Ireland in the European Union
For more than 50 years, Ireland’s membership of the European Union has had an overwhelmingly positive impact across all dimensions of Irish society.
EU membership has been central to Ireland’s development and transformation into a modern, open and innovative economy.
Closer integration with our European partners has helped to make us all safer, stronger and more prosperous.
Ireland today sees itself at the heart of Europe, working constructively and collaboratively to shape the European agenda.
Citizens' engagement
Our membership of the EU gives us a stronger voice on the world stage. Find out how EU membership benefits Irish citizens.
EU Jobs
With competitive salaries, great opportunities in over 50 fields of expertise, Europe is full of possibilities for Irish candidates
Working in EU Institutions
Our Ministers, government officials and elected representatives work primarily through the EU’s Institutions
Geography has placed us on the periphery of the Continent. But we are an integral part of Europe, bound to it by many centuries of shared civilisation, traditions and ideals… Since statehood, my country, conscious of its European past, has sought to forge new and stronger links with the Continent. In this, we were renewing and revitalizing historic bonds.
Permanent Mission of Ireland to the European Union, Brussels
Based in Brussels, the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union brings together civil servants from nearly every Irish Government department, making it the State’s largest diplomatic mission abroad.
Our engagement with the EU
We are committed to keeping our country at the heart of Europe by developing and strengthening our relationship with other EU member states.
Common policies
Most of the policies made by the European Union (EU) relate to internal issues that directly affect our everyday lives.
External policies
EU external policies are aimed at regions and countries outside of the current European Union. They are overseen by European Institutions and EU member states.
Restrictive Measures (Sanctions)
Legally binding measures that can be taken against individuals, entities or countries.
Oireachtas scrutiny of EU legislation
Guidelines for Departments in relation to the scrutiny of EU matters by the Houses of the Oireachtas.
EU jobs
Supporting you in the process of applying for a position in the EU Institutions.
Blue star programme
The aim of the Blue Star programme is to foster better understanding and knowledge of the European Union and how it affects our lives among primary school children.
Communicating Europe Initiative
Established to raise awareness of the role that the European Union plays in our daily lives, and improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues.