The European Green Deal was launched in 2019 to make Europe the world’s first climate neutral and resilient economy, and to decouple economic growth from resource use. Six years later, the ambition has become even more important for Europe, and for the world, but the global context has considerably changed. In his address to the IIEA, Director Gene…

Government attention to the security and resilience of subsea telecommunications cables has intensified in recent years. While largely owned and operated by private companies, a growing number of states now qualify or designate the systems as critical, if not strategic infrastructure, the security and resilience of which are vital to economic and s…

The Global Impact of US Economic PoliciesThe international economic policies of the United States have shifted dramatically since the inauguration of Donald Trump as president at the end of January. Thus far, the most impactful have been a series of historically large tariff announcements on most countries in the world. Former US Treasury Economist…

Enhancing peace and security cooperation is a key pillar of the EU-Africa partnership, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. In the second address of the 2025 Development Matters lecture series, which is kindly supported by Irish Aid, Mr Johan Borgstam, EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, presents his assessment of the si…

Europe finds itself in a new geopolitical reality. While Russia's continues its war of aggression against Ukraine and threatens to advance on Europe's Eastern Flank, the transatlantic relationship is undergoing a period of change. Since the United States signalled that Europe will need to do more for its own defence, European capitals have been att…

Full presentation Title: Constitutional Change and the Rise of Fiscal Discipline in Europe: Ripple Effects on Fundamental Social RightsIn March 2025, the ReArm Europe plan brought EU fiscal discipline and rules back into the spotlight of EU policymaking. In her address to the IIEA, Dr Kotsoni explores how, following the eurozone crisis, several EU …

In his address to the IIEA, Mike Nesbitt, Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, explores how the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, signed on 10 April 1998, saw an all-time peak of hope for the future of the people of Northern Ireland and, by association, Northern Ireland’s neighbours in the Republic of Ireland and in Great Britain.According to Mr Nesbi…

Trump, Tariffs, and The Future of Transatlantic TradeThe US is scheduled to announce another round of wide-ranging tariffs, including on the EU, on Wednesday, 2 April. This edition of IIEA Insights takes place the following day and assesses the measures and their likely impact on Ireland, the EU, and the transatlantic economy. Panellists also discu…

Current tectonic changes in Europe’s security environment have opened the way for rethinking the EU enlargement process. Western Balkan countries are an immediate neighbour to the EU and their stability is of strategic importance. As their closest EU partner, Croatia strongly advocates for the European path of the Western Balkans countries and is c…

In her address to the IIEA, Constanze Stelzenmüller explores Europe’s strategic outlook as it faces mounting geopolitical challenges. As Russia’s war against Ukraine persists with ongoing support from China, the United States has entered a new political chapter following its recent presidential election. Meanwhile, authoritarian powers are assertin…

Ten years after the historic climate agreement reached at COP21 in Paris, considerable progress has been made in areas ranging from energy efficiency and renewables deployment to electric vehicles and heat pumps. However, this progress is well below that required to deliver on the goals in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, and investment in clean e…

In this talk, Professor Stephen Millard discusses the outlook for the UK economy in light of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement and accompanying Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecast. He compares the current NIESR view as to the outlook for GDP, inflation and the labour market with the OBR’s forecast and the forecast from the Bank of Engla…

In this webinar, Nina Jankowicz discusses the evolution of disinformation in democracies, ranging from Russian-linked disinformation campaigns in Eastern Europe to the new U.S. Government’s hostile stance towards disinformation research. She discusses how the new US administration’s relationship with technology companies may affect content moderati…

Whither Ireland-US relations?The second term of Donald Trump has been eventful. After just weeks in office, the US president has alienated some of the most pro-American governments in Europe with his interventions in the war in Ukraine and his moves towards an accommodation with the aggressor in the conflict, Russia. He has also promised tariffs on…

Strengthening the full implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons necessitates a balanced implementation of all of its three pillars: nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and peaceful nuclear uses. However, the current geopolitical situation has exacerbated significant challenges in all of these t…

The Minister speaks about the environmental policies and programmes being implemented to protect and improve our environment ensuring we work together to tackle the interconnected challenges facing agriculture and the environmentAbout the Speaker: Andrew Muir MLA is Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland and Alli…

The Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet Report 2024 is the first global, post-pandemic assessment of the World Bank’s mission to end extreme poverty, boost shared prosperity in a liveable planet and take stock of its progress towards achieving these goals. It highlights the stark reality that these intertwined goals are out of reach under the current l…

In this event, in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, constituents have the opportunity to discuss issues of interest with Midland-North-West MEPs. This event offers an opportunity to debate matters of importance including agricultural policy, land use, climate change, housing, transport and other topics. As panellist…

Tectonic shifts are happening in European security. With intense uncertainty over the role. of the US as a guarantor of the continent’s security, Russia’s war in Ukraine now in its fourth year, and the exclusion of all other countries from US-Russia talks about ending that war, defence has shot to the top of governments’ agendas across the continen…

In this webinar Ms Lucilla Sioli, Director of the EU AI Office, addresses the Institute on the enforcement of the EU’s new AI Act. Ms Sioli explores the enforcement framework for the AI Act and how this legislation will be implemented in practice. Ms Sioli focuses particular attention on the role of the EU AI Office and how it can help to ensure co…

In this podcast, Judge Eugene Regan engages in conversation with IIEA Researcher, Heather Burke, to discuss the role that the Court of Justice of the European Union has played in defending the rule of law in Europe through its case law and as interpreter of the EU Treaties. He explains the function and responsibilities of the Court before tracing i…

In this ‘In Conversation’ event, Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, discuss their new book, Head North, which sets out a vision for a more balanced and inclusive future for the UK. Drawing on their experiences in Westminster and local government, the Mayors reflect on the challenges of …

In his address to the IIEA, Governor Makhlouf shares insights into the nation's current economic position and the Central Bank of Ireland’s priorities for 2025. His address offers perspectives on monetary policy, fiscal stability, and future economic priorities for Ireland and the euro area.About the Speaker:Gabriel Makhlouf took up his position as…

The OECD launched the Economic Survey of Ireland 2025 on Wednesday,12 February 2025. The biennial Survey provides detailed analysis of economic developments and key structural challenges, as well as making specific policy recommendations in these areas. This year’s Economic Survey contains an in-depth thematic chapter entitled 'Making housing more …

Ireland is home to a high-performing life sciences industry, offering outstanding opportunities for both economic development and public health. Unlike other European countries, however, Ireland does not have a holistic vision for the future of the sector. This is set to change, as the Government has promised to develop a new national life sciences…

In her remarks to the IIEA, Dr Jade McGlynn explores the identity, interactions, and influence of nationalist policy critics within the Russian political landscape, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine. She discusses how nationalists' criticisms target military strategy and leadership inefficiencies and straddle a line between regime support …

As Ireland’s population and economy grow, the demands on its transport infrastructure are increasing. Enhancing Ireland’s ground transport connectivity will play an important role in supporting economic growth, improving quality of life, and meeting climate commitments. Ireland’s National Development Plan 2030 outlines ambitious goals to upgrade Ir…

The EU's Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 sets a transformative agenda for accessibility, equality, and inclusion. In her address to the IIEA, Inmaculada Placencia Porrero, Senior Expert in Disability and Inclusion at DG Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion at the European Commission, explores the strategy’s achie…

Ireland faces a unique challenge in reconciling its position as a major agricultural producer with increasingly ambitious climate targets at national and EU level. The agri-food sector contributes significantly to Ireland's economy, generating €17.3 billion in gross value added (6% of GNI*) and employing 173,400 people. However, it also accounts fo…

In her address to the IIEA, Lara Marlowe discusses her new book, 'How Good It Is I Have No Fear of Dying'. Her book recounts the true story of a Ukrainian female army officer, Lieutenant Yulia Mykytenko, who commands a 25-man drone attack and reconnaissance platoon on the eastern front of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Lt Mykytenko has survived artillery…

This year’s IIEA YPN Christmas Special reflects upon the 2024 ‘year of elections’. Larry Donnelly, Lecturer at NUI Galway, discusses the 2024 US Presidential election and what we can expect with a new Trump administration. Brigid Laffan, Professor Emeritus at EUI, discusses the European Parliament and what we can expect from a new EU Commission. Fi…

This podcast explores the importance of the rule of law as a fundamental value of the EU and its role in ensuring the future of the EU. In conversation with IIEA Researcher, Heather Burke, retired Supreme Court Judge, John MacMenamin discusses the internal and external issues facing Europe and its liberal democratic model. He emphasises that a heal…

According to Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, wind energy is Ireland’s greatest asset in the fight against climate change and is also an enormous opportunity for Ireland to grow its economy and deliver affordable energy for homes and businesses. In his address to the IIEA, Mr Cunniffe will provide an overview of the evolution of the wind …

In the final event of the 2024 Development Matters lecture series, which is kindly sponsored by Irish Aid, Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, discusses the most prevalent health emergencies facing the world today, particularly in Gaza, Haiti, South Sudan, and Yemen. He provides insights into currently ongoing …

In the context of global elections and geopolitical shifts, according to Holy Ranaivozanany, Deputy Executive Director of the Africa-Europe Foundation, a rethought, strong, and forward-looking alliance between Africa and Europe remains the most effective way to resolve interconnected crises and to meet shared development goals. In her keynote addre…

The report of Mario Draghi, first published in September 2024, states that competition policy must adapt to ensure greater focus on fostering innovation and restoring the EU’s long-term competitiveness. Many of the ideas in this report have featured heavily in the mission letters sent by European commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Commiss…

In July of this year, Labour won one of the biggest landslides in British electoral history. However, according to the Irish Times’ London Correspondent Mark Paul, the new government's sheen quickly wore off. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was forced into an early reshuffle of his backroom operation while his popularity also plummeted, causing his adm…

In his address to the IIEA, Kai Zenner discusses the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act). He outlines the Act’s risk-based approach and its implications for different levels of the AI value chain. Mr Zenner will also assess what he deems to be the positive and negative features of the AI Act. He particularly discusses the implications of the …

John Hume was a committed and dedicated European, seeing the institutions and ethos of the European Union as models for peace, partnership, and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. The John Hume 'European Spirit of Peace’ Lecture recognises those who have demonstrated a strong commitment to European principles and values. The IIEA is honoured to hos…

Germany’s traffic light coalition came to power in December 2021, promising a green, innovative transformation - of the German economy and its role in Europe. It has delivered neither, buffeted by external crises and hobbled by domestic ideological battles that have poisoned cooperation on all fronts and left Germany - and Europe - adrift. Derek Sc…

The European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), a non-profit NGO in the disability sector, promotes the views of over 20,000 social services and their umbrella associations. The EASPD aims to promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities through effective and high-quality service systems. On Internati…

On the eve of the Irish General Election, this edition of IIEA Insights brings together seven diplomats, scholars, and analysts to share their views on what the foreign policy priorities of the next government should be. Each speaker outlines one-three priorities over a five-minute period. Speakers include: Edward Burke, Assistant Professor in the …

Following the adoption of the 2024 Enlargement Reports on 30 October 2024, DG Koopman provides an analysis from the perspective of the European Commission on the current state of play of EU enlargement. He examines the progress made by the partners from the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova on their paths towards EU memberships. He also discuss…

Although 2024 will be remembered as a year of political and electoral tumult worldwide, the situation in Northern Ireland has been relatively stable. The Executive and Assembly have been functioning since the Safeguarding the Union Deal (31 January) and its draft Programme for Government is intended to do ‘what matters most’. This rather unfamiliar…

This event is being held in conjunction with the European Commission Representation and the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland. Held at the IIEA to mark President von der Leyen’s address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg when she presents her new team, an expert panel discusses the composition of the Commission and the implication…

This year, COP 29 takes place in Baku and a key focus at the conference will be finance, countries requiring considerable amounts of finance to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions and protect people from the worsening effects of climate change. The Conference aims to find a new collective quantified goal on finance. Countries also presente…

Dr Haddad argues that, while policymakers and public health leaders are currently managing a range of urgent priorities, delivering good nutrition must be a foundational component of domestic budgets and development cooperation funding. At a time of great food insecurity, he highlights how nutrition stakeholders will need to do more to make the cas…

In his remarks to the IIEA, Anthony Michael Collins, Former Advocate-General at the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) reflects upon his time at the Court. As the rule of law in Europe faces increased challenges, Mr Collins discusses the importance of the Court for European citizens, and offers his perspective on the future of the CJEU.A…

Globally, it is estimated that 2.5 billion people need access to one or more assistive products or devices, and this number is likely to rise to above 3.4 billion by 2050. In May 2022, the WHO and UNICEF jointly launched a landmark Global Report on Assistive Technology (GReAT), which provides a clear roadmap with recommendations that, when implemen…

In February 2025, France will host the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, bringing together global leaders, thinkers, academics, businesspeople, and civil society to reflect upon what the AI revolution will mean for the world. AI is poised to usher in significant changes to the global economy, trade, education, government, employment, heal…