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.
Various political scandals and our current economic woes have increased levels of mistrust in politicians among young people. This does not mean we are apathetic, we just need to be engaged, writes Órla Ryan.
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.
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.
The Cypriot case demonstrates that the European authorities are now prepared to cross the rubicon into the appropriation of deposits. It seems clear that this crisis has seen the Eurozone enter a new and dangerous phase, writes John O’Brennan.
Elmar Brok, the chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has admitted he can foresee a situation where Cyprus could exit the single currency and said that authorities underestimated the current situation there.
MPs voted in favour of a national solidarity fund meaning the nationalisation of public and private sector pensions and of capital controls to prevent a run on banks.
Figures from Eurostat confirm initial estimates in February that the eurozone economy shrank by 0.6 per cent in Q4 of 2012 with the EU shrinking by 0.5 per cent.
“The majority of people in this country consume alcohol in a moderate, responsible manner that is entirely compatible with a healthy lifestyle and in line with European norms,” said Kathryn D’Arcy, director of Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland.
Some people can no longer afford to drink alcohol, others could be looking after their health, while many have suggested that the reduction in consumption could be related to emigration rates.
So today we want to know what do you think. Have you reduced your alcohol consumption in the past year?
Warmer with sun and clouds
Max: 15 °C
Min: 8 °C
Clouds and sun with a passing shower
Max: 15 °C
Min: 8 °C
