About: Ireland
New Irish prime minister gives boost to EU centrists
The centrist Renew Europe political faction has added another EU leader to their roster after Ireland formed a new government over the weekend, with Fianna Fáil leader Mícheál Martin at the helm, tasked with overseeing the country's economic recovery after the pandemic.
U2 frontman Bono helps Ireland win seat in UN Security Council
Mexico, India, Ireland and Norway were elected to the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday (17 June), but the 193 UN member states must return on Thursday to continue voting to fill one more vacant seat after there was no clear winner.
EU trade commissioner Hogan mulling candidacy for WTO chief
European trade commissioner Phil Hogan is considering putting his name forward as a candidate to be the next director-general of the World Trade Organization, his spokesman said on Sunday (31 May).
Irish data protection authority under fire over Facebook case
In an open letter, online privacy activist Max Schrems has criticised the Irish data protection commission's handling of a complaint against social media giant Facebook and called on the European Union to step in. EURACTIV Germany reports.
GDPR enforcement held back by lack of resources, report says
Enforcement of EU data privacy rules is being stifled by a lack of resources across national authorities, according to a new study published today (25 May), on the second anniversary of the EU's landmark general data protection regulation (GDPR).
Doctor Varadkar steps up to COVID-19 frontline
Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar is to serve as a doctor in his country's fight against the ongoing spread of the deadly coronavirus, the leader's office announced on Sunday evening (6 March).
Ireland to roll out voluntary phone tracker app to tackle coronavirus
Ireland’s government is to roll out a voluntary phone-tracking app to alert users if someone they have been in contact with develops COVID-19, its health service said on Sunday, two weeks before the pandemic is expected to peak in the country.
Six EU countries join call for 100% renewable energy scenario
Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Spain have sent a joint letter to the European Commission calling for the inclusion of a 100% renewable energy scenario in long-term climate projections.
Ireland’s St Patrick’s parades cancelled over COVID-19 concerns
St Patrick's day festivities have been cancelled all over the Republic of Ireland, amid rising concerns over the spread of the Coronavirus outbreak, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar announced on Monday (9 March).
Ireland’s political earthquake
Sinn Féin made only one mistake: had it run multiple candidates in its strongest constituencies, it could have become the largest party in the Irish parliament by a long lead, writes Dick Roche.
Irish nationalists Sinn Fein demand place in government after strong election showing
Irish nationalists Sinn Fein demanded on Sunday (9 February) to be part of the next Irish government after early results indicated the left-wing party secured the most votes in an election that leader Mary Lou McDonald described as a ballot box "revolution".
Brexit, homelessness dominate in Irish election
Ireland goes to the polls on Saturday (8 February), with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar touting his successful handling of Brexit, but facing pressure over housing and healthcare.
Google hit by Irish data protection probe
The Irish Data Protection Commission has announced that they have launched a formal investigation of Google due to concerns over the way the company processes user location data.
Nationalists establish clear lead in opinion poll ahead of Irish election
Irish nationalists Sinn Fein have surged to the top of an opinion poll five days ahead of an election in Ireland that looks set to be a major breakthrough for the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army.
Hogan ‘should stay out of domestic Irish politics,’ Fianna Fáil warns
Irish Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has hit out at recent comments made by the EU Commissioner Phil Hogan, accusing him of making a 'coded partisan intervention,' in Irish politics, ahead of next week's general election.
Ireland’s PM sets stage for possible February election
Ireland's Prime Minster Leo Varadkar said on Sunday (12 January) he had made a decision on the timing of a general election, with many media outlets and politicians predicting a 7 February poll.
‘Enormous amount at stake’ in Irish murder data appeal case
There is an "enormous amount at stake" in an appeal against a High Court decision that found the police's capturing of mobile phone metadata in relation to a murder case breached EU law, Ireland's Supreme Court has heard.
Irish government stumbles as post-Brexit election looms
As political chaos reigned across the sea in Britain, Ireland's two main parties have been working together to limit the damage of Brexit -- but not for much longer.
EURACTIV’s Halloween Special: The pumpkin and the EU
In Europe, the day before All Saints Day, often termed Halloween, pumpkins are everywhere, as millions of Europeans decorate and place them in front of their doors. For its Halloween special, EURACTIV Germany has put together a few (very European) statistics about the beloved orange fruit.
EU globalisation adjustment fund should cushion Brexit consequences
On Monday (21 October), the European Parliament voted in favour of using funds from the Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) in the event of a hard Brexit to help workers of the remaining EU-27 who will have lost their jobs as a result of the UK's withdrawal. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Ireland dismisses reported UK Brexit border proposal
Britain is proposing to set up "customs clearance centres" on both sides of the Irish border after Brexit, Irish national broadcaster RTE reported on Monday (30 September), an idea Ireland's foreign minister quickly dismissed as a "non-starter".
UK government steps up no-deal Brexit blame game
Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay warned Wednesday (28 August) that the European Union would be blamed for its "lack of flexibility" on the Irish border question in the event of no-deal Brexit – a statement quickly rebutted by Ireland's foreign minister.
Johnson tells EU he wants Brexit deal but without Irish backstop
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote Monday (19 August) to European Council President Donald Tusk reaffirming his desire to conclude a Brexit deal as well as his opposition to the controversial "backstop" on Ireland.