Just the Chats

This episode of 'Just the Chats' sees European Movement Ireland CEO, David Geary sit down with Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne at the halfway point of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU to review the highlights so far and what's to come in the months ahead.

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). Theviews, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcastseries are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarilyrepresent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does notverify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on thepodcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. Thepodcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No oneother than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EMIreland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcastseries or for use of same in connection with any other website ororganisation.]

This episode of Just the Chats sees European Movement Ireland's EU Policy and Research Manager, Liadán Sage disscussing EU enlargement with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.

Marta Kos has been the European Commissioner for Enlargement since 2024. She is responsible for driving the European Union’s enlargement process forward and developing EU relations with countries in the region, including in the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova. Marta Kos previously served as Slovenia’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Germany and Latvia. Prior to that, she was Vice-President for International Relations at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recorded: INSERT DATE

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). Theviews, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcastseries are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarilyrepresent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does notverify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on thepodcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. Thepodcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No oneother than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EMIreland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcastseries or for use of same in connection with any other website ororganisation.]

This episode of Just the Chats sees European Movement Ireland Deputy CEO and Head of Policy Lorna Hayes joined by Teresa Buczkowska, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, for a discussion on migration, integration and inclusion in Ireland and across Europe.

Drawing on Teresa’s nearly 20 years of experience supporting migrant rights and political participation, the conversation explores the challenges facing migrants and refugees in Ireland, the importance of integration, and the impact of negative narratives around migration. Teresa also discusses rising racism and xenophobia, the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and its potential impact on children seeking asylum, as well as the housing challenges facing Ukrainians under temporary protection in Ireland.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.

Recorded: 12/08/2026

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

This episode of Just the Chats sees European Movement Ireland Deputy CEO and Head of Policy Lorna Hayes joined by Dr Kathryn Simpson, Associate Professor of Politics and Economics of the EU and Director of Research at Keele University, for a discussion on public attitudes towards the European Union across the island of Ireland and the UK.

Drawing on insights from European Movement Ireland’s Island of Ireland EU Poll 2026, the conversation explores support for EU membership, changing perceptions of the EU’s direction, and the key issues shaping public opinion, including the cost of living, migration and housing. Marking the tenth anniversary of Brexit, Kathryn reflects on how Brexit, the eurozone crisis and wider geopolitical developments continue to influence attitudes towards European integration in Ireland and the UK.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.

Recorded: 17/06/2026

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

This Just the Chats host and European Movement Ireland CEO David Geary is joined by inventor, researcher and environmental advocate Fionn Ferreira to discuss the growing challenge of microplastic pollution in Ireland, Europe and beyond. In the wake of World Ocean Day and against the backdrop of evolving EU environmental legislation, the conversation explores the impact of microplastics on waterways, ecosystems and public health, as well as the scientific innovations being developed to address the problem.

Drawing on his internationally recognised research and advocacy, Fionn reflects on his journey from West Cork to the global stage, including his pioneering work on removing microplastics from water and his current doctoral research at ETH Zürich. The discussion also examines how EU initiatives such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive, REACH regulations and the Green Deal Industrial Plan can help reduce pollution at source, accelerate sustainable technologies, and support the next generation of environmental innovators. Together, David and Fionn consider the role of policymakers, industry, researchers and citizens in protecting our oceans and building a more sustainable future.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.

Recorded: 10/06/2026

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

This Just the Chats European Movement Ireland’s Acting Co-CEO and Head of Policy Lorna Hayes is joined by Dr James Carr, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Limerick, and Pierre Yimbog, Co-founder and COO of Black and Irish, to discuss racism in Ireland and across Europe. In light of the European Commission’s new Anti-Racism Strategy for 2026–2030, the conversation explores the realities facing minority communities, including anti-Muslim racism, discrimination against Black communities, and the structural barriers that persist in areas such as housing, education, employment and healthcare.

The discussion also examines how EU-level initiatives connect with developments in Ireland, including the National Action Plan Against Racism, debates around hate speech legislation, and the role of civil society in combating discrimination. Drawing on their research and advocacy, James and Pierre reflect on the challenges of tackling racism in practice and why coordinated action at both EU and national level remains essential to building more inclusive societies.

This week on Just the Chats, European Movement Ireland's outgoing CEO Noelle O’Connell is joined by Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), to discuss the evolving role of civil society in Europe. Drawing on his lifelong involvement in Irish and European civil society, Séamus reflects on how Ireland’s early experience of EU membership shaped rural communities and his own career, and explains the role of the EESC within the EU policymaking process.

The conversation explores the pressures facing civic space across the EU, the ambitions of the new EU Civil Society Strategy, and how civil society organisations can better influence decision-making, particularly in the context of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework. From funding and stakeholder engagement to housing, cost of living and trust between citizens and the EU, this episode offers timely insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead for civil society in Europe.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.

Recorded: 17/12/2025

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

This special edition of Just the Chats sees Minister for International Development and the Diaspora Neale Richmond host a wide-ranging and reflective conversation with outgoing European Movement Ireland CEO Noelle O’Connell, marking her final podcast after fifteen years at the helm of the organisation.

Together they look back on Noelle’s leadership through some of the most turbulent and transformative moments in Ireland-EU relations, ranging from the financial crisis and Brexit to EU Presidencies and shifting public opinion. With eyes on the horizon for Ireland’s next EU Presidency in 2026, this is a timely conversation on the future of Europe’s relationship with its citizens.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.

Recorded: 16/12/2025

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

This week, European Movement Ireland CEO Noelle O Connell is joined by Paul Johnston, former British Ambassador to Ireland, for an insightful conversation on British–Irish relations in a changing Europe.

Reflecting on his time in Dublin, Ambassador Johnston shares his perspectives on diplomacy, the evolving EU–UK relationship since Brexit, and the enduring importance of cooperation between the two islands. Their discussion explores how shared history, economic ties, and global challenges continue to shape the partnership between Ireland and the UK. With thoughtful reflections on what the future holds for British–Irish relations, this episode offers a candid and timely look at diplomacy in a post-Brexit Europe.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.

Recorded: 8/10/2025

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]

This week, European Movement Ireland CEO Noelle O Connell is joined by General Seán Clancy, Chair of the European Union Military Committee, for a timely conversation on Ireland’s role in European security and defence.

As the first Irish person to hold this senior EU post, General Clancy reflects on his journey from Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces to Brussels, and what his appointment means for Ireland. This conversatoin explores the EU’s evolving security landscape amid the war in Ukraine, the future of peacekeeping, and the challenges of modern warfare from cyberattacks to undersea infrastructure. With insights on Ireland’s upcoming EU Council Presidency and the wider transatlantic context, this episode offers a rare inside look at European defence at a pivotal moment.

Music credit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Ailbhe Crowley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Champion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.

Recorded: 23/09/2025

[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]