Ireland joins the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics

The Brussels Institute for Geopolitics (BIG) is proud to welcome Ireland as its tenth EU state member, further broadening the Institute’s European base and reinforcing its mission to advance strategic thinking in an era of geopolitical upheaval. 

Ireland’s membership comes at a particularly timely moment. In recent years, Ireland has taken on a pivotal role within the European Union, as a hub for innovative industries, punching above its weight on many fronts. Looking ahead to its EU Council Presidency in the second half of 2026, Ireland is set to bring a distinctive perspective on Europe’s future, grounded in multilateralism, and a strong sensitivity to global injustice, together with a cutting-edge approach to innovation and streamlined regulation to support economic development.

Commenting to mark the occasion, Irish Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe said: 

‘I am pleased that Ireland has joined the Brussels Institute for Geopolitics as an original state member. At a time of increasing global uncertainty, it is vital that we, as Europeans, are attuned to our past, and engage critically with the ideas and trends that will shape our future. Ireland’s involvement with the Institute reflects our commitment to continue playing a constructive role in these debates.’

Reflecting on the membership, BIG’s director, Luuk van Middelaar, said:

‘At the Institute we are delighted Ireland is joining as a state member. We are very much looking forward to hearing distinct Irish voices on how to navigate geopolitical currents. Their commitment and active participation will provide a unique European vantage point to the work of the Institute, in light of Ireland’s particular historical and geographical perspectives’.

With Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland and Spain already among its state members, Ireland’s addition strengthens BIG’s capacity to further provide a rich diversity of European perspectives and advance a shared agenda of sovereignty, resilience and leadership.