A political and economic union consisting of 27 member countries. It is a trading bloc with common trading laws and product regulation for all of its members. The union was originaly the European Coal and Steel Community and was set up after the Second World War to help improve relations between countries. In 1957 it became the European Economic Community and in 1993 the EU was formally established.
Bailed-out Ireland is to contribute an additional €90 million to the European Union to help plug a shortfall in its 2013 budget. Ludicrous? Yes – but it’s hardly a blip on the radar of incongruity that is the EU’s funny money parade, writes Aaron McKenna.
An inquiry has begun into claims oil prices may have been fixed for over a decade which could have resulted in petrol prices being kept artificially high.
In all, 8200 candidates will contest 240 seats in Bulgaria this weekend – making for a particularly complex process. TD Eoghan Murphy explains why he is part of an observation mission to the EU member state.
Austerity has not worked in Ireland or across the eurozone, writes Joan Collins, who points out that even the architects of our bailout admit it was the wrong path.
The EU has considerable leverage in the region, yet is taking a back-seat to the US – which dithers as relations in the region break-down. It’s time for a change, writes Emer Costello MEP.
Ireland can no longer afford, financially or morally, to go along with the EU’s current hopeless policy in Bosnia. Now is an opportune time for a fundamental rethink of how the EU should deal with the political situation there, writes Patrick Nulty.
An accord to normalise relations with Kosovo is seen as the final step to beginning negotiations on Serbia becoming the 29th EU member state after Croatia joins later this year.
In an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Higgins said citizens placed their trust in elected members and they must act in their best interests.
“Fair and independent justice is needed in Ukraine, and the release of Mr Lutsenko is a step in the right direction,” the president of the European Parliament said today.
The EU needs to either get on with integration, proper banking and political union or separate into amicable trading partners and neighbours, writes Aaron McKenna.
Tamer Fakahany, a deputy managing editor with Associated Press, recalls the displacement of Cypriots he witnessed as a boy – and why its present travails have inspired him to return with his young son.
At 38 per cent, Ireland has the highest rate of children at risk of poverty in Western Europe. But, far from protecting the vulnerable, the government has introduced austerity measures that mean the rich get richer, writes Richard Manton.
FRANCE HAS BECOME the 14th country to legalise same-sex marriage after President Francois Hollande signed the measure into law today following months of bitter political debate.
In Ireland last month, 79 per cent of delegates at the Constitutional Convention voted in favour of same-sex marriage but the Government will hold off on a referendum until next year despite the overwhelming support.
It comes two years after the legalisation of Civil Partnership.
Is another year too long for a referendum on gay marriage? Or, are you opposed to the idea entirely?
So today, we want to know what do you think. Would you welcome the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Ireland today, similar to France?
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