The European Commission, established in 1952, is the executive body of the EU. It is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the treaties and managing the day-to-day running of the EU.  The day-to-day running of the Commission is done by its administrative officials, experts, translators, interpreters and secretarial staff. According to February 2014 data, 33,039 civil servants are employed by […]

Basic Rights As an EU citizen, you have the right to enter any EU country without having to comply with special formalities. All you need is a valid passport or identity card. Your identification can be checked for validity, but you cannot be asked questions about the purposes and duration of your trip. Your right […]

Glossary of EU funding schemes in Ireland ERDF pays for roads and the modernisation of infrastructure. ESF finances the training, or retraining of long term unemployed, single parents, school drop-outs, etc., and helps create new jobs. EAGGF pays for the upgrading of farms, machinery and farming techniques, and to improve the competitiveness of the agricultural […]

Since Ireland joined the then EEC in 1973, we have gone from being the poorest Member State with only 57% of the average EU GDP, to one of the wealthiest in the EU, even after the terrible effects of the financial and economic crisis. EU funds have transformed Ireland. Below, I have compiled detailed information […]