The State of the European Union 2021

In her second State of the Union Address on 15 September 2021, President von der Leyen gives an overview of the EU’s response to the twin health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also outlines the Commission’s plans to address future challenges for the EU in an increasingly competitive and complex global environment. To mark this speech, the IIEA, the European Commission Representation in Ireland and European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland hosts a live-stream of the address, followed by a webinar panel discussion analysing the key themes of President von der Leyen’s address

About the Speakers:

Lisa Chambers is currently the Deputy Leader of Seanad Éireann and Leader of Fianna Fáil in the Seanad following her election to the Cultural and Educational Panel in 2020. From 2016 to 2020 she was a TD for Mayo serving as the Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Defence and Brexit policy.

Brigid Laffan is Emerita Professor of political science, focusing on European integration, recently concluding her mandate as Director of the Robert Schuman Centre at the European University Institute (EUI). Before this she was Professor of European Politics, Vice-President of UCD and Principal of the College of Human Sciences from 2004-2011.

David O’Sullivan is the current Chair of the European Policy Centre’s (EPC) Governing Board, and a former Secretary-General (2000-2005) and Director-General of DG Trade (2005-2010) at the European Commission. In a distinguished public service career over 30 years, he most recently served as the Ambassador of the EU to the United States (2014-2019). Before this, he was Chief Operating Officer in the European External Action Service (EEAS) and responsible for establishing the EU’s diplomatic service. Since retirement from the public sector he currently serves as a Senior Counsellor with Steptoe & Johnson LLP.

The discussion was moderated by Dearbhail McDonald, journalist, author and broadcaster.