This episode of EuropeChats is a discussion between Bobby McDonagh, former Irish diplomat, and TEPSA Secretary-General Jim Cloos.
The discussion focuses on how to communicate and explain the European Union, specifically using Bobby McDonagh’s latest publication, The European Union in 12 Objects, in which each object represents an aspect of the EU or one of its institutions. The rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union is also discussed, in particular the Irish presidency beginning on 1 July 2026.
Bobby McDonagh is a former Irish diplomat, he has been an Ambassador to Italy and the UK, as well as the Permanent Representative of Ireland to the EU.
“The European Union in 12 Objects” is available physically at the European Commission Representation in Ireland (Europe House, Chatham St, Dublin, 2) or digitally here. This publication is produced by the European Commission Representation in Ireland in cooperation with the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).
EuropeChats is TEPSA’s talk show dedicated to answering your questions about the European Union. If you ever wondered what competences the EU has, what effects its policies have on your day-to-day life, and why the EU is so important, then this show will give you all the answers you need! Every episode, we will be answering your questions about Europe and the EU.
Jim Cloos is TEPSA’s Secretary-General, and has spent a lifetime in the heart of Brussels. As the former Deputy Director General for General and Institutional Policy at the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union, he was involved in European decision-making at every level. He had a key role in drafting the Maastricht Treaty during the Luxembourgish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 1991, and has an intricate expertise on EU Affairs and the internal functioning of the European institutions. There is no-one better placed to answer any question about Europe that you might have.
