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Erasmus+ Berufspraktika im Ausland
Ireland, Europe and the EU
The topic of Europe and especially the EU Ease of travel also affects the way a lot of
is, for the most part, a very positive one in young Irish people see continental Europe:
Ireland. The general consensus seems to An easy-to-reach place full of opportunities
be an awareness and overall acknowledge- to further their studies, work, or even emi-
ment that the country is by far not a major grate to. However, of course, nothing is all
force within the Union, but at the same time positives. Due to Brexit, Ireland is now the
thankfulness for all the support it receives. only part of the British Isles still in the EU,
This support has many direct forms, like the which makes it somewhat geographically iso-
European Regional Development Fund which lated from the other members.
provides financial means to expand the in-
frastructure through construction projects Additionally, Ireland and Northern Ireland
in less developed areas. are once again separated by stricter borders
than before, although this has no visible
However, there are also a lot of indirect ways impact on the view of Northern Ireland as
in which the EU membership aids Ireland. essentially part of the same country. Trade
The biggest example here is the ease of tra- between Ireland and the UK, which is an im-
vel which brings with it a lot of tourism from portant pillar of the Irish economy, has got-
other member countries, helping the econo- ten somewhat more complicated as well.
my. The tourism sector has grown exponen-
tially since Ireland joined the EU, especially in In conclusion, while Ireland certainly faces a
Dublin, which can be seen in the many “Car- few issues as part of the EU, it gains signifi-
rolls Irish Gifts” branches throughout the cantly more benefits which are almost unani-
50
50 city, the several tour bus organisers or even mously greatly appreciated and is proud to
just the various different languages you hear be a member at the end of the day.
when walking around the city centre.
Timo Geck
IFA intern
