms. Furthermore, support will be provided to the Lebanese Armed Forces and other security forces with equipment and training for border management and to fight against smuggling.

Commission selling 23 buildings to Belgium for a greener and more diversified European quarter (30/04/2024)

The European Commission and Belgium have finalised an agreement whereby the ‘Belgian Sovereign Wealth Fund', is buying 23 buildings from the Commission for an amount of €900 million. This sale will play a significant part in the Commission's efforts to reduce its office surface by 25% by 2030. It will also create economies of scale by regrouping staff in fewer, larger and more energy efficient buildings. Moreover, replacing older buildings by modern and flexible offices also increases the attractiveness of the Commission as an employer and align its office needs with the new hybrid way of working.

New book “70 Years of EU Law” available online (29/04/2024)

For 70 years, the law has been the driving force behind the growing integration of Europe, which has moved from an economic union to a union for its citizens. In 1963, in a historic judgment, the Court of Justice ruled that every citizen could claim the rights conferred on him by Union law directly before any national judge. Accordingly, EU law protects every citizen of the Union equally, in all Member States. The book “70 years of EU law – A Union for its citizens” celebrates 70 years of EU law. It is a collaborative project of the Legal Service of the European Commission and can be downloaded from the link below.

Commission adopts limited prolongation of State aid crisis tools to further support agriculture and fisheries sectors (02/05/2024)

The European Commission has adopted an amendment to the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF) to prolong by six months certain provisions of the Framework aimed to address persisting market disturbances specifically in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. This decision to delay the phase-out of the TCTF allows Member States to provide limited amounts of aid to companies active in these sectors for a further six months, until 31 December 2024.

Economic governance review: Council adopts reform of fiscal rules (01/05/2024)

The Council of the EU this week adopted three pieces of legislation that will reform the EU’s economic and fiscal governance framework. The reform’s overall objective is to reduce debt ratios and deficits in a gradual, realistic, sustained and growth-friendly manner, while protecting reforms and investments in strategic areas such as digital, green or defence. At the same time, the new framework will provide appropriate room for counter-cyclical policies and help address existing macroeconomic imbalances.

Two new Galileo satellites for more robust and reliable space services (29/04/2024)

On Saturday night, 27 April, two new Galileo satellites were successfully placed in orbit, as part of the completion of the deployment of the Galileo constellation. Galileo is Europe's own global navigation satellite system. It is the world’s most precise satellite navigation system, serving over four billion smartphone users around the globe since 2016. All smartphones sold in the European Single Market are now guaranteed Galileo-enabled.

8% of Irish people work over 49 hours per week: Eurostat (01/05/2024)

New Eurostat figures show that 8% of Irish people work long hours in their main job in 2023, i.e. they usually spend 49 hours or more per week at work. Irish people who were self-employed with employees (44%) were the most likely to work long hours, followed by self-employed without employees (27%). Irish employees (4.8%) were the least likely to work long hours. Across the EU, Greece had the highest overall share of workers with long hours (11.6%), followed by Cyprus (10.4%) and France (10.1%). Meanwhile, the lowest rates were recorded in Bulgaria (0.4%), Lithuania and Latvia (1.1% each). The EU average was 7%.

Thursday 2 May: EU Elections Town Hall - Ireland South Constituency, Cork (29/04/2024)

On Thursday evening 2 May, European Movement Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office will host an in-person event, ‘EU Elections Town Hall – Ireland South Constituency’. Moderated by Journalist, Author and Broadcaster Flor MacCarthy, this event will see journalists and academics discuss topics such as the role of the European Elections, the impact of the European Parliament in our daily lives, and the role of voters in shaping our future. The format of the event will be a panel discussion followed by a Q and A session with audience members, including MEP candidates. Speakers include: Dr. Theresa Reidy, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government and Politics, University College Cork; Gerard Arthurs, Lecturer in International Relations & Politics, South East Technological University – Waterford; and, Karen Coleman, Editor, EuroParlRadio. This event will take place from 7 to 8 pm at the Banking Hall, UCC Centre for Executive Education, 1 Lapp’s Quay, Centre, Cork, T12 VF82.

Friday 3 May: Meet Your Candidates: EU Elections Hustings (online event) (29/04/2024)

On Friday afternoon 3 May, The Wheel is organising an online event about Ireland's 2024 MEP candidates and how they will support the community and voluntary sector if elected. The Wheel will present their EU Elections manifesto outlining members’ priorities for the sector so the candidates can respond to these asks. There will also be a Q&A session giving audience members the opportunity to raise their communities’ priorities.

Monday 6 May: EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum, Brussels (02/05/2024)

On Monday, 6 May, the EU will host the EU-Ukraine Defence Industries Forum in Brussels. Over 350 representatives from the EU institutions, governments, European and Ukrainian defence industries, industry associations, key partner countries and organisations will gather to strengthen defence industrial cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. The event is organised with the support of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe.

Tuesday 7 May: Eurofound's Annual Lecture 2024: Living, working and voting in Europe, Dublin 2 (29/04/2024)

Eurofound is organising its Annual Lecture Living, working and voting in Europe 2024 on 7 May in Dublin with guest speaker, political analyst Ivan Krastev, Chairman of the Centre for Liberal Strategies and permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM). Opened by Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs and Defence Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, with an introduction by Ivailo Kalfin, Executive Director at Eurofound, the lecture event will also provide an opportunity for the audience to participate in a short question and answer session with Mr Krastev, moderated by Mary McCaughey, Head of Information and Communication at Eurofound. Please register at the link below. For more information about this event, please contact Cristina Arigho at car@eurofound.europa.eu.

Tuesday 7 May: Foreign Affairs Council (Development), Brussels (29/04/2024)

Agenda highlights: the situation in Ukraine and in particular on the Ukraine Plan; Palestine; EU engagement in fragile contexts; and current affairs.

Tuesday 7 May: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, Brussels (29/04/2024)

Agenda highlights: women in public life; economic empowerment and financial independence of women; and the equal treatment directive.

Wednesday 8 May: Disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation: A Challenge for Democracy? (IIEA event) (29/04/2024)

In this address to the IIEA, Lutz Güllner, Head of Division for Strategic Communications and Information Analysis at the European External Action Service, will discuss the issue of disinformation and foreign information manipulation and their implications for the EU’s democratic resilience. Mr Güllner will also focus on the ways in which the EU is responding to foreign disinformation and will provide his expert opinion on the further steps the EU could take in this domain. This event takes place online at 1pm on Wednesday 8 May.

Thursday 9 May: Europe Day concert (29/04/2024)

A special Europe Day concert will be broadcast live on RTE Lyric FM on Thursday 9 May from 7 to 8.15 pm. The concert is being organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, the Belgian Embassy to Ireland and the European Commission Representation in Ireland. The music will be provided by the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Le Conservatoire royal de Liège and the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp.

Thursday 9 May: The Gathering (Léargas event) (29/04/2024)

Léargas will celebrate Europe Day this year with a virtual cross-sectoral event, The Gathering 2024. The event will provide participants with insights into Erasmus+, ESC and other EU initiatives They will also hear about inspiring projects and partake in a Q and A about funding opportunities. This event is of interest to organisations or individuals working in education, training, sport, community and youth sectors.

Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 May: Europe Day: 'Short Shorts from Europe' – Online Film Screening (29/04/2024)

To mark Europe Day on Thursday 9 May, the EUNIC Ireland Network (European Union National Institutes for Culture) is organising a free online screening of its 2023 Short Shorts from Europe programme showcasing the diversity of contemporary European cinema. Action, comedy, animation, drama – expect this and more from Short Shorts from Europe – a selection of European short films from eleven member countries of EUNIC Ireland. The programme also features shorts from Cork International Film Festival and TUS Limerick School of Art and Design (Clonmel). The full programme is available at the link below.

Friday 10 May: EUAct2 - European Parliament Elections Youth Event, Dublin (01/05/2024)

European Movement Ireland is hosting this in-person event as part of EUact2, a pan-European project promoting engagement with EU topics. This event will feature a keynote speech from journalist Muiris O’Cearbhaill (The Journal) and a crash course on the European Parliament and Elections, before breaking into roundtables where attendees will have their chance to share their views on the key issues ahead of the elections and discuss all things EU. It will take place from 1-3pm at ALE 1.17/18, O’Brien Centre for Science UCD, Belfield Dublin 4.

Monday 13 May: Eurogroup meeting, Brussels (01/05/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 May: Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council, Brussels (01/05/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Tuesday 14 May: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Brussels (01/05/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Wednesday 15 May: Finland’s Priorities and Challenges as We Look Beyond the 2024 European Parliament Elections (IIEA event) (01/05/2024)

On Wednesday morning 15 May Anders Adlercreutz, Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering of Finland, will address an online IIEA event. In Minister Adlercreutz’s view, the long-term success of Europe is being decided now, and Europe must act now. As part of the Future-Proofing Europe project, Minister Adlercreutz’s address will outline how Finland seeks to meet these challenges as well as the country’s key priorities: strategic competitiveness, comprehensive security, and promoting a clean ecological transition.

Thursday 16 May: EU Election Town Hall - Ireland Midlands-North-West Constituency, Galway (29/04/2024)

On Thursday evening 16 May, the European Movement Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office are hosting an in-person event, ‘EU Election Town Hall – Ireland Midlands-North-West Constituency’. Moderated by Journalist, Author, Broadcaster Flor MacCarthy, this event will see journalists and academics discuss topics such as the role of the European Elections, the impact of the European Parliament in our daily lives, and the role of voters in shaping our future. The format of the event will be a panel discussion followed by a Q and A session with audience members, including MEP candidates. Speakers will include: Dr. Brendan Flynn, Head of Discipline Political Science, School of Political Science & Sociology, University of Galway; Karen Coleman, Editor, Europarl Radio; and, Máirín Ní Ghráda, Presenter RTÉ RnaG and TG4. This event takes place from 7-8pm at the Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel, Lough Atalia Road, Galway, H91 CYN3.

Friday 17 May: Eurofound Open Day, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18 (29/04/2024)

The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, Eurofound, will open its doors to its neighbours and the local community on Friday 17 May when they will showcase their work on living and working in Europe, show visitors around their premises, and provide them with an opportunity to meet and talk to the team. Eurofound is located on the Wyattville Road, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18.

Monday 27 May: Inflation in the Eurozone (IIEA event) (29/04/2024)

In recent years, Europe and much of the world have suffered the largest inflation shock in decades. Central banks have responded with large and rapid increases in interest rates. In his presentation to the IIEA, Philip Lane, Chief Economist of the European Central Bank, will discuss the inflation outlook in the Eurozone at a time when hopes of a return to price stability are rising. This online event takes place at 1pm.

Thursday 30 May: EU Election Town Hall - Ireland Dublin Constituency, Dublin (29/04/2024)

On Thursday evening 30 May, European Movement Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office are hosting an in-person event, ‘EU Election Town Hall – Ireland Dublin Constituency.’ Moderated by Journalist, Author and Broadcaster Flor MacCarthy, this event will see journalists and academics discuss topics such as the role of the European Elections, the impact of the European Parliament in our daily lives, and the role of voters in shaping our future. The format of the event will be a panel discussion followed by a Q&A session with audience members, including MEP candidates. Speakers will include: Prof Gavin Barrett, Professor in UCD Sutherland School of Law and Jean Monnet Professor of European Constitutional and Economic Law, UCD; John Lee, Execuitve Editor, Daily Mail Group Ireland; Prof Gary Murphy, School of Law and Government, DCU; and, Alison O’Connor, Columnist, Sunday Times. The event takes place from 7-8 pm at Odyssey Room, The Alex Hotel, 41-47 Fenian St, Dublin, D02 H678.

Applications launched for the EU Organic Awards 2024 (02/05/2024)

Applications opened this week for the 2024 EU Organic Awards. Since their establishment in 2022, the EU Organic Awards have offered operators in the sector a vital platform to highlight excellence and innovation as the European Union looks to increase the amount of farmland under organic cultivation to 25 per cent by 2030. The deadline for applications is 12 May 2024 and submissions can be made online via the EU Organic Awards website. In 2023, an Irish SME - the Merry Mill in Co. Laois - won the 'Best organic food processing SME' category.

Commission launches first-stage consultation of social partners on fair telework and the right to disconnect (30/04/2024)

The European Commission has launched the first-stage consultation of European social partners to gather their views on the possible direction of EU action on ensuring fair telework and the right to disconnect. Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said: "Workers appreciate the flexibility and autonomy of telework, while companies gain from higher productivity and staff retention. We are now consulting social partners on the opportunities and risks linked to telework. We want to make sure that EU rules promote their autonomy and do not stand in the way of companies and workers who agree to teleworking. We are also seeking their views on whether specific risks require EU action. This includes the risks to workers’ health from an ‘always on call’ culture and the related call from the European Parliament to ensure the right to disconnect".

Commission seeks views on the application of the ‘Do No Significant Harm' principle to the Social Climate Fund (02/05/2024)

The European Commission has published a call for evidence seeking views on the application of the ‘Do No Significant Harm' (DNSH) principle to the Social Climate Fund. The DNSH principle aims to ensure that no EU-financed activities have a significant negative impact on climate and environmental objectives. The views collected should help ensure a consistent application of the DNSH principle to the Social Climate Fund, which was created to support the most vulnerable citizens and small businesses through the green transition. The feedback period ends on 28 May 2024.

Schuman Traineeships in the European Parliament (02/05/2024)

Applications for paid 5-month traineeships in the European Parliament from October 2024 to February 2025 have just opened. Applicants for the Schuman traineeships must be aged 18+; fulfil the language requirement; provide a university level diploma(s); provide an eligible criminal record; not have worked for more than two consecutive months within an EU institution or body; not have carried out a Study Visit in the Secretariat of the European Parliament six months prior to the beginning of the traineeship. The deadline to apply is 31 May 2024.

President von der Leyen addresses European Parliament on the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement (24/04/2024)

In a speech to this week's plenary session of the European Parliament, President von der Leyen spoke about the success of the 2004 EU Enlargement, the start of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and the threat Russia poses to Ukraine and to Europe. She said: "The decisions we took together in the 90s and 2000s led to that special Day of Welcomes in Phoenix Park in Ireland. It led to one of the great European success stories. And the decisions we will take in the next weeks, months and years will decide who wins the future of Europe. So together, let us stay united. Let us stay strong with Ukraine. And let us stay ambitious on enlargement and reform. This is how we will make good on that European promise once again – just as we did 20 years ago. Long live generation of 2004".

2023 European State of the Climate Report confirms alarming trend of climate change impacts on our continent (22/04/2024)

The annual European State of the Climate Report, published jointly this week by the EU Copernicus Climate Change Service and the UN World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), showcases the continued alarming trend of rising temperatures and climate change impacts across Europe. In 2023, Europe experienced its warmest year on record, impacting citizens with a surge in extreme heat stress days, and heatwaves. Precipitation levels were 7% above average in 2023, raising flood risks in many areas of Europe. The average sea surface temperature across Europe was the highest on record with the Atlantic Ocean west of Ireland recording sea surface temperatures as much as 5°C above average.

Commission opens proceedings against TikTok under the Digital Services Act (23/04/2024)

The European Commission this week has opened a second formal proceedings against TikTok under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission is concerned that the “Task and Reward Program” of TikTok Lite, which allows users to earn points while performing certain “tasks” on TikTok - such as watching videos, liking content, following creators, inviting friends to join TikTok, etc. - has been launched without prior diligent assessment of the risks it entails. Commissoner Thierry Breton said: "We suspect TikTok “Lite” could be as toxic and addictive as cigarettes “light”. Unless TikTok provides compelling proof of its safety, which it has failed to do until now, we stand ready to trigger DSA interim measures including the suspension of TikTok Lite feature which we suspect could generate addiction".

European Commission calls on Ireland to correctly transpose the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (24/04/2024)

The European Commission is sending a letter of formal notice to Ireland (and two other EU Member States) for having incorrectly transposed the 4th and 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directives (4th AML Directive as amended by the 5th AML Directive). Although Ireland had notified a complete transposition of the amended Directive, the Commission has identified instances of incorrect transposition (non-conformity) of the Directive into national law. Ireland now has two months to respond and address the shortcomings raised by the Commission.

European Parliament adopts 'Right to Repair' Directive (23/04/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed this week's adoption by the European Parliament of the 'Right to Repair' Directive. The new rules ensure that manufacturers provide timely and cost-effective repair services and inform consumers about their rights to repair. Goods repaired under the warranty will benefit from an additional one-year extension of the legal guarantee, further incentivising consumers to choose repair instead of replacement. Once the directive is formally approved by Council and published in the EU Official Journal, member states will have 24 months to transpose it into national law.

Parliament adopts EU-wide Disability and Parking Cards (25/04/2024)

At this week's final plenary session of the current European Parliament, MEPs gave their final green light to the EU Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities. The new rules will establish an EU-wide disability card to make sure that persons with disabilities have equal access to preferential conditions, such as reduced or zero entry fees, priority access and access to reserved parking. The new rules will only apply for short stays, with an exception for disability card holders that move to another member state for a mobility programme, such as Erasmus+.

Parliament approves first ever EU rules on combating violence against women (25/04/2024)

The European Parliament this week adopted the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The directive calls for stronger laws against cyberviolence, better assistance for victims, and steps to prevent rape. The new rules prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage and outline particular guidelines for offenses committed online, such as the disclosure of private information and cyberflashing.

New EU rules to combat money-laundering adopted (25/04/2024)

The European Parliament this week adopted a package of laws strengthening the EU’s toolkit to fight money-laundering and terrorist financing. The new laws ensure that people with a legitimate interest will have immediate, unfiltered, direct and free access to beneficial ownership information held in national registries and interconnected at EU level. In addition to current information, the registries will also include data going back at least five years. The laws also give Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) more powers to analyse and detect money laundering and terrorist financing cases as well as to suspend suspicious transactions.

European Commission calls on Ireland to correctly transpose EU legislation on industrial emissions (25/04/2024)

The European Commission has sent a reasoned opinion to Ireland for failure to address shortcomings in the transposition of the Industrial Emissions Directive. The Industrial Emissions Directive lays down rules designed to prevent and reduce harmful industrial emissions into air, water, and land, as well as prevent the generation of waste. The Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Ireland in February 2022. However, Ireland's legislation still does not correctly transpose certain permitting requirements.

Commission calls on Ireland and 5 other member states to transpose the TEN-T Directive (25/04/2024)

The European Commission has called on Ireland to transpose into national law the Directive streamlining measures for advancing the realisation of the trans-European transport network. The Directive aims at smoother completion of key TEN-T core network projects by making permit-granting and public procurement procedures clearer. It covers cross-border and missing links on the core TEN-T corridors, and corridor projects exceeding €300 million. The deadline to transpose the Directive into national law was 10 August 2023.

EU and China agree on further cooperation on circular economy (25/04/2024)

The EU and China have agreed on a joint roadmap for cooperation on circular economy. This roadmap defines the actions that both the EU and China will take to implement in 2024 under the EU-China Memorandum of Understanding on the circular economy. Actions outlined in the roadmap focus on plastics, including the ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty, but also battery value chains and remanufacturing. Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “Closer and continuous engagement with China is key to achieving not only our circular economy but also other shared environmental ambitions.”

Ireland predicted to see a substantial rise in ageing costs (19/04/2024)

According to a new EU report, Ireland (+4.9%) is one of a number of EU countries that is expected to see a substantial rise in ageing costs (pensions, health care, long-term care, etc) over the coming years. Ireland’s currently has the highest share of population aged under 20 years old (26%), the second lowest median age (38.8 years) and is second lowest in terms of share of population aged 65 or above in the EU (15%). However, the composition of Ireland’s population is set to change significantly with the share of the population aged 65 and over set to steadily rise from 15% in 2022 to 29% in 2070.

Commission welcomes European Parliament's adoption of the European Health Data Space and regulation on substances of human origin (25/04/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the adoption by the European Parliament this week of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and new rules to increase the safety and quality of substances of human origin (SoHO). This groundbreaking initiative, put forward by the Commission in May 2022, has two main aims: to place citizens at the centre of their healthcare, granting them full control over their data, with the goal of achieving better healthcare across the EU; and to allow the use of health data for research and public health purposes, under strict conditions.

Commission welcomes adoption by European Parliament of measures to improve the availability of in vitro diagnostics (25/04/2024)

The European Commission welcomed the adoption by the European Parliament this week of measures, proposed by the Commission in January 2024, to improve the availability of in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) for patients and healthcare providers. These measures include granting more time to companies to transition to the new EU rules on IVDs, introducing a new obligation on manufacturers to inform national authorities and the health sector in case of disruption of supply of certain medical devices and allowing for the gradual roll-out of the European Database on Medical Devices - Eudamed.

Member States endorse withdrawal of smoke flavourings from EU market (25/04/2024)

EU Member States this week endorsed a proposal from the European Commission to not renew the authorisation of 8 smoke flavourings for food, which was requested by the manufacturers. After a phase-out period, these flavourings will no longer be permitted for use in the EU. The relevant decisions are based on scientific assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which concluded that for all eight smoke flavourings assessed, genotoxicity concerns are either confirmed or can't be ruled out.

Additional obligations for Very Large Online Platforms kick in for Pornhub, Stripchat and XVideos under the DSA (19/04/2024)

As of this week, adult entertainment platforms Pornhub, Stripchat and Xvideos will have to comply with the most stringent obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The DSA makes designated Very Large Online Platforms (i.e. online platforms with more than 45 million users in the EU) accountable for ensuring safer, more transparent online spaces. They must identify and address in an effective manner systemic risks, particularly when it comes to mitigating risks to the well-being of minors, amplification of illegal content, recommender systems, etc.

Commission defines principles on limiting most harmful chemicals to essential uses (22/04/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted guiding criteria and principles for what would constitute ‘essential uses' of the most harmful chemicals. The concept of ‘essential uses' helps assess when it is justified, from a societal point of view, to use the most harmful substances. The overall aim is to achieve higher regulatory efficiency and predictability for authorities, investors and industry for a faster phase-out of the most harmful substances in non-essential uses, while allowing more time for the phase-out of uses that are essential for society.

Commission seeks feedback on commitments offered by Vifor over possible anticompetitive disparagement of iron medicine (19/04/2024)

The European Commission is inviting comments on commitments offered by Vifor to address competition concerns over the alleged disparagement of its closest - and potentially only – competing treatment in Europe for intravenous iron treatment, Pharmacosmos' Monofer. Following the opening of a formal investigation in June 2022, the Commission preliminarily found that Vifor is dominant in several national markets for the provision of intravenous iron medicines, including Ireland. It is concerned that Vifor may have restricted competition in the market for intravenous iron treatment by illegally disparaging Monofer, an iron deficiency treatment by its closest competitor in Europe, Pharmacosmos.

Commission carries out unannounced foreign subsidies inspections in the security equipment sector (23/04/2024)

The European Commission announced this week that it is carrying out unannounced inspections at the premises of a company active in the production and sale of security equipment in the European Union. The Commission has indications that the inspected company may have received foreign subsidies that could distort the internal market pursuant to the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. The Commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the national competition authorities of the Member States where the inspections were carried out.

Ireland's employment rate exceeds 79% in 2023: Eurostat (25/04/2024)

According to Eurostat, 79.1% of Ireland's 20-64 year olds were in employment in 2023, up from 66.5% in 2013 and from 75% in 2019. This is above the EU average employment rate of 75.3%, which is also up from 66.8% in 2013. Among the EU countries, the highest employment rates in 2023 were recorded in the Netherlands (84%), Sweden (83%) and Estonia (82%). The lowest rates were recorded in Italy (66%), Greece (67%) and Romania (69%). The Eurostat figures also show that the over-qualification rate in Ireland was 28% in 2023, 4th highest overall in the EU where the average is 22%. Women (28.4%) in Ireland were a little more likely to be over-qualified than men (27.5%)

Irish third highest for purchasing printed books, magazines or newspapers online (23/04/2024)

New Eurostat figures show people living in the EU were almost twice as likely to purchase printed books, magazines or newspapers online (13.4%) as e-books or online magazines and newspapers (7.2%) in 2023. In Ireland in 2023, 21% of people purchased printed books online, 3rd highest in the EU and well above the EU average of 13.3%. This compares to 16.9% of Irish people who bought e-books, online magazines or other online newspapers, also 3rd highest in the EU

Friday 26 April: ACCELERATE 2024: The Transition to a Net Zero Future (IIEA event) (19/04/2024)

ESB and the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) are holding a joint full-day international conference, ACCELERATE: The Transition to a Net Zero Future on Friday 26 April at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, 1 Ship Street Great, D08 E6PD Dublin 8. The conference will explore Ireland’s progress towards a clean energy future, looking at developments and innovations that will be key to accelerating the transition to net zero while addressing the challenges facing Ireland, Europe and beyond.

Monday 29 April: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Luxembourg (19/04/2024)

EU agriculture ministers meeting in Luxembourg will discuss the responses to the current situation in the agricultural sector. The Council will focus on the measures that have been proposed or taken so far that are aimed at simplifying the common agricultural policy (CAP) and strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain. Also on the agenda: trade-related agricultural issues and the annual performance reports submitted by member states to give an overview of the implementation of the CAP in their countries.

Tuesday 30 April: MY RIGHT, MY VOTE, Europe House, Dublin 2 (19/04/2024)

In collaboration with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, DiasporaVote will host an event in Dublin where different speakers, different parties, and people from all over Ireland will be educated on the importance of voting in the upcoming European elections. This event will have an informational element to it as well as a Q and A element so that people are equipped with everything they need to vote in this year's European elections and other elections to come. The event will take place on Tuesday afternoon 30 April at Europe House, 12-14 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. DiasporaVote is a global organisation dedicated to empowering people of color and marginalised communities to exercise their voting rights and amplify their voices in democratic processes.

Thursday 2 May: Investing in a Sustainable Future for All (IIEA event) (19/04/2024)

In her address to the IIEA, Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), will outline her priorities for her term as EIB President. President Calviño will discuss how the EIB and Ireland have been working together to invest in a sustainable future for all and will outline her vision for how Ireland and the EIB can develop closer cooperation in the coming decade. This hybrid event starts at 3.15 pm.

Thursday 2 May: EU Elections Town Hall - Ireland South Constituency, Cork (23/04/2024)

On Thursday evening 2 May, European Movement Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office will host an in-person event, ‘EU Elections Town Hall – Ireland South Constituency’. Moderated by Journalist, Author and Broadcaster Flor MacCarthy, this event will see journalists and academics discuss topics such as the role of the European Elections, the impact of the European Parliament in our daily lives, and the role of voters in shaping our future. The format of the event will be a panel discussion followed by a Q and A session with audience members, including MEP candidates. Speakers include: Dr. Theresa Reidy, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government and Politics, University College Cork; Gerard Arthurs, Lecturer in International Relations & Politics, South East Technological University – Waterford; and, Karen Coleman, Editor, EuroParlRadio. This event will take place from 7 to 8 pm at the Banking Hall, UCC Centre for Executive Education, 1 Lapp’s Quay, Centre, Cork, T12 VF82.

Friday 3 May: Meet Your Candidates: EU Elections Hustings (online event) (22/04/2024)

On Friday afternoon 3 May, The Wheel is organising an online event about Ireland's 2024 MEP candidates and how they will support the community and voluntary sector if elected. The Wheel will present their EU Elections manifesto outlining members’ priorities for the sector so the candidates can respond to these asks. There will also be a Q&A session giving audience members the opportunity to raise their communities’ priorities.

Tuesday 7 May: Eurofound's Annual Lecture 2024: Living, working and voting in Europe, Dublin 2 (19/04/2024)

Eurofound is organising its Annual Lecture Living, working and voting in Europe 2024 on 7 May in Dublin with guest speaker, political analyst Ivan Krastev, Chairman of the Centre for Liberal Strategies and permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM). Opened by Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs and Defence Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, with an introduction by Ivailo Kalfin, Executive Director at Eurofound, the lecture event will also provide an opportunity for the audience to participate in a short question and answer session with Mr Krastev, moderated by Mary McCaughey, Head of Information and Communication at Eurofound. Please register at the link below. For more information about this event, please contact Cristina Arigho at car@eurofound.europa.eu.

Tuesday 7 May: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council, Brussels (22/04/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Tuesday 7 May: Foreign Affairs Council (Development), Brussels (22/04/2024)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Wednesday 8 May: Disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation: A Challenge for Democracy? (IIEA event) (23/04/2024)

In this address to the IIEA, Lutz Güllner, Head of Division for Strategic Communications and Information Analysis at the European External Action Service, will discuss the issue of disinformation and foreign information manipulation and their implications for the EU’s democratic resilience. Mr Güllner will also focus on the ways in which the EU is responding to foreign disinformation and will provide his expert opinion on the further steps the EU could take in this domain. This event takes place online at 1pm on Wednesday 8 May.

Thursday 9 May: Europe Day concert (25/04/2024)

A special Europe Day concert will be broadcast live on RTE Lyric FM on Thursday 9 May from 7 to 8.15 pm. The concert is being organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, the Belgian Embassy to Ireland and the European Commission Representation in Ireland. The music will be provided by the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Le Conservatoire royal de Liège and the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp.

Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 May: Europe Day: 'Short Shorts from Europe' – Online Film Screening (19/04/2024)

To mark Europe Day on Thursday 9 May, the EUNIC Ireland Network (European Union National Institutes for Culture) is organising a free online screening of its 2023 Short Shorts from Europe programme showcasing the diversity of contemporary European cinema. Action, comedy, animation, drama – expect this and more from Short Shorts from Europe – a selection of European short films from eleven member countries of EUNIC Ireland. The programme also features shorts from Cork International Film Festival and TUS Limerick School of Art and Design (Clonmel). The full programme is available at the link below.

Thursday 9 May: The Gathering (Léargas event) (19/04/2024)

Léargas will celebrate Europe Day this year with a virtual cross-sectoral event, The Gathering 2024. The event will provide participants with insights into Erasmus+, ESC and other EU initiatives They will also hear about inspiring projects and partake in a Q&A about funding opportunities. This event is of interest to organisations or individuals working in education, training, sport, community and youth sectors.

Thursday 16 May: EU Election Town Hall - Ireland Midlands-North-West Constituency, Galway (23/04/2024)

On Thursday evening 16 May, the European Movement Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office are hosting an in-person event, ‘EU Election Town Hall – Ireland Midlands-North-West Constituency’. Moderated by Journalist, Author, Broadcaster Flor MacCarthy, this event will see journalists and academics discuss topics such as the role of the European Elections, the impact of the European Parliament in our daily lives, and the role of voters in shaping our future. The format of the event will be a panel discussion followed by a Q&A session with audience members, including MEP candidates. Speakers will include: Dr. Brendan Flynn, Head of Discipline Political Science, School of Political Science & Sociology, University of Galway; Karen Coleman, Editor, Europarl Radio; and, Máirín Ní Ghráda, Presenter RTÉ RnaG and TG4. This event takes place from 7-8pm at the Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel, Lough Atalia Road, Galway, H91 CYN3.

Friday 17 May: Eurofound Open Day, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18 (24/04/2024)

The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, Eurofound, will open its doors to its neighbours and the local community on Friday 17 May when they will showcase their work on living and working in Europe, show visitors around their premises, and provide them with an opportunity to meet and talk to the team. Eurofound is located on the Wyattville Road, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18.

Monday 27 May: Inflation in the Eurozone (IIEA event) (25/04/2024)

In recent years, Europe and much of the world have suffered the largest inflation shock in decades. Central banks have responded with large and rapid increases in interest rates. In his presentation to the IIEA, Philip Lane, Chief Economist of the European Central Bank, will discuss the inflation outlook in the Eurozone at a time when hopes of a return to price stability are rising. This online event takes place at 1pm.

Thursday 30 May: EU Election Town Hall - Ireland Dublin Constituency, Dublin (23/04/2024)

On Thursday evening 30 May, European Movement Ireland and the European Parliament Liaison Office are hosting an in-person event, ‘EU Election Town Hall – Ireland Dublin Constituency.’ Moderated by Journalist, Author and Broadcaster Flor MacCarthy, this event will see journalists and academics discuss topics such as the role of the European Elections, the impact of the European Parliament in our daily lives, and the role of voters in shaping our future. The format of the event will be a panel discussion followed by a Q&A session with audience members, including MEP candidates. Speakers will include: Prof Gavin Barrett, Professor in UCD Sutherland School of Law and Jean Monnet Professor of European Constitutional and Economic Law, UCD; John Lee, Execuitve Editor, Daily Mail Group Ireland; Prof Gary Murphy, School of Law and Government, DCU; and, Alison O’Connor, Columnist, Sunday Times. The event takes place from 7-8 pm at Odyssey Room, The Alex Hotel, 41-47 Fenian St, Dublin, D02 H678.

New calls worth €1.25 billion from Horizon Europe to support cutting-edge research under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (23/04/2024)

The European Commission this week announced new calls worth over €1.25 billion to support research under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), part of the EU research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe. The funding will support and provide jobs to about 10 000 talented researchers from all over the world at all stages of their career with research projects covering all fields. This year's funding round will start with the opening of three calls this week: the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships; the MSCA COFUND and the Feedback to Policy initiative.

Traineeships at the Joint Research Centre (24/04/2024)

The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) is seeking to recruit scientific trainees in different thematic areas for a five month traineeship starting in October 2024. The place of traineeship can be one of the following JRC sites: Ispra (Italy), Geel (Belgium), Petten (the Netherlands) or Karlsruhe (Germany). Complete information is available (project fields, eligibility conditions, etc.) in the notice of competition. As the science and knowledge service of the Commission, the JRC provides independent, evidence-based knowledge and science, supporting EU policies to positively impact society.

Commission launches first investigation under EU International Procurement Instrument (24/04/2024)

The European Commission this week initiated for the first time an investigation under the International Procurement Instrument (IPI). This investigation has been launched in response to measures and practices in the Chinese procurement market for medical devices which discriminate unfairly against European companies and products. Evidence gathered by the Commission indicates that China's procurement market for medical devices has gradually become more closed for European and foreign firms, as well as for products made in the EU.