# pesco

Last year

2022

# Annual Report

Defence Forces units train with NATO and EU partners but retention concerns continue

The Department of Defence and Defence Forces annual report was launched this week.

17.8k

Aug 5th 2022, 2:06 PM

# Neutrality

Taoiseach floats idea of a Citizens’ Assembly on Ireland’s military neutrality

TD Richard Boyd Barrett said he was concerned about recent calls for greater cooperation with NATO.

23.4k

Mar 8th 2022, 4:58 PM

All time

# the explainer

The Explainer: What's the story with an EU army?

Could an EU army be founded soon? And if so what would that mean for Ireland?

11.4k

May 24th 2019, 6:15 AM

# case for the defence

Explainer: Irish MEPs have been raising concerns of a future 'EU Army' - but is it likely to happen?

Claims around the potential for an EU army have been prominent in the election debate

21.8k

May 18th 2019, 10:01 PM

# European elections 2019

Question: Are you in favour of an EU Army?

No candidate was in favour of a European army.

4.7k

May 17th 2019, 8:50 AM

Voices

Luke Ming Flanagan: If we are heading for an EU army what does that mean for Irish neutrality?

As EU military and defence spending skyrockets, Ireland’s commitment to defence co-operation compromises its neutrality, writes Luke Ming Flanagan, MEP

25.5k

130

Nov 12th 2018, 7:00 AM

# Pay Up

Leo says Trump is right about one thing - Europe needs to stop relying on the US for its defence

Varadkar says Europe needs to start looking after its own security.

14.5k

Mar 14th 2018, 12:02 PM

# Interview

Micheál Martin: 'Fianna Fáil will reflect on committee's call for terminations up to 12 weeks'

The Cork TD discusses how the abortion issue will be difficult for his party and how Fianna Fáil hasn’t ruled out running candidates in the north.

11.2k

127

Dec 28th 2017, 7:30 AM

Dáil votes for Ireland to join Pesco EU military defence pact

The motion was passed by 75 votes to 42 and was supported by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

26.1k

194

Dec 7th 2017, 5:22 PM

# pesco

Poll: Do you want Ireland to sign up to the EU defence deal?

The Taoiseach has said the deal will not affect Ireland’s neutrality but opposition TDs think otherwise.

43.3k

211

Dec 7th 2017, 8:36 AM

# European army

'We're being asked to sell out our neutrality': Government accused of trying to rush EU defence deal vote

Some argue Pesco is the first step towards an EU army.

19.2k

108

Dec 7th 2017, 1:01 AM

# Criticism

'You're talking about going to war': TDs concerned EU defence deal could lead to Ireland joining a European army

Last week, the Cabinet gave the go-ahead for Ireland to take part in an EU plan.

31.7k

126

Dec 2nd 2017, 7:15 AM

# defence pact

Taoiseach says Ireland will not be joining a European army

Leo Varadkar failed to rule out Ireland signing up to a joint defence pact with EU countries.

29.6k

123

Nov 8th 2017, 6:32 PM