Ireland will take over the presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 July as the Old Continent sails on rough seas: from Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine and a volatile US to soaring temperatures and economic instability.
The waters are no less choppy elsewhere, however. The world is sadly a more violent and unstable place than the last time Ireland was at the Council’s helm in 2013.
Attention has therefore turned to Ireland’s contributions to European security. Analysis has rained in from the New York Times and Le Monde – the result is far from flattering. Ireland has been described as Europe’s “weak spot” and “weak link”.
One commentator notes that “Ireland has virtually no way of independently defending itself”, with another writing that Ireland risks “becoming a French military protectorate”.
An analyst has claimed the Irish are a “bunch of freeloaders”, while “concerns” have even been raised over Ireland’s ability to host EU meetings.
