Herald Opinion: Europe Day: Do we feel European?

This Friday marks something that will likely pass most people by without much thought: Europe Day. I’ll admit, I only learned about it by accident a few weeks ago. But once I knew it existed, it sparked a bigger question in my mind: What has the European Union really done for us here in Ireland? And what does being part of Europe actually mean for people like you and me?

We all know we’re Irish. That’s something we carry proudly it’s part of our identity, culture, and daily lives. But technically, we are also European citizens. Ireland joined the European Economic Community, now the European Union, in 1973. That was over 50 years ago. And yet, if I’m being honest, I rarely think of myself as “European.” I doubt I’m alone in that.

Nearly 25 years ago, then Tánaiste Mary Harney remarked that Ireland felt “closer to Boston than Berlin.” It was a clever line that stuck—and in many ways, it still rings true. We speak the same language as the United States. We consume American TV, movies, music, and news. Many of us have family or friends across the Atlantic, and for decades, emigration made that bond even stronger. In contrast, Europe can sometimes feel more distant—foreign languages, unfamiliar customs, and news we don’t always follow.

So it's easy to think of the EU as an abstract thing distant politicians in Brussels, complicated regulations, or maybe a programme like Erasmus that college students take part in. But if you stop and look closer, the EU has had a real and lasting impact on daily life in Ireland, even in our smallest towns and most rural communities.

Let’s start with something many of us take for granted: infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and public transport systems across Ireland have benefited from EU funding. Without this support, development in many areas—particularly here in the west and midlands—would have taken much longer. Town centres have been revitalised, old buildings restored, and sustainable tourism supported, often with the help of European money.

Environmental protection is another area where EU involvement has made a tangible difference. Today, Ireland’s rivers, lakes and beaches are cleaner than they were a generation ago, thanks in large part to EU rules on water quality and pollution. Whether you’re swimming in Salthill or walking along the shore in Enniscrone, EU environmental standards have had a hand in keeping those places clean and safe.

One of the most significant contributions of EU membership is the support it provides to Irish farmers through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Farming is a vital part of Irish life—economically, culturally, and socially. The CAP provides financial assistance that helps farmers modernise equipment, improve animal welfare, and adopt more sustainable practices. Without this support, many small family farms would find it difficult to survive in an increasingly competitive global market.

EU membership has also opened the door to opportunities for young people. Through the Erasmus+ programme, Irish students can study, volunteer, or gain work experience in other EU countries. It’s a chance to see the world, meet new people, and learn new languages—experiences that can shape a lifetime. For many young Irish people, Erasmus is their first real connection to the idea of a shared European identity.

And then there’s the social progress we've made—some of which was directly driven by EU membership. Back in the 1970s, Ireland had different pay scales for men and women, even when doing the exact same job. It was European legislation that forced change. Equal pay laws were introduced here in 1974, followed by employment equality laws in 1977, both prompted by EU directives. These weren’t just bureaucratic decisions made far away—they were laws that improved real lives here at home.

Even in moments of crisis, our place in Europe has mattered. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the EU helped secure vaccine supplies and coordinated health responses. During the Brexit process, Ireland had the full backing of 26 other member states, ensuring that our unique concerns—especially in relation to Northern Ireland—were taken seriously and protected.

And yet, despite all this, I wonder: do we feel European? For most of us, “Irish” comes first, and maybe that’s only natural. But Europe isn’t some far-off idea. It’s not just about the euro in your pocket or the rules printed in small font on the back of food packaging. Europe is a community we’re part of—a project built on cooperation, equality, and shared goals.

The EU flag, with its 12 gold stars in a circle, isn’t about the number of countries in the union. The number 12 symbolises unity and harmony—ideals that are more relevant now than ever. Europe Day is a reminder that despite our differences, European countries can and do work together for the common good.

So, what has the EU ever done for us? More than you might think. From cleaner beaches to fairer laws, from rural support to youth opportunities, the European Union has left its mark on Ireland in ways that are often easy to overlook—but hard to ignore once you notice them.

This Europe Day, maybe we should pause and consider that we’re not just a small island on the edge of the Atlantic. We’re also part of something bigger. And that connection—like all relationships—deserves to be understood, appreciated, and sometimes, even celebrated.