The newest episode of Local Lens, a podcast series from Meath County Council, is now available wherever you get your podcasts. What does the EU Presidency mean for the people of County Meath, what events can you take part in and where can you find out more about the county’s strong links with Italy? These questions and more are answered in this month’s episode.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade, and TD for Meath East, Helen McEntee *recorded an interview explaining what the EU Presidency is, what exactly is involved in holding the presidency and she references the high expectations on Ireland and what it will achieve. She also talks about her priorities which include security and making sure Europe is a safe place to live.
In relation to Ukraine, she says “they are essentially protecting the rest of the EU from what might happen if Ukraine falls or if Ukraine were to succumb to, to what has been four and a half years of absolute bombardment by Russia. So, it’s really important for us during the presidency that that remains at the fore.” Other issues featuring in this episode include making Europe more competitive, the need to agree the next European Budget, online safety for children and how she would like the EU Presidency to be remembered in county Meath.
Also joining host Elaine Keogh this episode, is the Italian Ambassador to Ireland Nicola Faganello and, outlining what the council is doing and how the EU Presidency will not impact on budgets or services, is Elaine Daly, Senior Executive
Officer for Corporate Affairs and Governance at Meath County Council.
Ambassador Faganello talks about the interest for Italian culture and language in county Meath and, as well as detailing a wide range of EU related events that the public can experience and participate in, Elaine Daly has more detail on a special three day celebration of Meath being paired with Italy for the EU Presidency and where you can find out more about all of the EU Presidency related events.
*The interview was recorded in June. You can listen to Local Lens wherever you get your podcasts.
