Europe

90th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Germany and Ireland

The Embassy of Ireland in Berlin Celebrated 90 Years of German-Irish Diplomatic Relations

June 19th, 2019
Valeriya Kharchenko, News from Berlin
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On June 18, 2019 the Embassy of Ireland hosted the event dedicated to commemoration of diplomatic relations between Germany and Ireland established since 1929. The event was well attended by German and Irish politics and academics.

H.E. Ambassador M. Collins, Dr Gisela Hofler – lecturer at the Center for Irish-German Studies and University of Limerick, Dr Róisín Healy - NUI Galway, professor at the Royal Irish Academy Dr Michael Kennedy, Dr Mervyn O’Driscoll – lecturer at University College Cork and Dr Joachim Fischer from Centre for Irish-German Studies attended the colloquium to discuss the past and future, challenges and opportunities of relations between Germany and Ireland.

H.E. M.Collins addressed the audience with welcoming remarks. In her presentation, Dr Healy spoke about diplomacy and its trends before Irish independence. Dr Kennedy discussed the commencement of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Germany in a period from 1919 to 1929. Dr Mervyn O’Driscoll spoke of developing relations in European partnership in a period of 1929-2019 with a focus on trade relations between Ireland and Germany. Professor looked at the complex “triangular relationship” involving Great Britain and noted that “Ireland remains an island behind an island even after independence.” Dr Fischer discussed Irish-German relations in the context of the European Union. The professor focused on cultural and language aspects of such a relationship. In addition, Dr Fischer reflected on Ireland-Germany diplomatic relations at time of Brexit.

The colloquium ended with a wine reception, where the audience could talk to the speakers and the ambassador in an informal setting.

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News from Berlin