The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and European Movement Ireland are working together to facilitate discussion, dialogue and fresh thinking current challenges. Supporting Democracy is a shared objective of both organisations and our partnership in 2022 examined the challenges and solutions associated with Supporting Democracy in Europe from an Irish perspective.

Our first event in March 2022 coincided with International Women’s Day and focused on Women in Leadership. Equality and Empowerment. Frances Fitzgerald MEP, Vice President of the EPP Group, Annette Widmann-Mauz, MdB, Federal Chairwoman of the CDU Women’s Union and Eva Maydell MEP, President of European Movement International analysed the role of women in multilateralism and geopolitics and how gender equality can advance the functioning of democratic norms in Europe. Much of the discussion too place in the context of the war in Ukraine, while the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic were also discussed.

The second event in June 2022 focused on the war in Ukraine and the arising security situation in Europe. ThenIrish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney TD, discussed these issues alongside the German Ambassador to Ireland, HE Cord Meier-Klodt. Analysis centred on the EU’s and Member States’ responses to the war, Ukraine’s future in Europe and arising geopolitical developments. Irish and German perspectives also characterised the discussion.

Our final event in November 2022 examined the impact of economic challenges on European Democracy. President of the Eurogroup, Pascal Donohoe led a discussion on Europe’s economy in troubled times alongside Dr. Holger Schmieding, Chief Economist at Berenberg. Topics included the challenges facing the Eurogroup, increasing inflation and declining growth alongside the resilient economic performance of the Euro area. Future challenges and opportunities, including the revised economic governance framework were also discussed.

Throughout the three events, the rich discussions were supplement by audience engagement, including submitted questions and social media activity. This report presents the analysis and fresh thinking that arouse in more detail including the outcomes of these discussions.

To date the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and European Movement Ireland partnership has brought a unique perspectives to discussions about Ireland’s place in Europe as we mark 50 years of Ireland’s membership.

Contents

Supporting Democracy: Women in Leadership, Equality and Empowerment in Europe

Supporting Democracy and Security: The War in Ukraine

Supporting Democracy: Europe’s Economy in Troubled Times 

"The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is delighted to partner with European Movement Ireland to focus on the priorities and areas for potential cooperation, the mutual challenges and practical solutions for Europe. With our joint activities over the past year, the importance of European and International dialogue based on shared values and the support of democracy was highlighted",

Matthias Barner, Director Konrad-Adenuaer-Stiftung UK & Ireland 

"Our partnership with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung allows us to frame and explore issues relevant to Ireland from a broad European perspective. It enables us to reach new audiences and explore issues that inform our members and promote public engagement", 

Noelle O Connell, CEO European Movement Ireland