L'Irlande et l'intégration européenne

Abstract

The participation of the Republic of lreland in the european integration brought into question certain aspects of the 1937 Constitution which established a State with a vigorous affirmation toward national sovereignity and international independence, which at the same time reflected a society of traditional catholic values. After joining the European Communities in 1972 and signing both the Single European Act in 1986 and the Treaty on European Union in 1992, Ireland proved itself to be an important actor in the european integration process. In each of these importants events constitutional amendments were introduced to permit the ratification of the treaties and eliminate all obstacles to allow community law to prevail over national law. In all three cases a necessary referendum proved strong support among the Irish people, for the european ideal. Sometimes however, the enthusiasm of political forces had to be balanced with difficult questions concerning legal and constitutional matters having profound implications for the social political context of the country.