EU50: Ireland and the Single Market takes place today

On 27 October 2022, the Government of Ireland will host a “EU50: Ireland and the Single Market” one-day conference. The EU50 Ireland and the Single Market conference is part of the government’s ongoing programme to mark 50 years of Ireland’s membership of the European Union, “EU50”.

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin will open the conference. Speakers will include Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Dara Calleary; Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness, French Minister for European Affairs, Laurence Boone. These speakers will also be joined by cross-section of stakeholders from Irish and European economic, academic and political spheres, including representatives of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, IBEC, ICTU, the National Competitiveness Council and industry.

The conference is an opportunity to reflect the multifaceted nature of the Single Market, its impact on the European Union and its impact on Ireland. It will explore current policy questions and priorities relating to the Single Market, including an overview of key policy priorities from an Irish as well as a European Commission perspective. It will hear also from both Irish businesses and multinational businesses in Ireland operating in the Single Market.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Taoiseach Micheál Martin noted:

"Over the last 50 years, both the Irish economy and society have been transformed through EU membership. The Single Market is one of the most tangible benefits of Ireland’s membership of the European Union, facilitating millions of euro of trade between Ireland and the EU every day and access to a marketplace of 450 million people.

"On the eve of 30 years since the establishment of the Single Market, today’s conference, involving Irish and European voices, will consider how Ireland and the European Union can continue to innovate and grow into the next 50 years."

Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, said:

"The Single Market can be seen as the catalyst that unleased Irish entrepreneurial creativity and talent, which has enabled us to develop into a competitive, innovative, open economy. As we look into the headwinds of interlocking crises and challenges, this conversation is a timely reminder that it is only through collaboration and openness that we can continue to thrive.

"I am very pleased in particular to welcome my French colleague, Minister for European Affairs Laurence Boone, to Dublin to take part in today’s discussion. France is one of Ireland’s most important trading partners in the Single Market."

Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Dara Calleary, said:

"Membership of the European Union has provided many opportunities and benefits for Ireland, and importantly, gives us access to the biggest free trade agreement in the world – which has been transformative for our economic development.

"Access to the Single Market continues to transform the possibilities for Irish business. This conference will be an excellent opportunity to reflect on the benefits of access to the Single Market, to reflect on how Irish business can win in the Single Market and to debate what most urgently needs to be done to complete the Single Market– both from an Irish and European Commission perspective."