Minister Byrne marks 50 years of Eurofound at third-annual lecture

The Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, today (19 June 2025) addressed Eurofound’s third-annual lecture held at the Royal College of Physicians.

In his address, the Minister noted the important role of Eurofound’s evidence-based research in shaping social, employment and work-related policies in Europe. The Minister also welcomed the deep historical and regional links that Ireland has with Eurofound.

Today’s third annual lecture forms part of series of events to mark the 50th anniversary of Eurofound and brought together leading EU policy stakeholders, academics, media, and social partners.

Guest speaker Enrico Giovannini, professor of Economic Statistics and of Sustainable Development at the University of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’, followed the Minister and reflected on the EU’s performance across key well-being dimensions, including on how to reconcile economic transition with economic growth and social prosperity.

Speaking at the event, Minister Byrne said:

“Eurofound is the only EU agency headquartered in Ireland and we are proud to host its valuable work. We live in a time where disinformation poses a serious risk to democracy and in tackling that risk, the need for institutions like Eurofound that provide reliable, evidence-based analysis, is crucial.

“In marking 50 years of Eurofound’s work, I want to recognise their contribution to assisting the Irish Government and the EU, in working to deliver better outcomes and prosperity for our citizens.”

ENDS

Press Office

19 June 2025

Eurofound is the EU Agency for the improvement of living and working conditions and the only EU Agency based in Ireland. It was one of the very first EU Agencies to be established in 1975. With its tripartite nature, its mission is to provide knowledge to assist in the development of better social, employment and work-related policies through data collection, comparative research and user-centred communication.