Ireland in Europe — EU and European Studies (5th & 6th Class)
A 5th–6th Class SESE resource on Ireland in the European Union — how the EU works, Ireland's membership since 1973, the Single Market, the Euro, EU citizenship, and Ireland's place in the wider world.
Preview
Page count: 2. Print-ready PDF — letter / A4 friendly. Click image to see all pages.
Ireland and the European Union
- 1 The European Union A political and economic union of 27 member states. Founded as the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 by 6 countries. Now includes 27 member states and approximately 450 million citizens.
- 2 Ireland joins the EEC (1 January 1973) Ireland joined alongside the UK and Denmark. Membership was a major turning point — EU structural funds transformed Irish infrastructure and agriculture over the following decades.
- 3 The Single Market The EU's Single Market allows free movement of goods, services, capital, and people between member states. Irish citizens can live and work in any EU country. EU citizens can live and work in Ireland.
- 4 The Euro Ireland adopted the euro on 1 January 2002, replacing the Irish pound (punt). The Republic uses the euro; Northern Ireland uses the pound sterling.
- 5 EU institutions The European Parliament (elected by citizens), the European Council (heads of government), the European Commission (proposes laws), the Court of Justice of the EU.
- 6 Brexit and Ireland The UK's departure from the EU (2020) created a complex situation for Ireland — the only EU country sharing a land border with the UK. The protocol arrangements around the Northern Ireland border remain politically sensitive.
Learning objective
Describe when and why Ireland joined the EU; explain the Single Market and freedom of movement; identify EU institutions; and understand the impact of Brexit on Ireland.
About this resource
European Union and Ireland books
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