IIEA Talks

IIEA

Sharing Ideas Shaping Policy. The Institute of International and European Affairs is an independent policy research think-tank based in Dublin.

  1. At the table or on the menu? Europe between Xi's China and Trump’s America

    2 DAYS AGO

    At the table or on the menu? Europe between Xi's China and Trump’s America

    A year of hard geopolitics has exposed Europe’s position between the world's two superpowers, with neither treating the European Union as a central player. This discussion examines where EU–China ties really stand, why the predicted détente never materialised after Trump’s return, and how Brussels is trying to balance economic interests with China with growing concerns over security and trade imbalances. Finbarr Bermingham is the Chief Europe Correspondent at the South China Morning Post, specialising in geopolitics, geoeconomics and EU-China relations. He has spent the last five years reporting from Brussels, breaking news on the EU’s attempts to unpick its economic dependencies on China and the backlash against Beijing’s growing assertiveness. Previously based in Hong Kong for seven years, he covered China’s trade and economy. He has also worked in London and South Korea. Finbarr is a regular commentator across TV, radio and podcasts, and speaks at events across Europe.

    36 min
  2. Ireland’s EU Presidency: How Germany and Ireland will work towards a stronger Europe

    2 DAYS AGO

    Ireland’s EU Presidency: How Germany and Ireland will work towards a stronger Europe

    As Europe faces unprecedented geopolitical challenges, from the ongoing war in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion to a volatile situation in the Middle East and shifting transatlantic relations and power competition, a strong and united European Union is in our key interest. During the upcoming Irish EU Presidency, the focus will be on how member states can ensure unity and security, defend our values, and increase Europe’s competitiveness. In his keynote address to the IIEA, Christoph Wolfrum, Director General for European Affairs at the German Federal Foreign Office, highlights Germany’s and Ireland’s opportunities to work together towards a stronger and more united Europe. Christoph Wolfrum has been Director-General for European Affairs at Germany’s Federal Foreign Office in Berlin since 2024. He previously led work on EU Strategic Policy Issues, EU Coordination and EU External Affairs and served as Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Madrid from 2019 to 2023. His other previous roles include Head of Division for EU Policy and Strategy, Deputy Head of the United Kingdom Task Force, and Deputy Head of Division posts in the EU Coordination Group (2014–2015) and EU Justice and Home Affairs (2012–2014). Mr Wolfrum also worked as an ‘Antici’ at Germany’s Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels from 2008 to 2012, in Nuclear Non-Proliferation (2005-2008) and Disarmament, and at the German Embassy in Bogotá as Head of the Legal and Consular Section (2002–2005).

    19 min
  3. A World in Crisis: Addressing the Humanitarian Impact of Rising Global Conflicts

    7 MAY

    A World in Crisis: Addressing the Humanitarian Impact of Rising Global Conflicts

    Join us for an urgent and thought-provoking discussion with ICRC Director-General Pierre Krähenbühl on the alarming rise in global conflicts and their profound humanitarian consequences. With over 130 active conflicts worldwide, more than double the number recorded just 15 years ago, war is no longer the exception but an increasingly normalized tool of dispute. From the devastating escalation in the Middle East to the ripple effects on fragile nations like Sudan and Somalia, the impacts of these crises are far-reaching and demand immediate attention. The ICRC Director-General explores the changing nature of warfare, the long-lasting scars it leaves on communities, and the growing challenges faced by humanitarian actors in an era of diminishing resources and heightened risks. Pierre Krähenbühl is Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a position he assumed in April 2024. As head of the ICRC's executive body, he is responsible for steering the organisation's global humanitarian activities. Immediately prior to his current position, Mr Krähenbühl was Secretary-General to the Assembly at the ICRC (2023-2024). Mr Krähenbühl has dedicated more than 30 years to the humanitarian sector, including 25 years in prominent roles at the ICRC in delegations and at headquarters. He also served as Commissioner-General and Under-Secretary General of the United Nations at UNWRA (2014-2019). This lecture is part of the Development Matters series, which is kindly sponsored by Irish Aid.

    56 min
  4. Reframing the EU’s Approach to the Sahel

    7 MAY

    Reframing the EU’s Approach to the Sahel

    The European Union and the Sahel have longstanding ties. Yet, as both sides experience significant transformations, and as geopolitical challenges abound, the context and nature of EU-Sahel relations have fundamentally changed. Today’s geopolitical environment is marked by the growing role of military actors in politics, widespread security concerns, acute fragility, the reconfiguration of regional and multilateral systems, and intensifying geopolitical competition. These trends are further reinforced by narratives centred on sovereignty and rising anti-Western and anti-European sentiment. The EU envisages being a partner of choice for the Sahel and the broader region for the medium to long term. In this context, the EU has developed a renewed approach to the Sahel, acknowledging that disengagement is not an option, given the strategic importance of the region. In his address, EUSR Cravinho will outline this approach, which is focused on charting a way forward, which was politically validated by the 27 EU Foreign Ministers in November 2025.  This lecture is part of the Development Matters series, which is kindly sponsored by Irish Aid.

    58 min
  5. Trade and Geopolitics: trade policy as a driver for EU competitiveness and resilience in a turbulent era

    7 MAY

    Trade and Geopolitics: trade policy as a driver for EU competitiveness and resilience in a turbulent era

    Recent global trade volatility and geopolitical instability have highlighted how Europe’s prosperity, autonomy and security can be exposed to global shocks and render Europe vulnerable. In this event, Olof Gill, Deputy Chief Spokesperson of the European Commission and Spokesperson for Trade, Economic Security & Customs, discusses the EU’s efforts to navigate geopolitical turbulence and major trade disruption. Mr Gill explores the European Commission’s focus on achieving a robust and resilient trade policy that promotes Europe’s prosperity, security and autonomy. Olof Gill is Deputy Chief Spokesperson of the European Commission, and Commission Spokesperson for Trade, Economic Security & Customs. He began his career as a journalist before taking on roles in the European Parliament, and later the Irish government. In his current position he plays a public-facing role, communicating the EU perspective on high-profile trade and geopolitical priorities, including relations with the US, China, India, and Mercosur region. An Irish-Swedish national, he has worked at the Commission for over a decade, contributing to EU policy and communications strategies on prominent topics including Brexit, Covid-19, and the war in Ukraine.

    1hr 5min
  6. EU Security and Defence: The State of Play in 2026

    1 MAY

    EU Security and Defence: The State of Play in 2026

    Against the backdrop of a more turbulent geopolitical environment. the European Union has increased its effort to ensure that its citizens are protected. In his remarks to the IIEA, Guillaume de la Brosse, Head of Unit for Defence Policy and Innovation at the Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space at the European Commission (DG DEFIS), discusses progress on the implementation of the White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, as well as the work of the EU in meeting the challenges of an increasingly insecure world.    About the Speaker: Guillaume de La Brosse is currently Head of Unit, Defence Policy and Innovation at DG DEFIS. Previously, he was Head of Unit in charge of Innovation and New Space - Space Defence in the Commission (Direction-General for Defence Industry and Space). Guillaume joined the Commission in 2016, as member of the Commission’s think-tank and member of the UK Task Force, where he dealt with security, defence, and space.

    18 min
  7. Launching a Personal Investment Account in 2027

    27 APR

    Launching a Personal Investment Account in 2027

    Following on from the recent announcement by the Tánaiste, this event looks to build on the recent proposals and the recommendations set out in the IIEA–BNY White Paper. An expert panel examines the product features and practical steps necessary to launch in 2027. The discussion focuses on how to operationalise a PIA scheme swiftly and effectively, the range of investment options that should be available to participants, and ides to promote financial inclusion, for the benefit of Irish society. This event includes the following speakers: Professor Niamh Moloney, Professor of Law at the London School of Economics and Specialist in EU Financial Markets Regulation Anna Marie Finnegan, Head of Function in the Cross-Sectoral Policy of the Central Bank of Ireland Paul Kilcullen, BNY Ireland Country Manager Dan O’Brien, IIEA Chief Economist Emily Portney, BNY Executive Committee, Global Head of Asset Servicing provide opening remarks. The event was moderated by Leo Varadkar, former Taoiseach of Ireland.

    1hr 21min
  8. John Bew - 23rd of April 2026

    23 APR

    John Bew - 23rd of April 2026

    'Security, Strategy and Statecraft' Former advisor to four British prime ministers, Prof John Bew, joins this edition of IIEA Insights to discuss the strategic predicament of Europe, the UK, and Ireland. He explores how Britain’s national security strategy has evolved, along with the implications for Ireland, the risks of a full-scale European war, and possible future security architecture for the continent. He also examines current and future transatlantic relations and what sort of equilibrium might emerge in EU-UK relations. John Bew CMG is Professor of History and Foreign Policy at the Department of War Studies, King’s College London and former advisor to four British prime ministers. He served as penholder on the last three UK national security strategies and was closely involved in the shaping of the most recent NATO Strategic Concept. In 2012, he became the youngest ever holder of the Henry A. Kissinger Chair at the Library of Congress and in 2015 he won the Philip Leverhulme Prize for International Studies. The Ulsterman is the author of five books, many academic articles, and a number of edited collections.

    47 min
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About

Sharing Ideas Shaping Policy. The Institute of International and European Affairs is an independent policy research think-tank based in Dublin.

Information

  • Creator
    IIEA
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    500
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    IIEA Talks

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