Comment du Jour

Ireland Assumes EU Presidency


The Republic of Ireland has assumed the Presidency of the European Union for a six month period between January and June.

This marks the 7th time the Dublin government has led the EU since joining in 1973.

The theme of the Irish Presidency is "For Stability, Jobs, and Growth," topics very poignant to the recent Irish experience as well as the current Euro-wide economic downturn.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade,  Eamon Gilmore stated at the onset of the Irish tenure;
"As Ireland takes on the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union this week, our road to economic recovery is clearly mapped out.
These are challenging times for Europe – and for our Union – as the aftershocks of the economic crisis continue to make themselves felt. The EU is still working through the difficult questions thrown up for the single currency, and the European economy is struggling to provide jobs and good living standards for our peoples. Too many young Europeans in particular do not have a job – a challenge to which the European Union simply must rise."

He added, "For Ireland, the experience of the past few years has been particularly difficult. Yet it is precisely because of that experience that we are well-placed to take on the work of the Presidency as we begin 2013. The over-riding theme of our Presidency is clear – stability, jobs and growth.

While Ireland has made enormous strides in restoring economic and financial stability, we have also managed to restore economic growth. Having a strategy for growth and job creation is central to our own progress, and we firmly believe that the same logic applies for Europe."

As Dublin prepares to shepherd the 27 country union, a press statement added,"The presiding member state to some extent gets the chance to influence the EU agenda."
The historic Dublin Castle will be the venue for many EU events and conferences.

I recall during Ireland's last presidency in 2004, the country braved political gales from the Iraq war.   Nonetheless those were also the days of thhe roaring "Celtic Tiger" economy.  This time round, Ireland shall have to focus on Europe's economic doldrums and the way out of the maze.

Happily in recent months Ireland's export-oriented economy is showing vigor and hopefully the Emerald Isle has turned the page on recession.

As a new focus for Transatlanticecho.blogspot, each time a European member state takes the EU helm, we shall do an introductory feature.

Given the strong and friendly transatlantic ties between Ireland and the USA, we wish the Irish Presidency Godspeed in solving the problems confronting Europe.

For further information you may wish to contact the official website  EU2013.ie