IIEA

As Ireland marks the first week of its Presidency of the EU Council, we held a unique event on Wednesday afternoon at Apple’s () new Dublin office to explore the Irish Presidency’s digital policy priorities and how Europe’s digital agenda can help promote its competitiveness and values. 
 
The event addressed Ireland’s digital policy priorities, the dilemmas and challenges that the Irish presidency will have to navigate and assessed how best the Irish presidency can focus its attention.
 
Held in partnership with Apple the event opened with a warm welcome from Cathy Kearney, Apple’s VP European Operations. We were then delighted to have Peter Burke (.burke.fg) for Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment () give a keynote address which was followed by an expert panel with:

• Jean Carberry, Assistant Secretary, Digital Division, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
• Daniel Friedlaender, Senior Vice President, Computer & Communications Industry Association
• Professor Barry O’Sullivan (prof.barry.osullivan.mria), Professor of Computer Science, University College Cork ()
• Dr Orlaigh Quinn, IIEA, Interim Director General (moderator)
 
A sincere thank you to our speakers and to the highly knowledgeable and engaged audience who joined us in person.



Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU begins today!

Over the next six months, Ireland will play a central role in driving the EU’s agenda. The presidency will be responsible for guiding negotiations by prioritising topics for discussion and enabling member states to advance specific agendas.

As part of its mission to promote understanding of the European and geopolitical context for decision-making, the Institute of International and European Affairs has launched its Irish Presidency Hub — a dedicated resource throughout Ireland’s term until 31 December 2026. You can find the IIEA’s Irish Presidency Hub via the link in our bio on our official website.


The Hub will provide:

🔹 Analysis of the key policy issues shaping the Presidency

🔹 Explainers on how the Presidency works in practice

🔹 Commentary from policymakers, experts, and thought leaders from across Ireland and the EU

🔹 Updates on IIEA events and discussions throughout the six-month term

👉 Explore the Hub today and stay informed throughout Ireland’s EU Presidency.

As Ireland prepares to take on the EU Presidency this July, the conversation around EU enlargement moves forward. From geopolitical uncertainty to renewed momentum for new members, the decisions ahead will shape Europe’s future.

Join leading experts from Dublin and Brussels - including Fabian Zuleeg (European Policy Centre), Brigid Laffan (), and Barry Colfer (IIEA) - as they discuss on Enlargement as a strategic priority.

🔗 Register via link in our bio.
🗓️ When: 1pm on Friday, 26 June 2026
📍 Where: Institute of International and European Affairs, 8 North Great Georges St., Dublin 1