Launch of 'Into Europe: Ireland and the EU, 1973-2023'

Ireland joined the European Economic Community (EEC), the forerunner of the European Union, in January 1973.

As part of a series of initiatives and events to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Irish membership, DIFP, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Archives, have developed a new exhibition, with accompanying booklet, entitled Into Europe: Ireland and the EU, 1973-2923.

Curated by Dr Miriam Nyhan Grey, the exhibition explores key themes arising from Ireland’s membership of the EEC and EU since 1973.

The exhibition was launched by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD, in Iveagh House on 25 January 2023, and over the course of 2023 will go on display in Irish overseas missions, and also domestically as part of a nationwide tour. Download a copy of the print version of the exhibition.

Learn more about the official EU50 programme and explore the previous DIFP/DFA exhibition on Ireland's accession to the EEC. The development of the exhibition was also featured in a recent Irish Times special report on 50 years of Irish EEC and EU membership.