A policy of neutrality is increasingly being questioned by EU members
EU countries do not expect Ireland to become a military power. But they increasingly expect it to play a role at EU level. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin
Speaking from Latvia, where he is meeting academics and politicians for discussions on the issue, O’Brennan stresses how the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 changed the game for most EU countries on security and defence policy, especially among eastern and central European states. What is certainly true is that Ireland is planning a significant increase in defence spending and capabilities in the coming years. Documents prepared to brief the incoming Minister for Defence,“European defence is therefore increasingly viewed as vital to Europe’s existential security, with many member states calling for a strategic paradigm shift in the EU’s defence approach and priorities,” officials wrote.
EU countries do not expect Ireland to become a military power. But they increasingly expect it to play a role at EU level. As the briefing documents point out, Ireland will play an important role in the emerging defence strategy during its six-month EU presidency next year. “It’s one thing to say we’re not going to manage our own defence,” says Ben Tonra, professor of international relations at UCD. “But it’s another thing to say to our partners that we’re going to create a problem for your defence.”
Donald-Trump Micheal-Martin North-Atlantic-Treaty-Organisation-Nato Keir-Starmer European-Union Finland Estonia Russia
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Seán Moncrieff: An unsettling conversation overheard on the Dart: ‘He wouldn’t have the balls to stab me’Seán Moncrieff: Unsettling conversation was a reminder there are different Irelands, some of which we only hear about when something terrible happens
Read more »
A Brief and Unsettling View of Another IrelandSeán Moncrieff recounts witnessing a loud and disturbing conversation on a train in which a man threatened violence against his perceived enemy. The incident highlights the stark reality of different Irelands, some of which remain hidden until tragedy strikes.
Read more »
Child Benefit Payment Dates Shift Due to St Brigid's Day Bank HolidayThousands of parents will receive their February Child Benefit payment early due to the St Brigid's Day bank holiday.
Read more »
Zuckerberg's 'Macho' Culture Shift at Meta: A Threat to Talent Acquisition?Mark Zuckerberg's recent embrace of 'masculine energy' in the workplace and his focus on 'free speech' have raised concerns about Meta's future culture and its ability to attract top talent.
Read more »
CDU leader signals radical shift on migration policy following killing of toddlerFriedrich Merz promises a swift crackdown on immigration if elected as chancellor next month following a fatal attack that left two dead in Bavarian city of Aschaffenburg
Read more »
Navigating the Sustainability Shift: Insights from ExpertsThis article explores the complexities of transitioning towards a more sustainable business model, drawing on the expertise of Laura McDermott of Colectivo and Irish designer Aoife McNamara. It examines the impact of government initiatives like CSRD, the challenges of defining genuine sustainability, and the importance of a human-centered design approach.
Read more »