Ireland’s Foreign Relations in 2022

Abstract

This review examines Ireland’s foreign relations in 2022. As Ireland emerged from the final period of Covid pandemic restrictions it faced an unstable world. Russia’s illegal escalation of its war in Ukraine would be the main focus of Ireland’s engagement with the world. The EU agenda was dominated by the response to the conflict and Ireland demonstrated solidarity with its partners. 2022 was also the second and final year of Ireland’s membership of the UN Security Council and saw Ireland take up the Presidency of the Council of Europe. Relations with the UK were strained by ongoing tensions over the Northern Ireland Protocol, not helped by political instability at Westminster. The review outlines how Ireland managed its foreign relations in this period and concludes by noting some significant deaths during the year.