IIEA

Much of the debate around democracy in Latin America has focused on decline and democratic backsliding. But what if the region’s greatest challenge is not collapse, but stagnation?

On 23 September, the Institute of International and European Affairs will welcome Dr Fernando Bizzarro, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Boston College (Boston College), to discuss why he contends many Latin American democracies are neither deteriorating nor deepening, but instead appear stuck in a prolonged democratic plateau.

Drawing on his research with Scott Mainwaring, Dr Bizzarro will explore the economic, political, and international costs of democratic stagnation, from slower growth and declining trust in institutions to the rise of anti-system political movements.

📅 Wednesday, 23 September 2026
🕐 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
🔗 Register to attend in person or online on our bio.

⏳ One day to go!

How can Europe accelerate access to the next generation of therapies? This question will be at the heart of tomorrow’s second panel at the ‘Europe in Good Health: Securing EU Leadership in Life Sciences’ conference.

As policymakers and patient advocates look to the future, collaboration will be essential to ensure Europe remains a hub for medical innovation while improving health. This panel, “Driving Innovation for Patients”, will look into how research, investment, policy and health system modernisation can work together to support treatments and strengthen Europe’s life sciences ecosystem.

Panellists will include:
• Rainer Becker, Director of Medical Products & Innovation, DG SANTE, European Commission ()
• Vytenis Andriukaitis MEP (Vytenis Andriukaitis), Biotech Act Rapporteur for SANT Committee, European Parliament (European Parliament), and former European Commissioner for Health & Food Safety
• Claire Skentelbery, Director General, EuropaBio - the European Association for Bioindustries
• Avril Daly, President of EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe (EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe)
• Muiris O’Connor, Assistant Secretary at Department of Health, Head of Research & Development and Health Analytics

This conference is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and is recognised as an Associated Event of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026
(Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026).

📅 Tomorrow, 9 September, at 9 a.m. at The Alex Hotel, Dublin (The Alex Hotel).
🔗 There is still time to register to attend in-person on our bio.

What has been Ireland’s path in Europe so far, and what could its future look like?



Join us on Culture Night 2026 (Culture Night Dublin) at the IIEA for ‘Ireland’s European Past, Present, and Future’ to explore an interactive exhibition that brings Ireland’s European story to life. You’ll be invited to reflect on Ireland’s path in the EU and its priorities in the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Whether you’re into policy making or simply curious about Ireland’s place in Europe, this is an opportunity to learn and engage.

✍️ Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for exhibition.
✍️ Panel discussion from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
✍️ Reception and network from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.


📅 Register to attend with the link on our bio.

As Europe seeks to strengthen competitiveness, life sciences is a key sector for growth. The first panel of the ‘Europe in Good Health: Securing EU Leadership in Life Sciences’ conference will explore how initiatives such as the forthcoming EU Biotech Act can support innovation, investment and skills development across Europe.

Panel 1, ‘Sharpening Europe’s Competitive Edge’, will feature:

🔹 Thomas Van Cangh, Deputy Head of Unit & Head of Biotech Task Force, DG SANTE, European Commission
🔹 Rachel Shelly, Global Head of Life Sciences & Food, IDA Ireland
🔹 Anouk De Vroey, Head of Government Affairs & Policy at Johnson & Johnson EMEA
🔹 Prof. Mark Ferguson, Former Chairman of the EIC - European Innovation Council Board

📍 The Alex Hotel, Dublin
📅 Wednesday, 9 September 2026 at 9 AM

This conference is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and is recognised as an Associated Event of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 (Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026).

Secure your place and join us in the discussion! 🔗 Link for registrarion on our bio.

The ‘Europe in Good Health: Securing EU Leadership in Life Sciences’ conference will welcome Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD (), to deliver a keynote address followed by a fireside chat with journalist Audrey Carville (). The conference will explore the opportunities and priorities facing the sector as Europe seeks to strengthen its position as a global leader in life sciences.

📍 The Alex Hotel, Dublin
📅 9 September 2026 at 9 AM
🎟️ Registration in our bio.

This conference is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and is recognised as an Associated Event of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 (Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026).

Why do some new democracies remain peaceful while others descend into criminal wars? Join Lucía Tiscornia, Associate Professor at University College Dublin (University College Dublin (UCD)), and Roger Mac Ginty, Professor at Durham University (),authors of ‘Accountability Shock: Why Transitional Justice Prevents Criminal Wars in New Democracies’ responses to authoritarian pasts can influence democratic stability and the risk of criminal violence. The conversation will explore the role of accountability, transitional justice, and democratic transitions in shaping more peaceful societies.

📅 Thursday, September 10 at 5:00 PM
📍IIEA, 8 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1
🔗 Register via link in our bio.

Join us as we welcome Benjamin Haddad (Benjamin Haddad), France’s Minister Delegate for Europe, for a discussion on current European affairs.

📅 3 September 2026 at 1p.m.
📍 IIEA, 8 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1
🔗 Register on our bio.

Join us for a conversation with Diane Schmitt, EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, on the challenges of combatting trafficking in human beings, protecting victims, and strengthening the EU’s response to this growing threat.

As the EU prepares its renewed Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings, this discussion will explore the action needed to address one of Europe’s most pressing security and human rights challenges.

When? 📅 Thursday, September 10 at 1:00 PM
Where?📍IIEA, 8 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1
How to attend? 🔗 In-person or online registration on our bio.

As security and defence remain at the centre of international affairs, we are pleased to host Radmila Shekerinska, (Radmila Shekerinska) Deputy Secretary General of NATO (NATO) at the IIEA. As a former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of North Macedonia, Ms Shekerinska has extensive experience as a policy-maker and consensus-builder, joining NATO following a extensive political career. She will be in conversation with IIEA Interim Director General, Orlaigh Quinn.

📅 Monday, 31 August 2026
🕥 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
📍 IIEA, 8 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1
💻 Register to attend in our bio.

What are Latvia’s priorities for the future of Europe?

Join us for a special conversation with Baiba Braže (BaibaBraze), Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia), as she discusses Latvia’s EU Priorities. Formerly NATO’s (NATO) Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy, Minister Braže brings extensive diplomatic and international policy experience to the discussion.

📅 1 September 2026
🕥 10:30 a.m.
📍 IIEA, 8 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1
💻 Also available online
⚠️ Earlier start time than usual!
🎟️ Register via the link in our bio.