IRISH MEPs HAVE recently been raising concerns about a future ‘EU army’. 

While this isn’t surprising, given the issue of Irish neutrality and the EU, it is a topic that garners strong opinions.

Added into this is the issue of Pesco, – the EU’s permanent structured cooperation arrangement that 25 states have signed up to. Ireland’s one of those countries. But what is Pesco, why do some people criticise it, and what does it mean for our defence forces?

We looked at the subject of an EU army and Pesco for this week’s edition of The Explainer podcast. 

Joining presenter Sinéad O’Carroll in studio is TheJournal.ie reporter Rónán Duffy and former Irish soldier, defence analyst and author. 

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

The Explainer / SoundCloud

This episode was put together by presenter Sinéad O’Carroll, executive producer Christine Bohan, producer Aoife Barry, assistant producer/technical operator Nicky Ryan, and featured reporter Rónán Duffy and Declan Power. Design by Palash Somani.