Ireland is considered to be the EU member most affected by Britain’s decision to withdraw from the EU. This is partly because the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland would now become an external border for the EU. ‘There are about 275 land border crossings between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, compared to 137 crossings on the entirety of the EU’s eastern border from Finland to Greece.’ (European Parliament) This will make it virtually impossible to monitor trade and people across the border.
Who is the expert on Ireland’s links with Europe?
A second reason why Ireland will be affected by Brexit concerns the Good Friday Agreement and peace in Northern Ireland. There is a strong belief that if a hard border (with border controls) was established between North and South that this would lead to an outbreak of violence and a collapse of the peace process in Northern Ireland. These concerns have led the EU to insist that Ireland’s ‘unique circumstances’, including the issue of peace in Northern Ireland, must be addressed in the Brexit negotiations.
Why is it difficult for historians to make judgments on recent events?
INVESTIGATING A REPOSITORY OF HISTORICAL EVIDENCE FOR THE EU AND IRELAND’S LINKS WITH EUROPE
A project on the life and experiences of a person of historical interest
LOCAL PROJECTS FROM EU AND IRELAND’S LINKS WITH EUROPE
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❱ Preparing for CBA2 A project on the life and experience of a person of historical interest
PERSONS OF INTEREST IN THE EU AND IRELAND’S LINKS WITH EUROPE
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HISTORICAL JUDGEMENT p. 245 ❱
Web Resources and Reading
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Focus Task
›● Investigate the impact of EU membership on Ireland. On balance, would you say that Ireland has gained more or lost more from membership of the EEC (EU) since 1973? Support your conclusions with evidence from your research.
