IIEA Talks

In the first episode of IIEA Insights David O'Sullivan, IIEA DG, interviews Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council (2009-2014). The discussion covers the multiple and overlapping challenges Europe now faces, from the war in Ukraine, to rising energy costs, a changing security landscape and the fresh impetus for enlargement.

In this increasingly unpredictable, fragile and shock-prone international context, Governor Carlo Monticelli reflects on the role of the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) in supporting its 42 member countries and in deepening social cohesion in Europe. On the eve of the Joint Annual Meeting of the CEB, which will be held in Dublin this year, Mr Monticelli reviews the bank’s primary features...

John Hume was a committed and dedicated European, seeing the institutions and ethos of the European Union as models for peace, partnership and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. The John Hume 'European Spirit of Peace’ Lecture recognises those who have demonstrated a strong commitment to European principles and values. The IIEA is honoured to host the second edition of the ‘European Spirit of Pea...

In his address to the IIEA, Dr Adesina discusses the role of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in supporting stability, growth and sustainable development on the African continent. He explores some of the opportunities and challenges which the AfDB presently faces, including food security, debt sustainability, climate change, and the financing gap. Dr Adesina highlights that such challenges can...

2022 has seen a marked shift in the levels and severity of intra and interstate conflict. The security of many of the environments in which peacekeeping is deployed has deteriorated due to local and regional dynamics, and this has only been compounded by tensions within the permanent five of the Security Council. In his address to the IIEA, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre...

The Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia and the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in Ireland are pleased to present the public webinar How the EU engages in the Information space in times of crisis. Recent crises have underlined the importance for Europe of competing effectively in the information space, and highlighted the challenges it faces in doing so. In this webi...

Ahead of Bloomsday on the 100th anniversary of Ulysses, and of Irish independence, this event explores the European and international dimensions of James Joyce’s novel and the myriad visions of Ireland’s place in the world, which then as now occurred during great turbulence and uncertainty in the world. This anniversary also marks 100 years of Irish independence, as well as 50 years since Irish ac...

In her address to the IIEA, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo, discusses global peace and security issues. She gives an overview of her peace-making mandate, including the role of preventive diplomacy and peace-building activities in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Central and Southeast Asia and the Americas. About the Speaker:  Rosem...

According to Dr Fukuyama, liberalism is in a state of crisis and is facing increasing threats from authoritarianism, identity politics, social media, and a weakened free press the world over. In his address to the IIEA, Dr Fukuyama explores the roots of this crisis and makes the case for a revitalised liberalism for the twenty-first century. About the Speaker: Francis Fukuyama is Olivier Nomellini...

The global security environment is changing rapidly. Not only are the threats greater, but they are more complex and more kaleidoscopic. Climate change, Cyber-threats, terrorism, as well as a revanchist Russia have made the world a more dangerous place to live in. To meet these challenges, the Irish Defence Forces are playing greater variety of roles in order to protect the Irish state and serve o...

In his address to the IIEA, Mr. Chapagain discusses the convergence of complex and diverse crises that are changing the fabric of society and require principled humanitarian action. These include climate-driven mass displacement, protracted conflicts, pandemics and epidemics, and the rapid evolution of emerging technologies which challenge the traditional way we approach these societal issues. He...

This event is part of the Rethink Energy series, which is co-organised by the IIEA and ESB. On this occasion, Tim Gould, Chief Energy Economist at the International Energy Agency, assesses the geopolitics of energy in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Mr Gould analyses the ways in which Europe can reduce its reliance on Russian energy imports. The war on Ukraine has h...

This is the first presentation in the 2022 Environmental Resilience lecture series, which is co-organised by the IIEA and the EPA. On this occasion, Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh, MBE, Director of the UK Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST), delivers a keynote address. Professor Whitmarsh draws lessons from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic that can mobilise public action...

Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers on 20 May 2022. This coincides with a time of turmoil and a series of challenges to multilateralism on our continent. In this context, reaffirming the relevance of what President Higgins has called ‘‘the conscience of Europe’’ will be a focus both for Ireland and the Council of Europe’s Secretariat. In this addres...

The 10th of May 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the Irish referendum in 1972, in which 83.1% voted to approve Ireland’s accession to the European Economic Communities (EEC). This was Ireland’s third attempt following two previous applications in 1961 and 1967. Accession was supported by the then-Fianna Fáil government under Taoiseach Jack Lynch, by Fine Gael in opposition under Liam Cosgrave, a...

Full Title: The Frugals, the Free-Spenders and the Friendly Hawks: In Search of a New European Fiscal Policy Consensus This paper, by IIEA Economics Researcher, Daire Lawler will explore the future of the EU’s fiscal policy.

Faced with war in Ukraine, Germany’s first post-Merkel government has proclaimed a “Zeitenwende” – a turning point in history. In his address to the IIEA, Ambassador Heusgen takes stock of Germany’s role in the face of Europe’s gravest security crisis in decades. He discusses the challenges for Germany’s new foreign policy era on the domestic level, examine Berlin’s role in the European Union – es...

European markets represent significant diversification opportunities for Irish companies. As Ireland prepares to celebrate 50 years since joining the EEC, the forerunner to the EU, this webinar outlines what the EU can do for Irish SMEs. This virtual event, which is the opening seminar of the 2022 Europe is our Future Series co-organised by the IIEA and Enterprise Ireland, provides an overview of...

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marks a significant moment of reflection by Member States and the EU on how best to defend Europe in a time of existential crisis. As the EU faces an increasingly diverse threat spectrum, Mr Herczynski discusses the ways in which the EU is cooperating with other multilateral organisations, such as NATO, to enhance Europe’s security. About the Speaker: Pawel Herczynski...

In her address to the IIEA, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political), Ms. Mette Knudsen, discusses the current political situation in Afghanistan and efforts of the United Nations to support the people of Afghanistan. About the Speaker: Mette Knudsen was appointed by the Secretary-General as Deputy Special Representative (Political) for Afghanistan with UNAMA in January 2...

This webinar explores the context and potential implications of the 2022 French Presidential elections, with the first round scheduled to take place on 10 April 2022, and what this may mean for the future of France, Ireland, and the EU. Dr. Emmanuelle Schon-Quinlivan explores the EU level implications of the election, and Lara Marlowe discusses the impact that the election may have on internal pol...

Global drivers of migration such as economic disparities, environmental degradation, and political instability do not affect men and women  equally, and exacerbate historical gender inequalities. In this address to the IIEA, Vice President Ramirez discusses Colombia’s work in promoting economic and social reconstruction strategies to strengthen female participation. She also highlights Colombia’s...

Against the backdrop of Ireland’s decision to join the OECD/G20 agreement on international corporation tax and the economic recovery from COVID-19, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD delivers a keynote address to the IIEA on the future of Ireland’s industrial policy. The Tánaiste addresses how global developments will shape Ireland’s strategy to continue to...

In the coming decades, the role of further and higher education, including an increased emphasis on apprenticeships and further education and training (FET), will be critical in meeting modern skills and research needs in the global economy. It will also play a central role in ensuring Ireland remains competitive internationally. In its first Young Professionals Network (YPN) event of 2022, the II...

International data flows play a central role in the European economy, particularly when it comes to the processes of digitalisation. At the same time, international flows of personal data can present risks to the fundamental rights of European citizens. Legal conflicts concerning international data flows can also pose uncertainties for businesses, as was demonstrated by the Schrems II judgement of...