50 years of Irish membership of the EU : enlargement going forward : with an opening address (online) by the European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly

Abstract

Ireland’s signature of the Treaty of Accession to join the European Communities was the most significant event in Irish foreign policy since the foundation of the State in 1921. A referendum held in May 1972 subsequently confirmed Ireland’s entry into the European community with 83% of voters supporting membership. Ireland, along with Denmark and the United Kingdom, became a member of the European Communities on New Year’s Day 1973. Fifty years since this historic occasion, the Irish Government is leading a period of reflection with both a domestic and international focus, to engage with its citizens and European partners on Ireland’s place in Europe. There is no doubt that Ireland’s membership of the European Union has coincided with radical and transformative change across the social and economic landscape of Ireland. The EU has been a catalyst in the creation of the prosperous, peaceful and progressive Ireland of today. Ireland too has contributed to the development of a modern European Union. It is important that this milestone in Ireland’s membership is celebrated and so the Embassy of Ireland to the Republic of Malta, in collaboration with the University of Malta, will hold an event on 31 October 2023 to mark this historic landmark, reflecting on the impact of EU membership and future challenges, including enlargement of the Union. A mobile EU50 exhibition tells the story of our journey to full membership and highlights of the fifty years since a large majority of the Irish people voted in a referendum in May 1972 to join the European Economic Community.

Public talk held at University of Mala Valletta Campus on 31 October 2023