Ireland ready to lead EU amid global challenges

As the one we are navigating right now, it is good to know there are reliable lighthouses on the horizon and at least a few certainties upon which we can depend.

- PATRICK BOURNE

One of those is that St Patrick’s Day, every March 17, is an occasion that Irish people, and people of Irish heritage, and friends of Ireland, will be keen to celebrate all over the world, including here in Thailand. And for our small island, from which so many people emigrated throughout our history, this really is a global celebration of our history, culture, connections and shared values.Ireland may be aprosperous developed country today, but this was not always the case. We understand the challenges very many countries face around hunger and poverty because these experiences were part of our history too. And though Ireland’s story of sovereignty and independence is now more than 100 years old, it is only in the last half century or so, and particularly since we joined the European Union in 1973, that our economy has grown strongly, and our society has become more equal and more diverse and inclusive. It is these values, together with our commitment to human rights, international law and multilateralism,that we champion in our foreign policy.

This is an important year for Ireland. In July, we will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This will be the 8th time Treland will have the honour of leading the EU, and, as on every occasion in the past, we are ready to meet whatever challenges this responsibility presents. During our 1990 Presidency, vital decisions were taken at European level to smooth the path towards German reunification. During our Presidency in 2004, the European Union undertook its greatest ever expansion, increasing from 15 member states to 25 on 1 May that year.