Remarks by the Taoiseach presenting the Sutherland Leadership Award to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

Thursday 1 December 2022

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I am delighted to join you this evening to present this year’s Sutherland Leadership Award to European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, who is accepting it on behalf of the European Union.

It is fitting that this award recognises the contribution of the late Peter Sutherland with the support and participation of Peter’s family. Peter’s work at EU and international level, including as EU Commissioner and as Director General of the WTO, made a real impact and he has left a legacy of outstanding public service.

This award is particularly timely as we approach the fiftieth anniversary of Ireland’s formal accession to the then European Communities on 1 January.

Just over fifty years ago, on 10 May 1972, the Irish people voted by an overwhelming majority to join what has become the European Union.

In doing so the Irish people were making one of the most consequential decisions in the history of our State.

The generations growing up since our accession have seen opportunities on a scale perhaps unimaginable to their predecessors in the Ireland of 1972.

And our EU membership during this time has also played a vital role in the journey towards peace and reconciliation on this island.

Those convinced that Ireland’s future lay in Europe showed the courage to imagine a new Ireland, and a more confident and optimistic future.

Then Taoiseach Jack Lynch described it, at the time, as at its core the ideal of “a vital force for peace in the world”, and “an ever-increasing contribution to the economic and social progress of developing nations”.

I am sure you will all agree, the five decades since our accession have been defined by close reciprocal cooperation with our European partners.

The European Union has contributed significantly to our economic and social development, and to shaping Ireland’s emergence as a modern, open society and economy.

There is much to celebrate, and I encourage all of you here this evening to consider your own initiatives to mark this significant anniversary.

Unfortunately, the appalling events unfolding in Ukraine give those words uttered by Jack Lynch over fifty years ago poignant significance today.

Ireland remains clear in our political support for Ukraine – both in terms of supporting tough sanctions on Russia, and in setting Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.

The government there is firmly committed – despite the awful circumstances – to meet the high bar required for accession to the EU.

Ukraine is part of our European family, and I have consistently advocated that a free, sovereign and democratic Ukraine belongs in the EU.

The people of Ukraine face a long and very difficult winter, as temperatures drop and as Russia’s relentless attacks on vital civilian infrastructure continue.

The Irish people have been moved by the exceptional leadership shown by President Zelensky, which I would like to acknowledge here tonight.

The people of Ireland will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine.

I had the opportunity to commend President von der Leyen earlier today – both in person and at this afternoon’s Joint Sitting of the Houses of the Oireachtas – for her leadership in response to this horrific war.

President von der Leyen’s leadership was also evident throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which confronted the European Union and its Member States with an immense challenge in an area where the Union’s competence is limited.

The Commission’s role was central to the accelerated development, manufacturing and deployment of safe and effective vaccines, and to the historic €2 trillion budgetary package agreed by EU leaders in July 2020.

Let there be no doubt, President von der Leyen has played a very significant role in our collective demonstration that, in the most testing of times, EU leaders can work together and find solutions that delivers for citizens.

At a time when democracy is under pressure in many parts of the world, we also need to renew and strengthen our partnerships with key allies, not least the US and the UK.

President von der Leyen, you have been to the fore in working to strengthen the vital transatlantic relationship.

The solidarity that you have shown with Ireland throughout Brexit, and that shown by your Commission and indeed the wider European Union family, is greatly appreciated.

President von der Leyen, your contribution as President of the European Commission has been immense.

It is my great pleasure and my honour to invite you to accept on behalf of the European Union this year’s Sutherland Leadership Award.