Black, Irish and the EU

The EU shapes more of your daily life than you might realise, from the rights you hold at work to the funding that supports communities like ours across Ireland. Through a podcast series, social media campaign and digital resource hub, Black and Irish is making that world accessible, relevant and rooted in the experiences of Black and mixed-race people in Ireland. We are bringing the right voices to the conversation, asking the questions that matter and making sure our community has the information it needs to engage with Europe on its own terms.

TaeTime x European Movement Ireland The EU, Ireland and us. Aisling breaks it all down for our community.

TaeTime x Black and Irish What does real EU support for minorities look like? We get into it.

WHYA? Podcast x Black and Irish Our founder Leon Diop unpacks the EU and what it means for us.

Episode 1

From Brussels to your back door. Aisling joins TaeTime Podcast to break down the EU and what it really means for us.

Episode 2

The EU has a role to play in supporting minorities in Ireland. TaeTime Podcast gets into what that actually looks like and what needs to change.

Episode 3

What does the EU actually do for us? Our founder Leon Diop sits down with the WHYA? Podcast for an honest conversation about Europe, Ireland and our community.

Your Europe. Your Resources. | Black, Irish and the EU

Your Europe. Your Resources.

Everything you need to know about accessing EU programmes and funding as a member of our community in Ireland.

What is Erasmus+ and can I apply?
Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme for education, training, youth and sport. Ireland is a full participant, so anyone based here can access all Erasmus+ activities. You cannot apply directly as you must apply through a participating organisation such as your school, college or employer. Extra funding is available for people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Learn more at citizensinformation.ie or erasmusplus.ie.
What EU funding exists for community organisations?
The EU supports civil society organisations through several routes. The Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme funds projects promoting equality and anti-discrimination. The European Social Fund+ (ESF+) supports employment and inclusion. You can also explore Ireland Against Racism Fund grants of up to €100,000 for projects tackling racism and promoting racial equality. A full overview is available at eufunds.ie.
What are my rights under EU anti-discrimination law?
The EU’s Racial Equality Directive protects people from discrimination based on race or ethnic origin in employment, education, social protection and access to goods and services. In Ireland, these rights are enforced through the Employment Equality Acts and the Equal Status Act. If you believe you have been discriminated against, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) can provide legal advice and assistance at ihrec.ie. You can also read the full EU Anti-Racism Strategy.
How can I get involved in EU decision-making?
You can engage with the EU through MEPs, the European Citizens’ Initiative, and public consultations published on the European Commission website. The European Movement Ireland runs regular events and information sessions for people who want to understand and engage with EU policy. You can also get in touch with us directly to find out about upcoming opportunities tied to the Black, Irish and the EU initiative.
What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the EU’s main research and innovation funding programme with a budget of over €93.5 billion for 2021 to 2027. Irish organisations have secured over €910 million in Horizon Europe funding to date. It supports researchers, businesses and non-profit organisations. For more information visit euraxess.ie.
What is the EU Anti-Racism Strategy?
The European Commission’s Anti-Racism Strategy sets out a framework for tackling racism and discrimination across all EU member states. It calls for stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination law, better representation of racialised people in public life, and more structured engagement with affected communities. Read the full strategy at ec.europa.eu.

Key policy summaries

Straightforward guides to EU policies that matter most to our community. Download, share, and keep them handy.

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Programmes

Your guide to Erasmus+

Who can apply, how funding works, and where to start in Ireland.

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Rights

EU anti-discrimination law explained

Your rights under the Racial Equality Directive and how they apply in Ireland.

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Funding

EU funding for minority organisations

An overview of CERV, ESF+ and other funding streams available to community groups.

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Institutions

How the EU works

A straightforward breakdown of EU institutions and how Ireland fits in.

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Organisations that can help

These organisations support minority communities in Ireland and across Europe to access rights, funding and EU engagement opportunities.

Rights & equality

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

Ireland’s independent equality body. Provides legal advice, assistance and information on your rights under equality and human rights law.

EU engagement

European Movement Ireland

Non-partisan organisation promoting awareness and understanding of the EU. Runs public events, workshops and information resources across Ireland.

European Anti-Racism

ENAR — European Network Against Racism

A pan-European network of civil society organisations working to combat racism and promote equality across all EU member states.

Erasmus+

Leargas

National agency managing Erasmus+ in Ireland for schools, youth, adult education and vocational training organisations.

Migration & asylum

EMN Ireland

European Migration Network’s Irish contact point. Provides research and data on migration, asylum and integration policy in Ireland and across the EU.

EU funding

EU Funds Ireland

Overview of all European Structural and Investment Funds available in Ireland, including ESF+, ERDF and supports for civil society organisations.

Ireland and the EU Presidency

Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1st July – 31st December 2026, and it matters for our community.

Ireland EU Council Presidency 2026
EU Council Presidency

Ireland’s moment to shape Europe

When Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU, it sets the agenda for EU ministers and shapes European priorities. In 2026, this is a real opportunity to push for stronger action on equality, anti-racism and inclusion for minority communities across Europe.

Learn more about Ireland’s EU Presidency

Contact Us

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