EU50
50 years membership of the European Union has opened many up possibilities for Irish people
Ireland joined the European Union on 1 January 1973. It was a moment that changed the country forever, for the better.
Membership of the European Union helped contribute prosperity, peace and possibility to Ireland.
When Ireland joined the European Union, it was one of the poorest countries in Europe, with GDP just 61 per cent of the existing members of the European Economic Community.
Economic transformation
Funding from the EU allowed Ireland to invest in infrastructure and education, while the creation of the common market gave Irish companies access to a market of 450 million people. These changes transformed the economy, and now as well as a high performing economy domestically, Irish companies invest across the continent, including here in Poland.
The European Union also played a huge role in bringing about peace on the island of Ireland. Contacts and conversations between Irish and British, and Northern Irish politicians, in Brussels helped to build understanding. Support – both political and economic – from the EU helped facilitate practical progress. And a common European identity helped to bridge divides between communities in Northern Ireland.
The European Union also opened up possibilities for Irish people, perhaps on a scale unimaginable to previous generations. Irish people can now work, live or study in any European country.
European legislation helped drive positive change across all sectors of society – notably by advancing equal pay and conditions for women in employment. Membership of a large bloc has also enhanced Ireland’s influence in the world.
As Taoiseach Michael Martin said:
“Far from diminishing the sovereignty of the Irish people, our EU membership has unequivocally strengthened it. It gives us a reach and an influence that we would not otherwise enjoy.”
This year we have been celebrating 50 years of membership, and the huge positive changes it has brought. Ambassador Haughey has delivered speeches around Poland and we have displayed an exhibition of 50 years of Ireland in the EU.