50 Years of Ireland in the EU
Ireland’s 50 years of EU membership has coincided with a radical economic and social transformation of our country.
Welcome to EU50
The Government’s EU50 programme is marking Ireland’s 50 years of EU membership since our decision to join the EEC in 1972. Government Departments, State Agencies, second and third level institutions, civil society groups, industry, cultural institutions and our Mission network have all been encouraged to get involved.
What is EU50?
Ireland’s Five Decades of EU Membership
EU50 News and Events
Commemoration of the 1972 Staines Air Disaster
Minister of State Thomas Byrne T.D. hosted the families of victims of the Staines Air Crash to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the tragedy.
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Presentation of John Hume Bust and Address by Taoiseach Micheál Martin to the European Parliament
This bust is a reminder of John’s unwavering commitment to peace on the island of Ireland.
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University of Limerick Symposium, 10-11 May 2022
The Department of Foreign Affairs, under the EU50 programme, supported a two day symposium on "The European Dimension in Irish Education".
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EU50 Europe Day Celebrations
Over the course of Europe Day, 9 May, Government Ministers met with young people in schools across Ireland, to hear what Europe means to them.
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Celebrating 50 Years in the EU
Taoiseach Micheál Martin addresses #IrelandEU50 Accession of Ireland to the ECC event
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Gaeilge san AE
Is cuid ríthábhachtach dár bhféiniúlacht agus dár n-oidhreacht í an Ghaeilge. Ar an 1 Eanair 2022, bhain an Ghaeilge stádas iomlán amach mar theanga oifigiúil de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh. Mar gheall air seo, tá an Ghaeilge anois ar chomhchéim leis na teangacha oifigiúla eile san AE. 50 bliain tar éis dul isteach san AE, tá ár dteanga náisiúnta anois ag croílár an Aontais.
The EU’s Impact on Ireland
Relevant Links
- Ireland and the EU: Timeline of Key Events (Houses of the Oireachtas)
- Ireland Says Yes To Europe (rte.ie)
- Ireland in the EU History
- The History of Ireland’s Accession to the European Communities (Council of the European Union)
- Conference on the Future of Europe
- Your gateway to the European Union (europa.eu)
- Ireland’s A Career for the EU Strategy
Related Initiatives
EU Jobs
Find all of the latest EU Jobs news and announcements here
Global Europe
Global Europe will particularly support countries most in need to overcome long-term developmental challenges.
European Movement Ireland
Since 1954, European Movement Ireland has been working to strengthen the connection between all sectors of Irish society and Europe.
Blue Star Programme
The Blue Star Programme teaches primary school pupils about European cultures and the EU through creative activities and projects.
Communicating Europe
The Communicating Europe Initiative is aimed at deepening public awareness of the role the EU plays in our daily lives and at improving the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues.
Access Europe
Access Europe is a support and capacity-building programme for Irish civil society organisations to better access EU funds and engage in EU policy.
European Year of Youth 2022 - Leargas
2022 is the European Year of Youth, shining a light on the importance of European youth to build a better future.
Global Ireland
Although geographically a small island on the periphery of Europe, Ireland's people and our outlook are global, influenced by connecting with people and events.