Ireland must work to avoid a waning of its influence in Brussels
Concern is growing in Government about the lack of younger Irish officials coming up through the EU ranks to replace those who are retiringOne consequence of Ireland’s enthusiastic embrace of membership of what was then the European Economic Community in 1973 was that many Irish citizens sought and found work in its institutions.
Below them was – and still is – a network of Irish officials spread across directorates and agencies who are an important conduit between Irish governments and the commission. They serve as both an early warning system and a route for Ireland to exert influence over the early stages of policy making.In part, Ireland is a victim of its own success in this regard.
More could be done, particularly in helping officials seconded to Brussels move into permanent roles. We could also take a leaf out of the book of some of the other states whose permanent representation in Brussels put a great deal of effort into fostering a network of their nationals who work in the commission. The Irish approach to date seems to have been to let it happen organically.
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