The Eastern bloc of the EU has given us a clear view of Brexit, now our gratitude will be tested

The implications of the constitution even allowing Ireland to provide military aid to a European country with a recognized democratically elected government being attacked by a neighboring oppressor are profound. when asking for a referendum. That won’t happen too quickly.

Right now, it will be helpful if we all work together to get the refugees here, with adequate shelter and support, and send the appropriate humanitarian, medical and financial support.

Change has come in Europe with the biggest refugee crisis and invasion of a sovereign state since World War Two.

Europe’s response to Russian aggression was demonstrated by Germany, whose 20th-century shadow led to relatively low military spending and a culture of pacifism among the population. .

Suddenly Germany reverses its soft stance towards Russia and increases military spending. The game changer also resulted in the EU agreeing to provide military aid to Ukraine, although conscientious objectors like Ireland could substitute medical supplies. Our handy opt-out is currently accepted but may not be accepted in the future.

It is likely, however, that Vladimir Putin’s actions will create new impetus for deeper European integration. From migration to trade, Germany and France have pushed for deeper European integration, but without much desire for “more Europe”. Vlad the Inhaler’s attempt to lure the former Soviet Union back under Moscow’s control is challenging the EU’s aim to promote peace and the well-being of its people.

When it joined the EU a decade and a half after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Ireland was hailed as the EU’s shining star for these countries. On 1 May 2004, the largest-ever EU expansion was held in Dublin, with the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia, along with Cyprus and Malta participate. Romania and Bulgaria joined two years later, but were included in the list. As a small country that was previously invaded by an empire, gained its independence and then developed its economy by joining the EEC, the organization has also supported the peace process, similar to the countries of the European Union. The former Warsaw Pact is obvious. Holding the EU presidency under Bertie Ahern and the European Parliament president alongside Pat Cox at the time, and with the punishment of the Celtic Tiger, we are at the height of our political and economic power. (before we blow all about the property). The EU’s message to the new Eastern bloc is quite simple: the Irish have done well for themselves by leaving the EU, and you will too.

The EU’s expansion is seen as helping to preserve the new-found freedoms after the fall of communism. The countries of the former Soviet bloc – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia in particular, which embraced democracy, Western values ​​and EU membership – are now looking down the barrel. The EU’s direction is now towards safeguarding the provision of freedom, security and justice – not only morally, but militarily. The days of European defensive farming with Nato are coming to an end. The EU does not show any desire to sit back and let the Baltic states take control next.

As a result, EU operations will change. Countries like Ireland will have to decide whether we join or we don’t participate in these new arrangements. It’s not just about neutrality, it’s about budget and structure. A new EU treaty is a prospect, which we will then have to vote on in a referendum. Membership of the euro means we are indelibly linked to Europe. Brexit brings us even closer to Brussels than Birmingham. The euro has come with its benefits and costs, as we discovered in the crash.

However, the EU’s approach to Northern Ireland cannot be faulted. The integrity of 32 borderless counties has been maintained – so far. On the opposite side of the continent, the Eastern European EU countries have border, customs and access issues with outside countries. Aware of the risk of a return of violence, they have adopted a series of other rules here to promote peace and happiness, although they have yet to take any action. The solidity, or unity, the nations have shown us will be tested.