EU Affairs Past Events

Minister Linde explored the Swedish response to the coronavirus pandemic, the implications of the crisis for gender equality issues, and the significance of Sweden’s feminist foreign policy.

Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, Evelyn Regner MEP, reflected on the particular impact of the COVID-19 crisis on women and on the longer-term gender equality issues the EU will face in its recovery.

Michael Roth discussed the priorities of the German Presidency of the Council of the EU and reflected on the twin goals of repairing the EU’s economy and strengthening solidarity between its Member States.

In his address to the IIEA, Minister Donohoe reflected on some of the key economic debates the COVID crisis has engendered in Europe, and discussed the pragmatic role that Ireland can play in shaping the EU post-COVID-19.

European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, explored the social impact of COVID-19, the challenges of Europe’s post-COVID recovery, and the measures being developed by the EU to protect jobs and livelihoods.

Minister Coveney addressed the many challenges facing the EU in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, including the response inside the Union, assistance to EU citizens abroad, the international implications of the pandemic, multilateralism, development assistance, and the negotiations with the UK.

In his address to the IIEA, Commissioner Phil Hogan discussed the vital role of international trade in the EU's post-COVID recovery.

The IIEA gathers an expert panel, comprising political, think-tank and academic perspectives, to discuss the wide-ranging implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic, social and political impact on the future of Europe.

John Berrigan discusses the economic policy measures which have been taken at the EU level in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and discusses what else can be done to support Member States.

Former Prime Minister of Italy, Enrico Letta, discussed his proposals for closer European co-operation in addressing the impact of COVID-19 and provided insights into the effects the virus has had in his country.