EUROPE
Ireland has experienced many changes and developments since joining the European Economic Community in 1973. We have reaped many benefits in that time. Many other countries have since joined bringing the number of member states to 27.
The Euro has simplified travel, eliminating the need and expense of changing money within the Eurozone for companies and citizens. Moving within the Schengen area visas are no longer required and there are no border checks.
In 2006 the value of Irish exports to other EU Member States was €56.6bn to a population of 490 million people. The EU budget for 2007 to 2013 will total €864.4 billion. These funds include:
- €52bn boost for EU scientific research 2007-2013
- €308bn Structural Funds 2007-13 package
Seventh Framework FP7
Irish companies are drawing down 1 million Euro a week under the 7th EU Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) 2007 - 2013. It is the stated objective of the Irish Government to seek to drawdown over 600 million Euro of this fund over this period.
Structural Funds & Cohesion Funds
From 1973 to the present have yielded €17bn. These funds were concentrated on infrastructure, human capital, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture.
European Social Fund
1973-2006: €6 billion, 1 billion until 2014. Now much of the money is concentrating on Research and Technological Development improving Competitiveness.
Common Agriculture Policy CAP
The Common Agricultural Policy of the EU has played a key role in the development of farming and the food industry in this country since 1973. EU decisions continue to exercise a major influence on the sector. It is vital that Ireland should continue to play a full and positive role in EU decision-making, and this is especially important for the agri-food sector.
Common EU Energy Policy
MEPs call for a more ambitious common energy policy, and have approved legislative measures and resolutions that aim to improve energy efficiency, bring new EU Member States into the EU single energy market, and ensure security of supply.
At the Service of Citizens
The EP Committee on Petitions has received an average of three complaints a day from citizens. Although almost one-third were inadmissible because they did not concern an area of activity of the EU, the committee's consideration of these petitions in many cases resulted in a solution which was satisfactory for the petitioners.
Security
The European Arrest Warrant ensures that criminals wanted in one Member State can rapidly be transferred from one member state to the other. The EU encourages closer police cooperation through the creation of Europol, the European Police College and a European Police Chiefs’ Taskforce.
European Health Insurance Card entitles you (with certain restrictions) to medical treatment if you have an accident or become ill in other EU Member States.
Maryborough Lodge,
Maryborough Hill,
Douglas, Cork, Ireland
Tel: +353 (21) 4896 433
Fax: +353 (21) 4896 401