Charting the Course: Ireland’s Ocean Diplomacy

Ocean diplomacy, ocean governance, maritime strategies, the blue economy and resilience of coastal communities have emerged in recent months as key concerns of the EU institutions and many Member States. All are themes that Ireland – as a small island nation surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and situated at the western-most edge of the EU – is well-suited to champion at an EU and international level.

The Atlantic Four and the EU’s Atlantic Area

This Future-Proofing Europe infographic provides a visual overview of the EU’s Atlantic area and, specifically, the Member States and regions engaged with the EU’s Atlantic Maritime Strategy.

An Overview of Sub-Regional Groupings in the EU

This Future-Proofing Europe infographic provides a visual overview of 22 sub-regional grouping in Europe in a table and through maps.

European Democracy Shield Explored

Announced as one of the European Commission's major priorities for 2025, the European Democracy Shield remains as yet a nebulous idea. The Commission has communicated that the Shield will counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference and work to strengthen the fairness and integrity of elections, to increase situational awareness and to reinforce citizens’ participation and engagement.

Championing Democracy and Rule of Law in the EU—An Analysis of the Portfolio of Commissioner-designate Michael Mc Grath

An Ugly Cobweb or A New Broom? An Analysis of the Structure of the New Commission

An Overview of the Proposed College of Commissioners for the 2024-2029 Mandate

A Post-Election Guide to the New European Parliament, 2024-2029

This post-election guide outlines the new composition of the European Parliament, the updated political groups, and maps of the updated European Parliament constituency borders in Ireland. 

Changing the Guard: A Timeline of Changes to the Leadership in EU Institutions in 2024

The Rise of the Far-Right and European Parliament Elections - A Point of No Return?

“Eurovision with a Difference” European Political Parties, Lead Candidates and the 2024 European Elections

Easy Guide to the European Parliament Elections

The European elections will take place in Ireland on Friday 7 June 2024. Irish and EU citizens resident in Ireland aged 18 or over can vote provided that they are registered to do so by Monday 20 May 2024.

Enlargement and Strategic Autonomy under Cyprus’ EU Presidency

What Role for Regions in the EU’s Growth Model?

President Tüttő will speak about how regional and local leaders can mobilise to promote Europe’s growth model by ensuring that local and regional authorities play a full and inclusive role.

Finland’s Futures Ecosystem in a European Context

In his address to the IIEA on Finland's Futures Ecosystem, Minister Joakim Strand draws on tools of strategic foresight to elicit Finland's vision for future-proofing Europe and increasing its presence in the EU Institutions.

Human Rights: Healing Our Fractured World

In his keynote address to the Institute, Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, will address the disregard for human rights and international humanitarian law across the globe.

Progress on the Road to EU Accession: A Montenegrin Perspective

Keynote Address by Filip Ivanović, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro

European Commission Experts in Conversation with Marie Baker on the Rule of Law Report 2025

In this IIEA webinar, the Head and Deputy Head of the Rule of Law Unit in DG JUST in the European Commission presents the Commission’s most recent findings and recommendations contained in the Rule of Law Report 2025.

Future-Proofing EU Democracy: An Address by Commissioner Michael McGrath

In his address to the IIEA, Commissioner Michael McGrath will speak about the European Commission's plans to protect European democracy through the European Democracy Shield.

EU Enlargement and the Western Balkans

Keynote Address by Gordan Grlić Radman, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia

A Moldovan Perspective on EU Accession and Integration

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, provides an overview of Moldova’s progress on its path towards EU membership, including internal reforms and challenges pertaining to spillover effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Addressing Myths and Misconceptions amidst the Rise of right-wing Populism

Gerald Knaus, founder and chairman of the European Stability Initiative (ESI), will argue that migration fears drive populist leaders to undermine liberal democracies and suggest humane legal systems to balance border control and human rights.

Finland’s Priorities and Challenges as We Look Beyond the 2024 European Parliament Elections

EU Enlargement and the Western Balkans – A Croatian Perspective

Sailing on the High Seas: Reforming and Enlarging the EU for the 21st Century

The speakers discuss the recently published Report of the Franco-German Working Group on EU Institutional Reform.

EU Trade – Challenges and Opportunities in a Rapidly Changing Environment

Getting Ready For Enlargement: The EU’s Homework

Keynote Address on the Future of Europe by Tiago Antunes, Secretary of State for European Affairs of Portugal

EU Enlargement And Reform: Why It Matters And How It Can Be Done — A German Perspective

Future-Proofing Europe: The Challenges and Opportunities Presented by Enlargement of the European Union

A keynote address by Peter Burke TD, Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs and Defence.

European Commission Report on Enlargement: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Keynote address by Lawrence Meredith, Director of Neighbourhood East and Institution Building in DG NEAR in the European Commission.

Enlargement and the Future of the EU

Jessika Roswall will provide a Swedish Government view on EU enlargement and reform.

Ensuring Accountability and Justice for International crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine

This event will reflect on the legal options and challenges for justice and accountability mechanisms in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, including the prospects for the establishment of a special international tribunal.

‘Turning Back the Clock’: A Personal Reflection on the first European Council in Dublin

Ireland’s EU Presidency: Perspectives from Minister Thomas Byrne

A 28th Regime for 27 Member States – A New Corporate Legal Framework for Innovative Companies

Safeguarding Elections in Ireland and Across Europe In Conversation with Judge Marie Baker, Chair of the Electoral Commission of Ireland

Rule of Law in Europe: Perspectives from Civil Society-Liberties EU

European Democracy and the Free Press Imperative

Future-Proofing Cohesion Policy - the Glue that Binds the EU

Rule of Law in Europe: Perspectives from the CJEU with Judge Eugene Regan

Poland: A Lodestar for the EU?

Rule of Law in Europe: Perspectives from Judge John MacMenamin

An Ugly Cobweb or A New Broom? An Analysis of the Structure of the New Commission

Championing Democracy and Rule of Law in the EU—An Analysis of the Portfolio of Commissioner-designate Michael Mc Grath

An Overview of the Proposed College of Commissioners 2024 - 2029

A Post-Election Guide to the New European Parliament, 2024-2029

The Outcome of the European Parliament Elections – A Kaleidoscope of Combinations

European Elections in a Changing World: In Conversation with Pat Cox

The Changing Mood Music of EU Enlargement

The Big Reveal? Europe’s New Economic Security Strategy

Crunch Time for Enlargement