Sharing Ideas Shaping Policy. The Institute of International and European Affairs is an independent policy research think-tank based in Dublin.
Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland: The EU Agenda examines how Ireland can position its national life sciences strategy in the context of the European Commission's 2025 Strategy for European Life Sciences and other new EU initiatives. Drawing on national and EU-level experience, panellists discuss key developments in EU life sciences policy and what Europe is doing to strengthen its competitiveness, research capacity, and innovation ecosystem. The event will also explore how Ireland can secure and strengthen its own role as a key player in Europe's life sciences landscape by aligning its policy ambitions with emerging European trends. This event is organised by the Institute of International and European Affairs in partnership with Johnson & Johnson. Panellists: Pilar Aguar Fernandez, Director at People: Health and Society at DG Research and Innovation, European Commission Anouk de Vroey, Head of Government Affairs & Policy at Johnson & Johnson EMEA Muiris O'Connor, Assistant Secretary at Department of Health, Head of Research & Development and Health Analytics Darrin Morrissey, CEO of NIBRT National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training Frances Fitzgerald, Former MEP and Tánaiste (Moderator) Ireland is home to a high-performing life sciences industry, offering major opportunities for both economic development and public health. Unlike other European countries, however, Ireland does not have a holistic vision for the future of the sector. This is set to change, as the Government has promised to develop a national life sciences strategy. Other European countries have already adopted ambitious strategies to secure the future of the industry and unleash its benefits, coordinating policy across a range of areas from enterprise and investment to research and healthcare. Across the European Union, Member States are aligning national policy with broader EU ambitions for health innovation, research, and industrial resilience. Under initiatives such as Horizon Europe, the European Health Union, and EU4Health, the EU is already providing an increasingly integrated vision. In addition to this, this summer, the EU Life Sciences Strategy has been adopted by the Commission, while a new Critical Medicines Act and Biotech Act are expected soon. What will these new policies mean for Europe? And how should they be reflected in Ireland's national strategy?
In his address to the IIEA on Finland's Futures Ecosystem in a European context, Minister Joakim Strand draws on tools of strategic foresight to elicit Finland's vision for future-proofing Europe and increasing its presence in the EU Institutions. He highlights Finland's EU strategic policy objectives of strengthening Europe's democracy; boosting its resilience to malign foreign influence by strengthening media literacy; and improving comprehensive security. About the speaker: Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering of Finland Joakim Strand is responsible for matters related to the European Union within the Prime Minister's Office that are not covered by the Prime Minister, including representing Finland in the EU General Affairs Council. He is also responsible for state ownership steering policy. Minister Strand is serving his third term as a Member of Parliament from the Vaasa constituency, where he was first elected in 2015. He has served as the Chair of the Committee for the Future and the Intelligence Oversight Committee, and as a member of the Commerce Committee and the Defence Committee, among others. Minister Strand has also worked as the Chair of the City Council of his hometown, Vaasa, the Chair of the Regional Assembly of Ostrobothnia, the Chair of the Kvarken Council, and the Chair of the Board of two energy companies. He holds a Master of Laws and a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration.
In his keynote address to the Institute, Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, addresses the disregard for human rights and international humanitarian law across the globe. Amid escalating conflict, deepening inequalities, and growing divisions, High Commissioner Türk speaks about how we need more human rights – not less. Human rights provide a compass to steer us through some of the greatest challenges of our time. We need an unwavering commitment to multilateralism and international law to work towards an equal and just future for all. Speaker bio: Volker Türk was appointed as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2022. Prior to this, Mr. Türk was the Under-Secretary-General for Policy in the Executive Office of the United Nations Secretary-General. Over the course of his career, he held a number of key positions including as Assistant High Commissioner for Protection in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva (2015-2019), during which time he played a key role in the development of the landmark Global Compact on Refugees. Mr. Türk holds a doctorate in international law from the University of Vienna and a Master of Laws degree from the University of Linz, Austria.
According to Dr Leah Rose Ely Downey, the power to create money is foundational to the state. In the United States, that power has been largely delegated to private banks governed by an independent central bank. Putting monetary policy in the hands of a set of insulated, non-elected experts has fuelled the popular rejection of expertise, as well as a widespread dissatisfaction with democratically elected officials. In her address to the IIEA, Dr Downey makes a principled case against central bank independence (CBI) by challenging both the economic theory behind it and developing a democratic rationale for sustaining the power of the legislature to determine who can create money, and on what terms. She discusses how states governing money creation has an impact on the capacity of the people and their elected officials to steer policy over time and argues that in a healthy democracy, the balance of power over money creation matters. About the Speaker: Dr Leah Rose Ely Downey is a Junior Research Fellow at St. John's College, Cambridge affiliated with the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS). Dr Downey is a political theorist with interests in the politics of economic theory, economic policymaking, and the administrative state. Her current research focuses on the democratic politics of monetary policy. Dr Downey is also the author of Our Money: Monetary Policy as if Democracy Matters. In September 2025, she will join the Department of Political Economy at King's College London.
As Ireland prepares for its EU Presidency in the second half of 2026, this keynote speech by Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović addresses the key topic of EU Enlargement. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović presents Montenegro's journey as the frontrunner in the European Union accession process, emphasising the country's achievements, its enduring challenges and its clear vision for the future. From a Montenegrin perspective, EU integration is not merely a technical process, but a strategic and value-driven choice that reaffirms Montenegro's European identity and its role as a regional leader on the path towards full membership. Speaker bio: Dr Filip Ivanović is the Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Montenegro, a position he has held since July 2024. Prior to this post, he was Minister of Foreign Affairs. From May 2022 to August 2023, Dr Ivanović served as member of the Governing Board of the University of Montenegro. From 2018 to 2021, he was member of the Working Group for the Negotiations on Accession of Montenegro to the EU for Chapter 25 ‘Science and Research'. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović has a distinguished academic career and was a research/teaching fellow at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, the University of Leuven, the Van Leer Institute in Jerusalem, and the University of Donja Gorica. In February 2020, Dr Ivanović was a visiting professor at the University of North Bengal and in April 2022, he was appointed assistant research professor at the Institute of Advanced Studies of the University of Montenegro. Since 2021, he has also been a visiting scholar at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in History of Ideas (CRISI) at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan. Deputy Prime Minister Ivanović is also an expert evaluator of the European Commission, expert of the Agency for Control and Quality Assurance of Higher Education of Montenegro, member of the College of Research Associates of the European Science Foundation, a fellow of the Young Academy of Europe and the Royal Historical Society, and member of the Committee for Philosophy and Sociology of the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts. He holds BA and MA degrees from the University of Bologna and a PhD from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomatic Practice from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers her 2025 State of the Union Address, outlining the EU's priorities for the year ahead. While the speech is a closely-guarded secret, it may cover issues such as enhancing Europe's competitiveness, strengthening the EU's security and defence capacity, building win-win trade partnerships, the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the European Democracy Shield and upholding the rule of law. To mark this speech, the European Commission and the European Parliament, in conjunction with the IIEA, have live streamed the address, followed by a hybrid expert panel discussion which assesses the key themes explored and President von der Leyen's outlook and priorities for 2026. Speakers: Paddy Smyth, Journalist and Former Europe Editor at The Irish Times (Moderator) Frances Fitzgerald, Former Tánaiste and MEP Tom Hanney, Former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ireland to the EU Brigid Laffan, Professor Emeritus, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute Cian Walsh, Secretary of the UCC Government and Politics Society and a Quercus Active Citizenship Scholar
In her keynote address to the IIEA, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy in Northern Ireland, discusses economic opportunities for Northern Ireland in the context of constitutional change and her priorities in her current role. Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA was appointed Minister for the Economy in the Northern Ireland Executive in February 2025. Previously, she served as Finance Minister from February 2024. Minister Archibald graduated from Queen's University, Belfast with a BSc in Molecular Biology and a PhD by research with a Department of Agriculture and Rural Development studentship. She also completed a Postgraduate diploma in Management & Corporate Governance at Ulster University. Minister Archibald was elected as an MLA for East Derry in May 2016, re-elected in March 2017, and again in May 2022. She is formerly Chair of the Assembly's Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and Economy committees. Prior to being elected in May 2016, she worked for almost a decade in applied horticulture and plant pathology research including on collaborative EU funded projects.
In an era of profound geopolitical upheaval and sharpening rivalries, this session will examine the critical juncture at which Türkiye and Europe stand. In his address to the IIEA, His Excellency Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, will set out Türkiye's vision for a reinvigorated strategic partnership with the European Union. He will address the future of enlargement, defense and security cooperation, trade, and energy security as well as the wider regional challenges that define the European and global landscape. The discussion will underscore Türkiye's pivotal role as a strategic partner and the urgent need for Europe and Türkiye to forge a common strategic horizon grounded in stability, resilience, and shared interests. Speaker bio: Hakan Fidan has been the Minister of Foreign Affairs since the presidential elections in May 2023. Prior to his current role, Minister Fidan held critical positions in the state administration in foreign policy and security domains. He served as the President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, Deputy Undersecretary responsible for foreign policy and security issues at the Prime Ministry, Board Member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Undersecretary/Director of the National Intelligence Organization, and Special Representative of the President. Having graduated from the Turkish Military Academy and the Land Forces Language School, Minister Fidan pursued a significant part of his academic studies during his service in the Turkish Armed Forces. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland University College and master's and doctoral degrees from the Department of International Relations at Bilkent University. Following his service in the Turkish Armed Forces, Minister Fidan lectured in the field of international relations at Hacettepe University and Bilkent University.
In this podcast, which is part of the IIEA's Future-Proofing Europe Project and kindly supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, IIEA Researcher Dylan Marshall engaged with Judge Baker in a conversation on the link between the European Democracy Shield and safeguarding the integrity of elections. Judge Baker provided an overview of the role and powers of the Electoral Commission (An Coimisiún Toghcháin) as an independent statutory body, constrained by legislation, which is responsible for: · overseeing all elections and referendum campaigns in Ireland; · overseeing the realignment of constituency boundaries; · maintaining the register of political parties in Ireland; and · encouraging people to vote by explaining the electoral process and its education and research role. On its role of ensuring the fairness and integrity of electoral events, she highlighted the importance of procedures being followed correctly to ensure that everyone has access and the opportunity to exercise their franchise. Furthermore, Judge Baker referred to the links between the Electoral Commission and similar agencies in other European countries and explained how its work can feed into the formulation of the EU Democracy Shield, which is due to be presented this autumn by Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection. Judge Baker discussed the Electoral Commission's yet to be defined role in regulating online political information and advertising and discussed the Political Advertising Regulation, which will enter into force in October 2025, and the potential role that the Electoral Commission may have in its enforcement. In the context of regulating dis- and misinformation, Judge Baker underlined the importance of freedom of expression and its constitutional value and emphasised the importance of ensuring a balance between freedom of expression and regulation. Furthermore, she reflected on the role judicial oversight could have in ensuring respect for rights in this area, highlighting the importance of the rule of law and its link to democratic resilience. However, she emphasised the particular logistical difficulties that can arise with judicial redress around electoral events. Judge Baker emphasised the importance of education for citizens to enable them to engage with civil society and democratic processes and expressed the view that educational outreach can achieve much better outcomes in countering dis- and misinformation than regulation alone. She welcomed the high level of electoral literacy amongst Irish people and mentioned that radio programmes have proved to be an effective platform for reaching people in their daily life. Judge Baker briefly reflected on the upcoming Presidential elections in Ireland and stated that the procedures are neutral and robust, that the President's ceremonial role should reflect the values of the population and must be taken seriously, and that the Electoral Commission has a role in ensuring that people know what the President can and cannot do. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the recently proposed motions, passed in the Northern Ireland Assembly and debated in Dáil Éireann, to expand the franchise in Irish Presidential elections to Irish citizens in Northern Ireland and on the potential logistical and structural challenges it could pose.
This podcast is part of the IIEA's Future-Proofing Europe Project which is kindly supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Michael McGrath, as Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, launched the Commission's Rule of Law Report 2025. The European Commission Rule of Law Reports first began in 2020, as the EU experienced a period of increasing decline in the rule of law. The Report was envisaged as an additional, preventative tool within the Commission's Rule of Law Toolbox which could assess early warning signs of backsliding on the rule of law. Kersty McCourt argued that while the Commission's Rule of Law Report is a useful resource, the challenge now facing the Commission is to link its assessments and recommendations with actions that are implemented quickly and robustly enough to steer Member States back towards greater respect for the Rule of Law. In the conversation, Kersty McCourt highlighted the particularly vulnerable position in which civil society across Europe now finds itself, where some governments, and even members of the European Parliament seek to discredit the work done by CSOs in support democracy, human rights and the rule of law. She warned that if these issues are not addressed, the EU will face a very dangerous trajectory over the next five years.
The European Commission's much-anticipated Rule of Law Report was published on 8 July 2025. Since 2019, the Report has monitored developments in the rule of law in Member States and issues recommendations on how the Member States can improve judicial systems, anti-corruption frameworks, media pluralism, and other institutional checks and balances. In this IIEA webinar, Florian Geyer and Nicolaas Bel, Head and Deputy Head of Unit (respectively) at DG JUST in the European Commission, join Judge Marie Baker to discuss the Commission's most recent findings and recommendations. They will present the new elements of the Report, including the innovative Single Market dimension, and discuss the connection between Rule of Law and securing EU funds. Speaker bios: Ms Justice Marie Baker serves as the first Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ireland. She was called to the Bar of Ireland in 1984 and was made a judge of the High Court of Ireland in 2014. She was a judge of the Court of Appeal of Ireland from 2018 until she was appointed to the Supreme Court of Ireland in 2019 where she sat until her retirement in 2024. She has lectured in law at University College Cork and Dublin City University. Florian Geyer is a lawyer who has worked for the European Commission for more than fifteen years in various Directorates-General. Before joining the Commission, he was a Research Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels and a senior research assistant in public law at the University of Trier, Germany. Since 2021, he has been the Head of Unit responsible for rule of law in the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the European Commission. Nicolaas Bel is a lawyer and has been working for the European Commission for some twenty years in various Directorates-General. Before joining the Commission, he worked in the legal department of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 2019, he has been the Deputy Head of Unit responsible for the rule of law in the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the European Commission.
In his address to the IIEA, Richard Browne, Director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), outlines the current cyber risk environment facing Ireland, explain the present work of the NCSC, and sets out the upcoming challenges that the next National Cyber Security Strategy will seek to address. Richard Browne has been Director of the NCSC since 2022.
At a time when conflict and violence have forced an unprecedented number of people to flee their homes and countries, Filippo Grandi will argue that cuts to humanitarian aid and development budgets and the erosion of trust in multilateral institutions only contribute to further exacerbate instability. He will highlight how refugees have become pawns in political debates, rather than recipients of the protection and assistance they need, and to which they are entitled. Mr Grandi will explain UNHCR's mandate and function in responding to displacement emergencies, highlight its role in supporting countries in reacting effectively – and legally – to the challenges posed by forced displacement, and emphasise the indispensable role that humanitarian intervention plays in the arc of diplomacy. About the Speaker: Filippo Grandi is the 11th United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. He was first elected by the UN General Assembly on 1 January 2016 for a five-year term. Since then, the General Assembly has twice re-elected him to this post, and he will complete his term of office on 31 December 2025. He has been engaged in refugee and humanitarian work for more than 30 years and has served as Commissioner-General of the UN Agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan, and has worked with NGOs and UNHCR in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Jim O'Callaghan is the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. He was elected to Dáil Éireann for the constituency of Dublin Bay South in the general elections of 2016, 2020 and 2024. Previously, he had been a councillor on Dublin City Council. He has served as a member and Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice and was also a member of the Oireachtas Finance and Education Committees. He has been the Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Justice since 2016. He is a law graduate (BCL) of University College Dublin and attained a Master of Law (LLM) degree and a Master in Philosophy (M.Phil) degree in Criminology from the University of Cambridge. He also holds a Barrister-at-Law degree from the King's Inns and has been a Senior Counsel since 2008.
Against the backdrop of growing uncertainty in global markets, Ireland faces a number of challenges which could impact its domestic economy. Trade relations are ostensibly deteriorating as tariffs loom, meanwhile EU Member States have grown increasingly concerned about Europe's competitiveness. In his remarks to the IIEA, Feargal O'Rourke, Chairperson of the IDA, discusses what this growing uncertainty may mean for Ireland, and how Ireland can ensure that it remains an attractive place for businesses and industry. About the Speaker: Feargal O'Rourke currently serves as Chairperson of the IDA, the Irish State agency responsible for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). He also serves as Chair of the board of the Institute of International and European Affairs. Previously, Mr O'Rourke was Managing Partner of PwC in Ireland from 2015 until 2023. Over a 37-year career, he specialised in FDI, focusing on assisting US-based companies to set up in Ireland and Europe. While at PwC, he led their tax practice and was heavily involved in the OECD BEPS process. In 2024, he published From Rags to Riches: The Irish Men's Team in the Professional Era, an account of the history of the Irish Men's Rugby team from 1995.
Oppressive governments are reaching across borders to harass and persecute their citizens and exiles. Transnational repression has become a normal and institutionalised practice for dozens of countries that seek to control their citizens abroad. This repression can include intimidation, harassment, abductions, and assassinations. In this event, Yana Gorokhovskaia, Research Director, Strategy and Design, at Freedom House, outlines findings from work undertaken by Freedom House on the subject of transnational repression over the last decade, and reflects on how democracies can respond. Yana Gorokhovskaia is a Research Director at Freedom House and leads work across several portfolios on the Research and Analysis team. She has co-authored several Freedom House reports on transnational repression. Her analysis has also been published in Foreign Affairs, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Politico, Journal of Democracy, Just Security, Huffington Post, and many other publications. Prior to joining Freedom House, Yana worked as an academic analyzing protest and politics in post-Soviet states. She holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and was a postdoctoral scholar at Columbia University until 2019.
On 3-4 April 2025, the first ever EU-Central Asia Summit took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. At the summit, political leaders of the EU and Central Asian countries took the landmark step to upgrade relations between the two regions to a strategic partnership. In this IIEA webinar, Eduards Stiprais, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, addresses what it means to have a strategic partnership between these two regions, what is the reason behind it, and how the EU can achieve and maintain this level of partnership in the future. Central Asia over its recent history has been closely related to Europe. This is especially true in relation to people-to-people contact and educational, cultural and touristic exchanges. However, Ambassador Stiprais underscores the need to realise the full potential of cooperation between the EU and Central Asia and speaks about why the EU must continue to build up its partnerships around the world patiently and meticulously. About the Speaker: Ambassador Eduards Stiprais joined the Latvian Diplomatic Service in 1993. He served in a variety of positions including as Head of the EU delegation in Uzbekistan (2016-2020) Tashkent, as the Permanent Representative of Latvia to the EU and as the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the United Kingdom, as well as to France. Ambassador Stiprais assumed his role as EU Special Representative for Central Asia in March 2025. Throughout his career, Ambassador Stiprais received several national and foreign awards and decorations. He has contributed to numerous publications on matters of European integration and the wider international agenda.
In a bid to ensure both fairness and competitiveness, EU policymakers have been grappling with how best to protect consumers online while also boosting the digital economy. Digital services and online marketplaces, advertising, and personalisation have facilitated business growth and innovation but have also driven concerns about risks for consumers and about the misuse of personal data. Policymakers are now seeking to address these issues through initiatives such as the anticipated Digital Fairness Act while also proposing regulatory simplification to ease burdens on businesses - potentially requiring that a delicate balance be struck. In this event an expert panel will discuss if and how the EU can enhance digital fairness and consumer protection without harming innovation or widening the competitiveness gap between European firms and their international rivals. This event is organised by the IIEA and supported by Google. The panel for this event includes: Vanessa Hartley, Head of Google Ireland and Vice President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Large Customer Sales; Síona Ryan, Director of Digital and Data Regulation, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC); Marco Pierani, Director of Public Affairs and Media Relations, Euroconsumers; Regina Doherty, MEP
'Europe from the Inside' In the final edition of IIEA Insights before the summer break, recently retired Head of the European Commission's Representation Office in Dublin, Barbara Nolan, will offer reflections from her decades-long career in the EU civil service. In the discussion, she will examine the changing role of the European Commission and other EU institutions; power dynamics within the bloc in the context of a near-tripling of members during her career; and how Britain's exit from the bloc has changed it. Barbara will also offer perspectives on Ireland's interests and positions in the EU over three decades. Barbara Nolan was Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland on two occasions, from 2021-2024 and 2010-2016, but spent most of her career at the Commission's HQ in Brussels. There, she was in charge of Fundamental Rights Policy in the Justice and Consumers Directorate General and represented the Commission on the board of the Fundamental Rights Agency. She was also responsible for the coordination of the Erasmus+ programme, the reform and modernisation of Higher Education, and worked on Anti-Discrimination Policy and Communications and Media. She was the European Commission's Spokesperson for Employment, Social Affairs and Health matters, as well as for Justice and Home Affairs.
Ireland is home to a high-performing life sciences industry, offering outstanding opportunities for both economic development and public health. Unlike other European countries, however, Ireland does not have a holistic vision for the future of the sector. This is set to change, as the Government has promised to develop a national life sciences strategy. Our European peers have already adopted ambitious strategies to secure the industry and harness its social benefits, coordinating policy across a range of areas from enterprise and investment to research and healthcare. This event series, organised by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in partnership with Johnson & Johnson, will explore these questions and more, bringing together Irish and European leaders from industry, public policy, and academia to discuss the right approach for a national life sciences strategy for Ireland. The second event of this series, entitled Developing a Life Sciences Vision for Ireland: Insights from Europe on Health Innovation, will look how Ireland should shape its life sciences strategy through a healthcare lens. The panellists will discuss the case for a coordinated government approach and explore how aligning healthcare policy with sectoral strategy can unleash benefits both for patients and the economy. Based on their experiences at both national and international level, the panellists will examine what other European countries have done to strengthen links between industry and healthcare systems, prepare for future waves of innovation, and how Ireland can use collaboration with the wider health sector to strengthen its position as a global life sciences hub. Panellists: Professor Mary Horgan, Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health Ann Van Gysel, CEO of Biovia, Belgium Dr Niklas Blomberg, Executive Director of Innovative Health Initiative Gwynne Morley, General Manager at IQVIA Ireland Ronan Glynn, EY Ireland Health Sector Leader.
In 2024 there were more internet shutdowns, occurring in more countries, than ever before. In this event, Felicia Anthonio, KeepItOn Campaign Manager at Access Now, and Zach Rosson, KeepItOn Data and Research Lead at Access Now, outline Access Now's latest report: Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024. This report documents internet shutdowns and their often devastating impacts – including for human rights and human life — around the world. About the Speakers: Felicia Anthonio is #KeepItOn Campaign Manager at Access Now, an organisation which campaigns to promote digital rights and freedom of expression. The #KeepItOn Campaign is global campaign of over 300 organizations that fights against internet shutdowns. Felicia has authored and co-authored several publications on internet shutdowns and hosted the Kill Switch Podcast. Felicia is also an Advisory Council member of the US-based Open Technology Fund (OTF) and a board member of the World Expression Forum (WEXFO), in Norway. Zach Rosson is the #KeepItOn Data Analyst and Research Lead at Access Now, where he helps fight internet shutdowns globally. His past experience includes data analytics in the private sector as well as computational scientific research. He has published research in the field of seismology, using data mining and statistics to study earthquake risk due to fracking activities by the energy industry.
The emergence of quantum technologies may accelerate technological development and have far-reaching economic and societal impacts. In this event, Dr Gustav Kalbe, Acting Director for Emerging and Enabling Technologies, DG CONNECT, in the European Commission discusses EU policies toward quantum technologies, including the forthcoming EU Quantum Strategy and the EU Quantum Act. Mr Kalbe focuses part of his remarks on the EU's policies to promote the development of quantum technologies as well as how the risks that these technologies may pose can be addressed. About the Speaker: Dr Gustav Kalbe is the Acting Director for Emerging and Enabling Technologies in DG CONNECT in the European Commission. He joined the European Commission in 1998 and has held several assignments in quantum technologies, photonics, and cybersecurity. In January 2021, he was appointed Deputy to the Director of DG CONNECT for Digital Excellence and Science Infrastructure. In 2018 Dr Kalbe became responsible for the establishment and operation of the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking. Dr. Kalbe holds a PhD in Physics.
Ireland's ambitions to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 will require a fundamental transformation of its energy systems, including its gas network. Renewable gases such as hydrogen and biomethane can play an important role in this transition and in future-proofing Ireland's energy supply. Renewable gases have the potential to enable sectors that cannot easily electrify to decarbonise. They also have the potential to enhance Ireland's energy security while creating opportunities for export-driven economic growth. This panel discussion, organised in conjunction with Gas Networks Ireland, will discuss the transformation that might be required in Ireland's gas network to reach net-zero carbon emissions, as well as the long-term potential benefits for Irish society and the wider economy that this transformation might yield. About the Speakers: Edwina Nyhan, Director of Strategy and Regulation at Gas Networks Ireland Tom O'Brien, Group Chief Executive of Nephin Energy Katy McNeil, Head of Scottish Government Office, Ireland Charlie Brophy, Principal Officer, Electricity Storage and Hydrogen Policy in the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
In his online address to the IIEA, Professor Avi Shlaim discusses his new book, Genocide in Gaza: Israel's Long War on Palestine, a Times Literary Supplement Book of the Year 2024. In the book, Avi Shlaim places Israel's policy towards the Gaza Strip under an uncompromising lens, arguing that Israel has gone beyond land-grabbing and ethnic cleansing to now committing genocide. As a collection of essays written between 2021-2024, the book begins with a foreword by Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, and ends with the statement made by Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC to the International Court of Justice in the Case of Genocide against Israel. About the Speaker: Avi Shlaim is Emeritus Professor of International Relations at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of the British Academy. He is one of the most acclaimed historians of modern Palestinian and Israeli history. His books include Collusion across the Jordan: King Abdullah, the Zionist Movement, and the Partition of Palestine (1988); War and Peace in the Middle East: A Concise History (1995); The Iron Wall: Israel and the Arab World (2000, updated edition 2014); Lion of Jordan: The Life of King Hussein in War and Peace (2007); Israel and Palestine: Reappraisals, Revisions, Refutations (2009); Three Worlds: Memoir of an Arab-Jew (2023), and Genocide in Gaza: Israel's Long War on Palestine (2024).
In her address to the IIEA, Ruth Owen, Deputy Director at FEANTSA, examines the European Union's efforts to address homelessness through its evolving affordable housing agenda. As the EU has no direct competence in housing, the responsibility for policies on and investment in social and affordable housing remains with the Member States. Drawing on over a decade of experience in homelessness policy, she explores the potential of EU initiatives to support more inclusive and effective housing solutions across Member States, including the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness and the affordable housing initiative as part of the Commission's renovation wave strategy for Europe. She considers the challenges of implementation, the role of national governments, and the need for integrated policy responses to ensure that affordable housing contributes meaningfully to the fight against homelessness. Speaker bio: Ruth Owen is Deputy Director at FEANTSA (European Federation of National Associations Working with the Homeless), where she has worked since 2010. She is an expert on homelessness and public policies to address it. She has a special interest in housing policy. Prior to working on homelessness, Ruth studied geography and worked as a teacher in London.
A Keynote Address by Stephen Doughty, UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories About the Speaker: Stephen Doughty was appointed Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in July 2024. Mr Doughty was first elected as Welsh Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament for Cardiff South and Penarth in November 2012. He studied at Lester B. Pearson UWC in Canada, Oxford University, and St Andrews University. He later worked for the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and for members of the then National Assembly for Wales. Mr Doughty spent a number of years working for humanitarian and international development NGOs World Vision UK, Oxfam GB, Oxfam International, and Oxfam Cymru. During the previous Labour government, he was Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for International Development. In 2020 he was appointed Shadow Foreign Affairs and International Development Minister and in 2021 he was appointed Shadow Minister for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories. He also served on the Wales, Home Affairs, Arms Export Controls and International Development Committees in Parliament, as an opposition Whip, and a Shadow Minister for Trade and Industry. He chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group for HIV and Aids and was a member of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. Minister Doughty completed the Armed Forces Parliamentary scheme, attending the Royal College of Defence Studies 2017 to 2018 and has also served as an Army Reservist.
In this event, Alan Matthews, Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy at Trinity College Dublin, presents the key themes from his upcoming paper Designing Agricultural Climate Policy in Ireland - From 2030 to Net Zero. The paper, which is the third in the IIEA's Pathways project, examines the strategic and institutional challenges involved in defining appropriate long-term targets for agricultural emissions in Ireland, and explores the ambiguities and trade-offs in setting 2040 and 2050 targets. It makes the case for exploring the introduction of an agricultural emissions trading scheme to incentivise further progress towards reducing net emissions, and how this could be designed to minimise the impact on farm income while encouraging the necessary structural changes in our food and agricultural system. Prof. Matthews' presentation is followed by a discussion with an expert panel. Panel bios: Alan Matthews is Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and a former President of the European Association of Agricultural Economists. He is also a former member of the Irish Climate Change Advisory Council. His research interests include the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, the relationships between trade and food security, and WTO trade norms and disciplines. Niamh Garvey joined the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) as Senior Policy Analyst in March 2021, where she works on sustainable development and climate action. Prior to this, she was Head of Policy and Advocacy at Trócaire, an Irish international development organisation operating in 17 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In this role, she led a team of advisors focused on climate change, sustainable agriculture, business and human rights, and international finance. Niamh has also held research and advocacy positions with Christian Aid and the Institute of Development Studies and has served as a Board Director for several NGOs, including Debt and Development Coalition Ireland, Friends of the Earth Ireland, and Fairtrade Mark Ireland. She is a graduate of Durham University and the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex. Kevin Hanrahan is Head of Rural Economy and Development Programme at Teagasc. He leads the Rural Economy and Development Programme at Teagasc, based at the Rural Economy & Development Centre in Athenry, Co. Galway. His research focuses on the economic analysis of agricultural markets, including both input and output sectors, with a particular emphasis on agricultural land and factor markets. His research interests are in partial equilibrium modelling of Irish and European agriculture, the economics of climate change as it relates to agriculture, and the microeconomic impacts of agricultural policy reform. Dr Hanrahan also studies the effects of trade policy changes on Irish and EU agriculture and is a noted expert in the economics of Irish beef production.
New Zealand's emissions profile is even more heavily weighted towards biogenic emissions than Ireland's. However, the country's emissions trading scheme (ETS) has only targeted emissions from the combustion of fossil fuel. Attempts to extend it to agricultural emissions have been controversial and unsuccessful to date although current government policy is to target methane emissions by 2030. The ETS does, however, have a powerful influence on land use decisions. Emitters have unlimited recourse to forestry units as a means of meeting their obligations. Carbon forestry can deliver higher returns than sheep and beef on much of the hill country, resulting in tens of thousands of hectares being forested. In his address to the IIEA, Simon Upton discusses New Zealand's climate policies and how the distortions that have resulted pose significant challenges for the future of both land use and emissions reductions. About the Speaker: Simon Upton was sworn in as Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment for a five-year term on 16 October 2017. Simon is now in his second 5-year term. Mr Upton is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and a Rhodes Scholar, with degrees in English literature, music and law from the University of Auckland, and an MLitt in political philosophy from Oxford University. He was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council in 1999. A Member of Parliament between 1981 and 2000, Mr Upton held a variety of ministerial portfolios including environment, research, biosecurity, health and state services between 1990 and 1999. After leaving Parliament, Mr Upton moved to Paris to chair the Round Table on Sustainable Development at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2005, he returned to New Zealand to pursue a number of private sector roles while continuing to chair the Round Table.
'The Israel-Iran Conflict: Implications and Outcomes' The forthcoming edition of IIEA insights will focus on the Middle-East's latest conflict and its consequences for the region, Europe, Ireland, and the global economy. Rory Montgomery, a former ambassador and Political Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, will look at the implications for Ireland and Europe; Laurence Norman, who has followed Iran's nuclear programme over years for the Wall Street Journal, will set out the possible diplomatic and military outcomes; Michael O'Sullivan, Author and Adviser on Intersection of Investment and Geopolitics, will assess the economic and energy impacts of the conflict and any potential escalation thereof; while Paola Rivetti of Dublin City University will discuss Iran's domestic politics and society. Rory Montgomery was a senior Irish diplomat for almost four decades, serving as Political Director at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Representative to the EU. He is currently Chairperson of the Press Council of Ireland. Laurence Norman is a Reporter at The Wall Street Journal based in Berlin and Brussels, covering the EU, European foreign policy, and nuclear issues. Over the last 20 years, he has reported for the paper from London, New York, and Buenos Aires. Michael O'Sullivan is an author, economist, and investor. He has twenty years' experience in global financial markets, most recently as Chief Investment Officer at Credit Suisse Wealth. He is a Senior Adviser at WestExec, a Forbes contributor and author of ‘The Levelling', which outlines what's next in politics, economics, finance and geopolitics in the post globalisation era. Paola Rivetti is Associate Professor in Politics and International Relations at the School of Law and Government, Dublin City University.
Is Ireland ready for the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? This event will explore both the opportunities and risks of AI for people and firms in Ireland. This expert panel discusses how Ireland can ensure that AI is harnessed in a safe manner that is aligned with fundamental rights and European values. The panel will also discuss emerging policy issues, including the implementation and supervision of the AI Act, the speed of technological change and how Ireland can ensure trustworthy AI innovation. This event is organised in collaboration with the Economic Regulators Network (ERN), a cross-sectoral group of economic regulators in Ireland. The ERN is composed of the Central Bank of Ireland, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), Coimisiún na Meán, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the National Transport Authority (NTA), and the Commission for Aviation Regulation. This event begins with a keynote speech by Minister Niamh Smyth, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation The panel for this event include: Jean Carberry, Assistant Secretary, Digital, EU and Climate Programmes, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE); Dr Harshvardhan Pandit, Assistant Professor, Dublin City University; Trevor Fitzpatrick, Head Of Risk Analysis, Data Analytics & Reporting (RADAR) Division, Central Bank of Ireland; Noelle Doody, Managing Director for Data and AI, Accenture
For the past 80 years, the US dollar has held the status of the world's primary reserve currency. However, following President Trump and his administration's policies, this status currently looks at risk. In his address to the IIEA, Professor Kenneth Rogoff discusses his new book Our Dollar, Your Problem: An Insider's View of Seven Turbulent Decades of Global Finance, and the Road Ahead. Professor Rogoff illustrates how the US Dollar reached its current status as the world's primary reserve currency. He also discusses the challenges it faces from the likes of crypto and the Chinese yuan. Professor Rogoff also considers how the current US Administration's policies will impact the dollar's role in the world economy. About the Speaker: Kenneth Rogoff is Maurits C. Boas Professor at Harvard University and former chief economist at the IMF. His influential 2009 book with Carmen Reinhart, This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly, shows the remarkable quantitative similarities across time and countries in the roots and aftermath of debt and financial crises. Professor Rogoff is also known for his pioneering work on central bank independence and exchange rates. His monthly syndicated column on global economic issues is published in over 50 countries. His 2025 book, Our Dollar, Your Problem: An Insider's View of Seven Turbulent Decades of Global Finance explores the post-war rise of the dollar, the challenges ahead from crypto and the Chinese yuan, and argues that the period of reliably low interest rates, inflation, and exchange rate volatility has likely come to an end.
In his address to the IIEA, Fintan Slye discusses NESO's new organisation and how it is supporting the UK Government's ambitions to achieve clean power by 2030. Fintan Slye also touches upon UK-Ireland and UK-EU energy cooperation, and NESO's recent work on reforming the process for connecting to the electricity transmission system. About the Speaker: Fintan Slye is the Chief Executive Officer of National Energy System Operator (NESO). NESO is an independent organisation responsible for planning Great Britain's entire energy system, operating the electricity network, and offering expert advice to the sector's decision makers. The organisation brings electricity and gas network planning under one roof, plotting the country's course for clean power and paving the way for lower energy bills. Prior to this, Fintan led Great Britain's Electricity System Operator (ESO) as its Executive Director. He was also CEO of the EirGrid Group and worked for McKinsey & Co, supporting clients across Ireland, the UK and Europe, as well as holding various management roles in ESB in Ireland and the United States. Fintan is a Non-Executive Director at AEMO Services Limited, which is based in Sydney, which is responsible for planning the level of investment in generation and storage over time in New South Wales, including designing and running the competitive tenders to deliver this. He holds an Engineering Degree, a Master's in Engineering Science, and an MBA from UCD and is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Ireland. He also has a keen interest in law, holding diplomas in Legal Studies and European Law.
'The Economic Outlook at Mid-Year' Despite intense uncertainty in the international trading system and heightened geopolitical tensions, both the Irish and global economies proved resilient in the first half of 2025. As we move into the second half of the year, Dan O'Brien, the IIEA's Chief Economist, will present his economic outlook during the next event in the Institute's Insights series. He will examine issues such as growth-positive technological changes and Europe's under-discussed strengths. Dan O'Brien is Chief Economist of the Institute of International and European Affairs. He is also Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at University College Dublin's Geary Institute and a Columnist with The Currency. He has previously worked for Economist Intelligence Unit, the Irish Times, the European Commission and as a consultant for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and Forfas.
Europe faces an acute and growing threat. The EU Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030 outlines how Europe will need to do more to ensure to protect European citizens. This IIEA panel discusses how Europe can develop its capabilities. Moreover, it explores how European Member States can collaborate effectively to replenish diminished stocks of equipment to not only provide for their own security, but also to meaningfully support partners such as Ukraine in their defence against Russia's war of aggression. This event has been organised in association with the European Commission Representation in Ireland. Speakers include: Minister Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Guillaume de la Brosse, Head of Unit for Defence Policy and Innovation at DG DEFIS Brigadier General (Retired) Tony Cudmore, Former Brigadier General in the Irish Defence Forces and Adjunct Lecturer at Maynooth University Dr Alice Ekman, Research Director at the EU Institute for Strategic Studies (EUISS) Professor Brigid Laffan, Emeritus Professor at the European University Institute. This event was moderated by Catherine Day, Former Secretary-General of the European Commission and IIEA Board member
'The Value of the Revised Draft Declaration on International Solidarity as a Corrective to the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum' The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum sets forth a solidarity mechanism that seeks to ameliorate inequalities in responsibility for processing asylum claims. NGOs are concerned that States are pursuing externalisation agreements and strengthening border security arrangements to promote deterrence in bad faith. The Revised Draft Declaration on International Solidarity provides a framework to correct the misunderstanding of solidarity with the EU Pact. In her address to the IIEA, Professor Bailliet presents the elements of an international solidarity human-focused asylum mechanism that ensures non-discrimination, provides access to justice, calls for a reversal of externalisation and keeps the best interests of the child at its core. About the Speaker: Professor Dr. jur. Cecilia M. Bailliet is the UN Independent Expert on Human Rights and International Solidarity and Director of the Masters Programme in International Law at the University of Oslo. She supported the creation of an International Solidarity Map: Solidarity Actions Around the World. She is Co-Chair of the Latin America Interest Group of the American Society of International Law. Prof Bailliet holds a combined J.D./M.A. (honours) degree from The George Washington University Law School & Elliott School of International Affairs. She received her Doctorate in law from the University of Oslo in Norway. Prof Bailliet has published extensively on transnational and cross-disciplinary issues within international law including general public international law, human rights, refugee law, constitutional law, counter-terrorism, gender/women's rights, solidarity, and peace. Prof Bailliet's books include: Research Handbook on International Solidarity and the Law (2024), The Construction of the Customary Law of Peace: Latin America and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (2021), and The Research Handbook on International Law and Peace (2019). She has also contributed lectures to the UN AudioVisual Library of International Law.
After almost two-decades of floundering negotiations, talks on an EU-India Free Trade Agreement have begun to gather momentum. Both sides seek alliances that cover not only trade relations but greater security cooperation and a shared technology agenda. In a signal of its strategic priorities, the College of Commissioners paid a first-of-its-kind visit to India in February 2025, where Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President von der Leyen pledged to conclude a Free Trade Agreement by the end of this year. In this IIEA panel discussion, Dr Sonali Chowdhry and Dr Amitendu Palit address the prospects of a potential EU-India Free Trade Agreement and consider what an EU-India partnership should or should not prioritise. At a time when the EU's Global Gateway Strategy has promised to create links, not dependencies, the panelists reflect on whether – in the words of President von der Leyen – EU-India ties have the potential to be one of the defining partnerships of this century. About the Speakers: Dr Sonali Chowdhry is a trade economist based at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Her work examines the structure of global supply chains and distributional effects of new trade policies. Dr Chowdhry has contributed to in-depth policy reports on mega-regional free trade agreements to the European Parliament. Previously, she was a Max Weber Fellow at the European University Institute and earned her PhD in Economics from LMU Munich as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow. Dr Chowdhry holds an MPhil in Economics from the University of Oxford, as a Rhodes Scholar from India. Dr Amitendu Palit is Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economics) at the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore. He specialises in economic security, international trade and investment policies, FTAs, supply chains, regional connectivity, and the Indian economy. He is a Senior Associate Fellow with the ISPI Milan and an Adjunct Faculty with the Centre for WTO Studies, India. He has also been a Member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Trade and Investment. Dr Palit has edited and authored several books. He writes for various global publications and features as an expert on CNBC, CNA, BBC, NDTV and other prominent media channels.
Join the IIEA for the launch of its second Pathways Paper, where Matt O'Neill, Climate Project Lead, presents the key themes from Farm to Finance: The Processor–Farmer Nexus in Ireland's Agricultural Climate Transition. The paper explores the relationship between farmers and food processors in relation to the climate transition within Agriculture. It draws on interviews with stakeholders and sectoral data to analyse the financial and regulatory considerations, and trust-based barriers to transition within the agriculture sector. It draws upon interviews with stakeholders and sectoral data to analyse the financial and regulatory considerations to transition within the wider supply chain. Following the short presentation, a panel offers their responses and reflections to the paper's key themes. This panel includes: Ailbhe Gerrard, representing TalamhBeo and founder of Brookfield Farm Dale Crammond, Director of Meat Industry Ireland - Ibec Alan Matthews (Panel Chair), Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy at Trinity College Dublin Matthew O'Neill, IIEA Climate Project Lead Tadhg Buckley, Director of Policy/Chief Economist at Irish Farmers Association Frances McDonnell, Deputy News Editor with Agriland Speaker bios: Tadhg Buckley is currently Director of Policy/Chief Economist with the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), Ireland's largest farming organisation. Prior to joining the IFA, Tadhg worked in the finance industry as Head of Agriculture with AIB Bank. Dale Crammond in January 2023 after a 22-year career in Government he took up the role as Director of Meat Industry Ireland. Previously, he spent four years in the Embassy of Ireland in Washington, D.C. (2015-2019) where he worked to increase market access opportunities for Irish food and drink exports to the United States. Alan Matthews is Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy at the University of Dublin Trinity College, Ireland, and a former President of the European Association of Agricultural Economists. Matthew O'Neill is Climate Project Lead at the IIEA, in which role he leads the Pathways: Ireland's Agricultural Future project. His research focuses on the intersection of climate policy and agricultural systems. Francess McDonnell is an award-winning journalist and producer. Currently Deputy News Editor with Agriland, she is also a former business editor and correspondent with the Sunday Times Ireland and the Irish Times and has previously worked with Sky News and BBC NI. Ailbhe Gerrard, founder of Brookfield Farm, is a farmer, beekeeper, researcher, and agricultural educator with deep interest in agriculture, creativity and regeneration.
This lecture touches on the changing global focus of development cooperation, the reform processes that have been put in place, and Ireland's perspective on the future of development. The Minister of State speaks about Ireland's role in key events this year, such as the upcoming Financing for Development Conference in Seville, the G20 Development Working Group and COP 30 to be held in Brazil in November, and highlights the Key Priorities for Ireland, focusing on gender and health, climate action, nutrition and education. About the Speaker: Neale Richmond is Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with special responsibility for International Development and Diaspora. He previously served as Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, and as Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail, and the Department of Social Protection.
'Will Multinational American Corporations Become Less Multinational?' The US political and economic policy-making environment has changed dramatically in 2025, with a shift against globalisation among the most potentially impactful changes being executed by the current administration. US multinational corporations are reassessing their global operations in the light of tariffs, pressure from the US government to invest more at home, invest less abroad, and reshore production and jobs from other countries. To discuss how corporate America is responding to this changed environment, IIEA Insights is joined by Mike Beary, formerly of Amazon in the US and Amazon Web Services in Ireland; Courtney Fingar, Founder of Fingar Direct Investment; Joseph Quinlan, Co-Author of AmCham's annual ‘Transatlantic Economy' report; and Anna Scally, International Tax Partner at KPMG Ireland. About the speakers: Mike Beary is currently Chair of the Governing Authority of University College Dublin. Previously, he joined Amazon in Seattle in 2012 as part of the marketplace leadership team. He subsequently served as Country Manager Ireland for Amazon Web Services and as the company's HR Director for Europe, Middle East & Africa. Courtney Fingar founder of Fingar Direct Investment after a career engaged in FDI issues. Her previous roles include Editor in Chief of both Investment Monitor and fDi Intelligence, Senior Advisor at The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies, and Content Editor for FT Live. Joseph Quinlan is Senior Fellow with the Transatlantic Leadership Network and has a long and ongoing leadership role in the financial services industry in New York. Anna Scally is an International Tax Partner at KPMG Ireland where she is Sector Leader on the Technology, Media and Telecoms (TMT) Industries.
On 18 May 2025, Romania held a pivotal presidential runoff between George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), and Nicușor Dan, the pro-European independent and mayor of Bucharest. This election followed the annulment of the 2024 vote due to allegations of foreign interference, leading to heightened political tension and public scrutiny. Simion's first-round victory, securing approximately 41% of the vote, has raised concerns about Romania's future alignment with the EU and NATO, given his nationalist rhetoric and scepticism towards European integration. In the run-off election on 18 May, Nicușor Dan won the election and is poised to take the Romanian presidency, on a platform emphasising democratic values, anti-corruption, and continued cooperation with Western partners. This IIEA webinar explores the implications of the election outcome for Romania's domestic political landscape, foreign policy, and role within the EU. The discussion features Professor Cristian Preda and Dr. Claudia Bădulescu and was moderated by Dr. Barry Colfer. Speaker bios: Professor Cristian Preda is a professor of political science at the University of Bucharest and served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2019. He was presidential adviser to President Emil Constantinescu (1999–2000) and President Traian Băsescu (2007–2009) and also served as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs from 2005 to 2007. Dr Claudia Bădulescu is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for European Studies (IEE) and the Centre for the Study of Politics (CEVIPOL) at Université Libre de Bruxelles. She holds a PhD from the European University Institute and specialises in democracy, autocratisation, and EU neighbourhood policy.
Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, sharpening Sino-US rivalry, and doubts about US security guarantees have left Europe searching for ballast. Against this backdrop, a new German government led by Friedrich Merz promises to “restore leadership.” Dr Nicolai von Ondarza explores Berlin's concrete goals for developing EU policies, defence, and transatlantic ties, as well as its coalition-building strategies with France, Poland, the UK, and smaller member states such as Ireland. He also addresses how a resurgent AfD might constrain Germany's room for manoeuvre. Part of our #WhatsNext series, which sees experts debate, discuss and analyse what's next for public policy as political and social change sweeps the globe. Dr Nicolai von Ondarza is the Head of the EU/Europe Research Division at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin and an Associate Fellow at Chatham House. His research focuses on Germany's role in Europe, EU politics and institutions, EU–UK relations as well as democracy in Europe. As part of his work, he has consulted the German Government, the Bundestag, the UK government, the European Parliament and the European Commission.
How Africa Eats is free to read and download from the LSE Press website via this link: https://doi.org/10.31389/lsepress.hae In his online address to the IIEA, award-winning author, Professor David Luke discusses his forthcoming publication, How Africa Eats: Trade, Food Security and Climate Risks. The book examines in detail what Africa eats and where and how it is produced. Despite holding 60% of the world's arable land area, up to one quarter of the African population experiences severe food insecurity. As editor, Professor Luke has brought together experts in trade policy, international law, and development to scrutinise how finance, investment, foreign aid, institutions, actors, and capacities have interacted with policies in preventing Africa from becoming an agricultural powerhouse. In his address, Professor Luke sets forth the urgent threats of climate change, trade barriers, and policy challenges facing the African continent in terms of food security. Professor Luke will examine the role of the EU as Africa's most important trade partner and investor and assess whether the EU's Global Gateway initiative has had – or could have – an impact on Africa's food production systems and capacities. David Luke is Professor in Practice and Strategic Director at the LSE's Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa and Extraordinary Professor at North-West University in South Africa. Specialising in African trade policy and trade negotiations, Professor Luke has decades of experience in policy advisory services, managing and catalysing research, building partnerships, and training and capacity development for private sector and government. This experience stems from an extensive career spanning a tenured appointment at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, and assignments at the African Union, the UN Development Programme, and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) with postings in Harare, Pretoria, Geneva, and Addis Ababa. At ECA's African Trade Policy Centre, Professor Luke and his team were instrumental in the preparation of the protocols that make up the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement. His PhD in African Political Economy is from the School of Oriental and African Studies, and his MSc and BSc are from the London School of Economics and Political Science. His research and teaching interests are in the areas of trade in development; trade and inclusion; and trade and sustainability. He is also a member of the board of TradeMark Africa.
Europe's world of work is changing fast - shaped by AI, hybrid work models, new forms of work, and a renewed focus on job quality and flexibility. How can its social agenda respond to ensure competitiveness, fairness, and inclusion? This panel debate, jointly organised by the IIEA and Eurofound, also marks 50 years of Eurofound's research supporting policies for a stronger social Europe. Drawing on insights from the IIEA and the latest Eurofound findings, this panel discussion covers themes such as working conditions and job quality, telework, employment trends, AI in the workplace, and the rising cost of living and housing. Expert panellists also consider how the EU can foster competitiveness, inclusion, social convergence, and other pressing issues in this era of rapid change. About the Speakers: Barbara Gerstenberger is Head of the Working Life Unit at Eurofound. In this role, she coordinates the research teams investigating job quality in Europe based on the European Working Conditions Survey and has overall responsibility for the European Observatory of Working Life and research into industrial relations in the EU. She joined Eurofound in 2001 and has been a research manager in the European Monitoring Centre on Change and Head of Communication and Coordinator in the Directorate Products Information and Communication Unit. Previously, she worked as Senior Research Officer in the European Metalworkers' Federation in Brussels. Tadas Leončikas has been Head of the Employment Unit at Eurofound since September 2022. Prior to this, he was a Senior Research Manager in the Social Policies Unit, managing the European Quality of Life Survey and developing Eurofound's survey research. Since joining Eurofound in 2010, he has worked on various topics including survey methods, quality of life, social mobility, social inclusion, trust, and housing inadequacies. In his earlier career, he headed up the Institute for Ethnic Studies in Lithuania where he worked on studies related to the situation of ethnic minorities, migrants, and other vulnerable groups. As a researcher, he has previously collaborated with the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, the United Nations Development Programme, and the International Organisation for Migration. Massimiliano Mascherini has been Head of the Social Policies unit at Eurofound since October 2019. He joined Eurofound in 2009 as a Research Manager, designing and coordinating projects on youth employment, NEETs and their social inclusion, as well as on the labour market participation of women. In 2017, he became a Senior Research Manager in the Social Policies unit where he spearheaded new research on monitoring convergence in the EU. In addition to his work on the European Quality of Life Survey, he also leads the preparation and analysis of the COVID-19 e-surveys. Previously, he was scientific officer at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission.
With the election of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the formation of a new German government, expectations are mounting for revitalised German leadership at the heart of Europe. As the EU grapples with a formidable economic policy agenda, shaped by the landmark reports of Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi and influenced by shifting global dynamics under a new U.S. administration, the question arises: where does Europe go from here? In his address to the IIEA, Johannes Lindner, Co-Director of the Jacques Delors Centre at the Hertie School in Berlin,offers a unique vantage point on the evolving policy landscape from Berlin and Brussels. He discusses the EU's ability to find consensus and deliver on key economic issues, such as common industrial policy, budget reform, increased defence spending, financial integration, regulatory simplification, and transatlantic trade. About the Speaker: Johannes Lindner is Co-Director of the Jacques Delors Centre at the Hertie School in Berlin, where he leads the Centre's think tank work on economic and financial policy. He also teaches at the Hertie School and is an Honorary Professor at Aston University, Birmingham. From 2003 to 2022, he worked at the European Central Bank (ECB), including ten years as Head of the EU Institutions and Fora Division. He holds master's degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Cologne and completed his PhD in political science at the University of Oxford.
Democracy is at the heart of the EU's and Member States' political foundations. Yet in an increasingly volatile global landscape— marked by the rise of authoritarianism, foreign interference, and disinformation— it cannot be taken for granted. The digital public sphere is particularly vulnerable to manipulation: recently, we have seen influencers being paid to promote certain political candidates and AI-generated fake news flooding social media platforms. Beyond external threats, there is a growing sense of disengagement among citizens from democratic participation. How can the EU address these challenges? One of the European Commission's priorities for 2025 is the European Democracy Shield, which is envisaged as a tool to combat digital propaganda, develop media literacy and support free and independent media and civil society. In his address to the IIEA, Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, speaks about the European Commission's plans to protect European democracy, in particular, through the European Democracy Shield. About the Speaker: Michael McGrath assumed the role of EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection on 1 December 2024, as a member of the European Commission under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen. Commissioner McGrath has specific responsibility for upholding the rule of law, protecting democracy and fundamental rights, tackling disinformation, improving criminal justice cooperation and strengthening the rights of victims of crime. His broad portfolio also includes improving EU competitiveness through the reform of company law and civil law. He has responsibility for consumer protection policy and for ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation across the EU. Prior to his appointment, Commissioner McGrath served as Ireland's Minister for Finance from 2022 to 2024, as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform from 2020 to 2022, and was an elected member of the Irish Parliament from 2007 to 2024.
As the global security landscape grows increasingly fractured, gender-based violence continues to be both a consequence and a tactic of conflict. In this IIEA event, expert panellists explore how the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda can more effectively address conflict-related sexual violence and ensure justice and support for survivors. Drawing from a range of experiences and diverse regional perspectives, from the Sahel to Latin America, and Ukraine to Northern Ireland, this discussion examines the multiple dimensions of gender-based violence in conflict settings. The panellists also consider how women can be agents of change in peacebuilding processes and reflect on what effective prevention, accountability, and survivor-centered responses look like in practice. This panel includes: Kateryna Levchenko, Ukrainian Government Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy Mary Fitzgerald, Researcher, Policy Analyst and Consultant affiliated with the Middle East Institute in Washington DC where she specialises in Libya Aisling Swaine, Professor of Peace, Security and International Law at the Sutherland School of Law, University College Dublin. Caitriona Dowd, Assistant Professor at the School of Politics and International Relations, University College Dublin.
'Is Britain Broken?' Recent elections and opinion polls show low levels of support for both the ruling Labour Party and the opposition Conservative Party, with a widespread belief that British politics and society are not working as they should. In the next edition of IIEA Insights, David Goodhart, Finn McRedmond, and Thomas Prosser discusses the reasons for British declinism and what is needed to turn the country around. About the Speakers: David Goodhart is Head of the Demography, Immigration, and Integration Unit, and Director of the Integration Hub website at Policy Exchange. He has authored a number of books, including most recently, The Care Dilemma: Caring Enough in the Age of Sex Equality. He is a former Director of Think Tank Demos, and former Editor of Prospect magazine, which he founded in 1995. Finn McRedmond is a Commissioning Editor and Staff Writer at the New Statesman. She also writes a weekly opinion column in the Irish Times. Thomas Prosser is Professor of Political Economy at Cardiff University. He researches subjects such as European social democracy, party and trade union support bases, and European social dialogue. He is also a keen essayist and writes The Path Not Taken Substack.'
The Digital Services Act (DSA) is a landmark European regulation which seeks to protect Europe's values and democratic principles in the online space, and to help counter the dissemination of illegal and harmful online content. The DSA entered into force in November 2022 and began to fully apply across the EU from February 2024. At this hybrid event, a panel of experts discusses the implementation of the DSA to date and assesses the ongoing debates relating to various features of the DSA. The panel also discusses the opportunities and challenges that may lie ahead for the future of DSA enforcement. This event is organised in collaboration with the Economic Regulators Network (ERN), a cross-sectoral group of economic regulators in Ireland. The panel for this event include: John Evans, the Digital Services Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán Dr Eileen Culloty, Deputy Director of the DCU Institute for Future Media, Democracy, and Society (FUJO); Coordinator of the Ireland Hub of the European Digital Media Observatory Professor Natali Helberger, Distinguished University Professor of Law and Digital Technology, University of Amsterdam; Member of the project team at the Digital Services Act Observatory Irene Roche Laguna, Head of Unit, Coordination and Regulatory Compliance, DG CONNECT, European Commission The ERN is composed of Coimisiún na Meán, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the Central Bank of Ireland, the National Transport Authority (NTA), and the Commission for Aviation Regulation.
In his address to the IIEA, Dr Pascal Boniface examines how France is positioning itself within a shifting global landscape. The presentation explores France's strategic posture in relation to the evolving transatlantic relationship, its engagement in the Middle East, and its response to the war in Ukraine – assessing how France is navigating complex security challenges and global realignments in its bid to remain a prominent European and international actor. Speaker bio: Dr Pascal Boniface is the Founding Director of IRIS – the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs. He is Editor-in-Chief of La Revue internationale et stratégique and L'Année stratégique, and the author of more than 80 books on international relations, global power dynamics, French foreign policy, and sports geopolitics. Recorded on the 28th of April 2025
'War, sanctions and western disunity' As Russia's invasion of Ukraine is in its fourth year and efforts to pause the conflict have both intensified and become more complex, David O'Sullivan, the EU's Sanctions Envoy since January 2023, discusses the use of sanctions by the EU and others on Russia. Since the invasion in 2022, sixteen packages of sanctions have sought to prevent Russia from accessing dual-use and advanced technologies for the manufacturing of cutting-edge weapons, and to degrade Russia's ability to finance its war of aggression. Mr O'Sullivan discusses the evolution and efficacy of these measures and how the changed posture of the US vis-à-vis the conflict in recent months has affected EU sanctions policy. About the Speaker: David O'Sullivan spent most of his career, before formally retiring in 2019, in a series of senior roles at the European Commission, including Secretary-General of the European Commission; Chief Operating Officer of the European External Action Service; Director General for Trade; and Chief of Staff to Commission President, Romano Prodi. He also served as Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to the United States from November 2014 until February 2019, which included more than half of the first term of US president Donald Trump. Prior to taking up his role as EU Sanctions Envoy, David was Director General of the IIEA.
In her address to the IIEA, Professor Marie Jull Sørensen discusses consumer protection in the digital age. Professor Sørensen discusses some of the risks that consumers face in the digital environment and considers some of the challenges relating to digital contracts and automated decision-making. Professor Sørensen also discusses the possible role that the forthcoming European Digital Fairness Act (DFA) could potentially play in addressing online risks for consumers. About the speaker: Marie Jull Sørensen is an associate professor and Vice Dean of Research at the Department of Law at Aalborg University, Denmark. She has written several articles and book contributions in the area of consumer law. She is a reporter on the E-justice Portal and chairs the Nordic Hub of the European Law Institute (ELI) and is currently a co-reporter on the ELI's project on automated decision-making.
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