This year the IIEA will celebrate 30 years since the Institute of International and European Affairs was founded in 1991.Since then, the IIEA has played a key role informing public discourse on European affairs in Ireland, through numerous referenda campaigns, the financial and economic crisis, and more recently, the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Today, IIEA missionis to share ideas and shape policy, remains as relevant as it was 30 years ago. In the age of misinformation clarity is sorely needed in public debates, as are independent platforms for public debate, analysis and reflection.In the third week of May, running from Monday, 17 May to Friday, 21 May, the IIEA will host a weeklong series of keynote lectures and panel discussions, as the centrepiece of our month of celebrations. These events will focus on the pressing issues that will shape Ireland, Europe and the world, over the next 30 years.
To commemorate this milestone, throughout May we will welcome thought-leaders and decision-makers from across Europe and around the world. To honour our commitment to fostering public engagement and debate all events hosted by the IIEA in May will be open to the public and free to attend.
As part of this commemoration, the Institute will also remember its Founder and late President, Brendan Halligan. Earlier this year we launched the ‘Brendan Halligan Essay Competition’ to pay tribute to Brendan’s commitment to fostering public debate on European affairs among young people. The winning essay, chosen by a committee chaired by Prof. Brigid Laffan will be published by the IIEA in May.
An Taoiseach Michael Martin opened the week giving the first ‘Brendan Halligan Memorial Lecture’, which was chaired by Catherine Day