In this podcast we sat down with Rector of the College of Europe, former High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, for a conversation about the College of Europe, the increasing interest of Irish students in postgraduate studies at the College, EU security, defence and foreign policy, women in leadership roles in the EU, the Conference on the Future of Europe and much more.

In the latest episode of Just the Chats we sit down with Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, for a discussion on the key role played by the Defence Forces during the Covid-19 pandemic; Ireland, the EU and security and defence; multilateralism; diversity and inclusion in the Defence Forces and more. 

In this episode of Just the Chats we sit down with European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Unions, Mairead McGuinness for a discussion on her role as Commissioner to date, taking on the role as she did during the Covid-19 pandemic; her portfolio, financial sustainability and Brexit; her various roles to date in the European Parliament and Commission; her experience as a woman in high level, leadership positions and other aspects of her working life.

For over six decades the Eurovision Song Contest has brought people across Europe together through what has been identified as the longest-running annual international televised music competition in the world, with over 40 countries now taking part regularly. However, while Eurovision aims to be politically neutral, it has often found itself at the centre of various debates and controversies around issues such as LGBTQI+ rights and equality. In this episode of Just the Chats, we explore the history of the renowned song contest, the music, impacts of Covid-19 and the social and political issues surrounding the contest. Sitting in for the discussion is Dónal Mulligan, lecturer and researcher at DCU’s School of Communications and Ciarán O’Driscoll, EM Ireland’s Policy and Research Officer, hosted by Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh, EM Ireland’s Head of Communications and Education.

Eamon Gilmore has been the EU Special Representative for Human Rights since March 2019 and was recently re-appointed for a second two-year term. The tasks of the Special Representative for Human Rights are to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy. He is the former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has also served as the EU Special Envoy for the Peace Process in Colombia.

Listen to Eamon Gilmore's keynote address at a recent event hosted by the European Commission Representation in Ireland, in co-operation with European Movement Ireland, on his role as the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights and on the EU’s role in the protection and promotion of Human Rights.

For the past 12 months, the European Movement Ireland team have been working remotely, having to adapt to the various challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this special episode of 'Just the Chats', our team reflects on their final days in the office in March 2020, and changes for the organisation in its digital outputs, communications and policy publications throughout the year. Noelle O Connell gives an in-depth insight into learnings and developments from a leadership perspective in her role as CEO of EM Ireland, and how COVID-19 has potentially impacted the future of general working life.

The discussion is hosted by EM Ireland Digital Communications Manager, Ryan Levis, in conversation with CEO, Noelle O Connell; Deputy CEO, Stephen O'Shea; Head of Communications and Education, Lisa Nic An Bhreithimh; and Policy & Research Officer, Ciarán O'Driscoll.

Clár speisialta é seo de Just the Chats mar cheiliúradh ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge 2021. Shuigh ár gCeanasaí Cumarsáide agus Oideachais, Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh síos le painéal aíonna, atá nó a bhíodh ag obair leis na hInstitiúidí, i mbun cainte faoin Aontas Eorpach agus an Ghaeilge – stair agus todhchaí na Gaeilge san Eoraip, deiseanna fostaíochta do dhaoine le Gaeilge sna hInstitiúidí agus a saolta féin le Gaeilge ag obair don AE. Ar an bpainéal tá Seán Ó Neachtain, IarFheisire Parlaimint na hEorpa ar foilsíodh leabhar leis le déanaí dár teideal Ón Spidéal go Strasbourg; Julie O’Farrell, Dlítheangeolaí le Cúirt Bhreithiúnais an Aontais Eorpaigh; Aisling Ní Chatháin, Ateangaire sa Choimisiún Eorpach, Úna O’Connor, Ceann Aonaid Gníomhach i Seirbhís Aistriúcháin de cuid Ardrúnaíocht Comhairle an AEagus Jim Maher, Comhairleoir Cumarsáide Digití le Parlaimint na hEorpa.

A special Irish language episode of Just the Chats to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge – a discussion on the Irish language in the EU, past and present, EU Job opportunities for Irish speakers and more!

Listen to a recent EMI Online Event between ESB CEO, Pat O'Doherty and EM Ireland CEO, Noelle O Connell. This event looked at the electric future for Ireland and Europe including electricity’s innovative role in facilitating a green recovery and meeting the climate commitments of the EU’s Green Deal.

Pat O’Doherty is the CEO of ESB, Ireland’s leading energy company which has operations spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution and supply. He has recently been appointed as President of Eurelectric, the federation for the European electricity industry.

In this special episode of Just the Chats for the 67th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Council of the European Movement, which later become European Movement Ireland, we sit down with one of our distinguished founding members, Denis Corboy. Denis shares an account of the early days of the organisation, how it played a key role in Ireland’s Referendum on EEC Membership in 1972 and the political, social landscape of Ireland at the time. 

In this special EU Jobs episode of Just the Chats, our CEO Noelle O Connell sits down with Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, our own Graduate Jobs Programme manager, Ciarán Murray and two young Irish professionals working in the EU Institutions - Sophie McNamara, a language assistant with the European Commission, and Christopher Finn, a language editor on the Irish team of the Publications Office of the European Union. Our guests discuss the government’s priorities and strategy on EU Jobs, tips for those interested in applying for EU Jobs, an Ghaeilge and more - a must-listen for those interested in working in Brussels, Strasbourg or further afield!