Podcast
Just the Chats
Hosted by European Movement Ireland · EN
European Movement Ireland’s mission is to develop the connection between Ireland and Europe, and to achieve greater public understanding of and engagement with the European Union and with our European partners. We do this by providing objective information and by stimulating debate.
So listen in, as we bring to you our podcast series where we look at all things Ireland and Europe.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
55 | Europe's Anti-Racism Strategy with Dr James Carr & Pierre Yimbog
Mar 1200:34:21Tap to summarizeThis Just the Chats European Movement Ireland’s Acting Co-CEO and Head of Policy Lorna Hayes is joined by Dr James Carr, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Limerick, and Pierre Yimbog, Co-founder and COO of Black and Irish, to discuss racism in Ireland and across Europe. In light of the European Commission’s new Anti-Racism Strategy for 2026–2030, the conversation explores the realities facing minority communities, including anti-Muslim racism, discrimination against Black communities, and the structural barriers that persist in areas such as housing, education, employment and healthcare.The discussion also examines how EU-level initiatives connect with developments in Ireland, including the National Action Plan Against Racism, debates around hate speech legislation, and the role of civil society in combating discrimination. Drawing on their research and advocacy, James and Pierre reflect on the challenges of tackling racism in practice and why coordinated action at both EU and national level remains essential to building more inclusive societies.
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54 | Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee
Jan 500:38:57Tap to summarizeThis week on Just the Chats, European Movement Ireland's outgoing CEO Noelle O’Connell is joined by Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), to discuss the evolving role of civil society in Europe. Drawing on his lifelong involvement in Irish and European civil society, Séamus reflects on how Ireland’s early experience of EU membership shaped rural communities and his own career, and explains the role of the EESC within the EU policymaking process.The conversation explores the pressures facing civic space across the EU, the ambitions of the new EU Civil Society Strategy, and how civil society organisations can better influence decision-making, particularly in the context of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework. From funding and stakeholder engagement to housing, cost of living and trust between citizens and the EU, this episode offers timely insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead for civil society in Europe.Music credit: Ailbhe CrowleyChampion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.Recorded: 17/12/2025[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]
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53 | Noelle O Connell and Minister Neale Richmond
Dec 1900:41:36Tap to summarizeThis special edition of Just the Chats sees Minister for International Development and the Diaspora Neale Richmond host a wide-ranging and reflective conversation with outgoing European Movement Ireland CEO Noelle O’Connell, marking her final podcast after fifteen years at the helm of the organisation.Together they look back on Noelle’s leadership through some of the most turbulent and transformative moments in Ireland-EU relations, ranging from the financial crisis and Brexit to EU Presidencies and shifting public opinion. With eyes on the horizon for Ireland’s next EU Presidency in 2026, this is a timely conversation on the future of Europe’s relationship with its citizens.Music credit: Ailbhe CrowleyChampion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.Recorded: 16/12/2025[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]
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52 | Paul Johnston, former British Ambassador to Ireland
Nov 300:43:40Tap to summarizeThis week, European Movement Ireland CEO Noelle O Connell is joined by Paul Johnston, former British Ambassador to Ireland, for an insightful conversation on British–Irish relations in a changing Europe.Reflecting on his time in Dublin, Ambassador Johnston shares his perspectives on diplomacy, the evolving EU–UK relationship since Brexit, and the enduring importance of cooperation between the two islands. Their discussion explores how shared history, economic ties, and global challenges continue to shape the partnership between Ireland and the UK. With thoughtful reflections on what the future holds for British–Irish relations, this episode offers a candid and timely look at diplomacy in a post-Brexit Europe.Music credit: Ailbhe CrowleyChampion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.Recorded: 8/10/2025[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]
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51 | General Seán Clancy, Chair of the European Union Military Committee
Sep 2400:52:33Tap to summarizeThis week, European Movement Ireland CEO Noelle O Connell is joined by General Seán Clancy, Chair of the European Union Military Committee, for a timely conversation on Ireland’s role in European security and defence.As the first Irish person to hold this senior EU post, General Clancy reflects on his journey from Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces to Brussels, and what his appointment means for Ireland. This conversatoin explores the EU’s evolving security landscape amid the war in Ukraine, the future of peacekeeping, and the challenges of modern warfare from cyberattacks to undersea infrastructure. With insights on Ireland’s upcoming EU Council Presidency and the wider transatlantic context, this episode offers a rare inside look at European defence at a pivotal moment.Music credit: Ailbhe CrowleyChampion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.Recorded: 23/09/2025[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]
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50 | Syrians across Europe and Ireland’s refugee commitments with Dr Lucy Michael and Dr Shadi Karazi
Jun 2400:34:05Tap to summarizeThis week, Policy and Research Manager Gillian Kennedy is joined by Dr. Lucy Michael, a sociologist and expert in human rights, and Dr. Shadi Karazi, a researcher focused on refugee integration, for a deep dive into Ireland’s international protection system and the lived realities of Syrian refugees.From the legal obligations under EU and international law, to the evolving challenges in Ireland’s asylum process, they explore slow bureaucracies, social integration, and the Syrian diaspora’s role in recovery and return. With insights on employment, government messaging, and future prospects post-Assad, this episode offers a timely and critical reflection on Ireland’s approach to protection and resettlement.Music credit: Ailbhe CrowleyChampion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.Papov by Yung Logos. YouTube Audio Library.Recorded: 20/06/2025[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]
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49 | Global President of Women in AI and Co-Chair of UNESCO Women for Ethical AI, Alessandra Sala
May 19, 202500:35:48Tap to summarizeThis week, Head of Communications Aisling Brady is joined by Dr. Alessandra Sala, a global leader in Artificial Intelligence and President of Women in AI, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of AI in Europe.From the ethical frontiers of AI regulation and the role of multilateralism, to the challenges facing women and minorities in STEM, Dr. Sala brings a sharp, science-based perspective to one of the most transformative issues of our time. With over 18 years' experience in AI research and innovation, she shares practical insights on how Europe can lead in ethical AI development while navigating pressures from global tech giants and regulatory skepticism.Music credit: Ailbhe CrowleyChampion by Telecasted. YouTube Audio Library.Recorded: 16/05/2025[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]
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48┃Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Michael O' Flaherty
May 1, 202500:32:03Tap to summarizeThis week, CEO Noelle O Connell is joined by the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Michael O' Flaherty, the first Irish person to hold this vital role. From defending civic space and media freedom to addressing racism, AI, and migration policy, Michael O’Flaherty brings urgent insight into the challenges and hope for the human rights landscape in Europe today. Music credit: Ailbhe CrowleyRecorded: 30/04/2025[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views,information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series aresolely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent thoseof EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracyof any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purposeof the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is availablefor private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff ispermitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability forany activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same inconnection with any other website or organisation.]
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47 | Third Anniversary of War in Ukraine with Prof Donnacha Ó Beacháin and Diana Ishchenko
Feb 28, 202500:45:32Tap to summarizeThis week sadly marked the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, European Movement Ireland's Just the Chats podcast spoke to Professor Donnacha Ó Beacháin, School of Law and Government, DCU and Diana Ishchenko, Creative Director, Internews Ukraine a pro-EU NGO based in Kyiv. Hosted by CEO Noelle O Connell, they discussed the devastating war, the reality of life in Ukraine today, the ongoing negotiations with the US and assessed the EU's response to date. This comes after the call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, that sent shockwaves across the West, marking a consequential change in US alliances. Music credit: Ailbhe CrowleyRecorded: 28/02/2025[DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]
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EP 46 | The Disinformation Frontline: Lessons from Irish and European practitioners
Dec 16, 202401:26:34Tap to summarizeListen back to European Movement Ireland's webinar exploring the Disinformation Frontline. As part of our wider disinformation programme, this discussion shares best practices on responding to mis/disinformation online and how local communities respond to disinformation in offline spaces. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Gillian Kennedy, Policy and Research Manager, European Movement Ireland, and featured: Günter Bressau, Head of Project Funding and EU Programmes, Baden-Württemberg Youth Foundation Louie Lyons, Advocacy Manager, Black and Irish David Kitching, Managing Director, Bassline Strategy Ciarán O’Connor, Senior Analyst, Institute for Strategic Dialogue The webinar was recorded live on Tuesday 3 December 2024. Music credit: Ailbhe Crowley Recorded: 13 November 2024 [DISCLAIMER: European Movement Ireland (EM Ireland). The views, information or opinions expressed during the Just the Chats podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of EM Ireland. EM Ireland is not responsible, and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information provided by speakers on the podcast series. The purpose of the podcast is to share opinions and inform. The podcast series is available for private and non-commercial use only. No one other than EM Ireland staff is permitted to edit or modify this podcast. EM Ireland assumes no liability for any activities in connection with this podcast series or for use of same in connection with any other website or organisation.]
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