On this episode of The European Lens, Frances Fitzgerald MEP and guests discuss trafficking, prostitution, and sexual violence in the context of the war in Ukraine.    This podcast explores the vulnerable situation of many women and children who are making their way to Ireland and other European countries as a result of the war in Ukraine. Frances discusses the supports that have been put in place in Ireland and what more needs to be done to protect those travelling from trafficking, prostitution and sexual violence with CEO of Ruhama, Barbara Condo ..read more

On this episode of The European Lens, Frances Fitzgerald MEP and guests discuss the European Year of Youth.    The podcast considers the effect that Covid-19 pandemic has had on young people and the pressing issues they now face such as housing, jobs and intergenerational inequality.   Frances Fitzgerald is joined by Mariya Gabriel, EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Harry McCann, founder of the Digital Youth Council and European Youth Journalist as part of the European Year of Youth, Professor Danny Dorling, Professor of Human Geography at t ..read more

The latest episode of The European Lens is the second of two parts which focuses on the future of Irish and EU defence policy. Frances Fitzgerald is joined by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney TD.  They discuss the future of defence and security in Ireland, our policy of proactive neutrality, the proposed EU rapid response unit and its importance, why Ireland needs to consider increasing its spending on defence and more ..read more

The latest episode of The European Lens is the first of two parts which focuses on the future of Irish and EU defence policy.   Frances Fitzgerald is joined by MEP Arnaud Danjean and Brigid Laffan, political scientist at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies. They discuss the future of defence and security in Europe, whether Ireland's policy of neutrality is outdated, the possibility of an EU army, how Irish defence policy differs from our EU counterparts and more. In part two of this episode, Frances Fitzgerald will continue the conversation wi ..read more

In the latest episode of The European Lens, Frances Fitzgerald MEP and guests discuss the future relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom as they navigate the post-Brexit reality.    From her work in the European Parliament, Frances Fitzgerald has witnessed the ongoing fallout from the Brexit referendum and the negotiations that have followed, but where to from here?   Frances Fitzgerald is joined by Sir David Lidington, former Minister for Europe and Minister for the Cabinet Office in which role he was also defacto Deputy Prime Minister of the UK, SDLP MP for South Be ..read more

In the latest episode of The European Lens, Frances Fitzgerald MEP and guests discuss the issue of the EU's role in promoting human rights - what impact can the EU have on human rights considering some of the abuses seen in certain EU Member States and what leverage and influence can the EU exert on countries to ensure the advancement of human rights? From her work in the European Parliament, Frances Fitzgerald believes the issue of human rights is becoming more and more centre stage globally. There is an increased awareness of the need to ensure the implementation of human rights and fundamen ..read more

In the latest episode of The European Lens, Frances Fitzgerald MEP is joined by Catherine Day, former Secretary-General of the European Commission and current Chairperson of the Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality. Throughout her distinguished career, Catherine has held many notable positions including Director-General for DG Environment and Special Adviser to former President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Junker.   In this wide-ranging interview, Frances and Catherine discuss her birdseye view of the EU and its institutions, the future of the EU post-B ..read more

In the latest episode of The European Lens, Frances Fitzgerald MEP and guests discuss the issue of disinformation and fake news - what is the issue, how widespread is it and what can be done by the European Union to tackle it?   The podcast considers the effect that Russia has on the issue, recent developments in the United States, how traditional media is affected and the support that journalists and media organisations need to crack down on disinformation.   Frances Fitzgerald is joined by Mark Little, CEO of Kinzen and founder of Storyful, Peter Pomerantzev, journalist and author ..read more

In the latest episode of The European Lens, Frances Fitzgerald MEP and guests discuss the EU's place in the world following the US election, the Trump presidency and how the EU/US relationship may change under the incoming Biden administration. This podcast considers the broad geopolitical situation for the EU, including how the EU should position itself between the US and China and how Brexit may affect the future EU/US relationship. Frances Fitzgerald is joined by Former EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, President of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland Carin Bryans, MEP David ..read more

In the second episode of The European Lens, Fine Gael and EPP Group MEP Frances Fitzgerald looks at the issue the rule of law in the European Union - why it is now so topical and recent breaches from some EU member states. In this episode, we hear from Ronan McCrea, professor at University College London, Former EU Commissioner Viviane Reding and Former Polish Prime Minister and current MEP Marek Belka ..read more