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.
Presidency of the Council of the EU
Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026.
Working in EU Institutions
Our Ministers, government officials and elected representatives work primarily through the EU’s Institutions.
History of Ireland and the EU
22 January 1972, Taoiseach Jack Lynch and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Patrick Hillery, signed the Treaty of Accession to join the European Communities.
Communicating Europe
Providing funding to voluntary organisations, educational bodies and civil society groups to deepen awareness of the role the EU plays.
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.
"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."
Taoiseach Jack Lynch, speaking in Brussels in January 1972, where he had just signed Ireland’s EU Accession Treaty with his colleague Patrick Hillery.
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.
Implementation of EU Law in Ireland
European Union legislation constitutes a cornerstone of Ireland's legal and regulatory framework, addressing policy challenges that transcend national boundaries and require co-ordinated European responses.
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.