Tánaiste: EU solidarity touches all of Irish life including agri
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris has said that all aspects of Irish life have been touched by European Union (EU) solidarity, including agriculture.
Harris made the comments at a reception to celebrate Europe Day 2025 hosted by the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland alongside the European Commission Representation in Ireland.
Artur Michalski, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Poland, representing the presidency of the Council of the EU was also present.
The Tánaiste said: "This is a year for reflection and renewal.
"As we mark the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, we are reminded of the visionary clarity that laid the foundations of today’s European Union — a community built not on conquest, but on cooperation, not on rivalry, but on reconciliation."
Harris said that for Ireland, membership of the European Union is not simply an advantage but rather an essential part of who we are.
"It has been transformative for our country, our society and our economy, and continues to be central to our future. By every significant measure, EU membership has been beneficial for Ireland," the Tánaiste continued.
"It has underpinned economic growth, fostered innovation, opened up new markets, and created jobs.
"The biggest beneficiaries of our membership have been the communities and workers in every part of our island — who now enjoy rights, protections, and opportunities that would have been unimaginable without the strength and solidarity of a shared European future.
"From agriculture to technology, from higher education to public infrastructure, European solidarity has touched every part of Irish life, not least because we became a more equal and inclusive society where human rights are revered," he added.
Harris continued by stating that Ireland is one of the "success stories" of the EU and in return, Ireland have also given back.
"Not only as a net contributor to the European budget, but by being a reliable, constructive, and outward-looking member of the union and working together to achieve progress for all member states," he said.
The Tánaiste declared that today, the EU remains a force for "peace, democracy, and the rule of law".
"Standing for our values has never been so consequential," he said.
"We face unprecedented geopolitical instability at this time — from Russian aggression on the doorstep of Europe, to the rise of extremism and a new transatlantic trading relationship.
"The need for strong, centrist, pro-European leadership has never been greater.
"...Europe is at its best when it is united, not fragmented — when it works not in narrow interests, but for the common good," he added.
