January 1 2013 saw the European Union flag being raised alongside the Irish Tricolour over Dublin Castle. This marked the beginning of the seventh Irish Presidency. In the past Ireland has held the Presidency during important European events, such as the reunification of Germany in 1990, the biggest EU enlargement (including Malta), which took place in 2004 and the first session of a directly elected European Parliament in 1979. This Presidency is no different as it takes place during a crucial time for Europe and its economic recovery.

Sustainable growth and job creation is a central EU priority. Europe 2020 is just one strategy, which, if correctly guided and implemented by the Presidency, has the potential to create conditions for a more sustainable and smarter growth. This strategy has five targets: employment, education, research and innovation, social inclusion and poverty reduction and climate change. These five targets affect all EU member states in some shape or form. For Malta employment, education directing skill more towards market needs and environmental policies are the most important.

Despite the size and economic challenges facing Ireland, it has emerged more resilient and robust. Ireland is therefore well positioned to make the most of the Presidency. It has incorporated a number of the Europe 2020 targets into its programme for the next 6 months.

Sustainable job creation is a major issue which needs to be addressed effectively, in particular youth unemployment. The Commission has put forward initiatives in the past to tackle this issue, such as the EURES and Youth on the Move in 2010. However, the Irish Presidency aims to further these efforts through the Youth Unemployment Package. In addition to this legislative will be developed with regard to traineeships and internships and Youth Guarantees. Developing education to better suit the needs and requirements of the market place is seen across member states as a key factor in reducing youth unemployment and could also assist in reducing the number of early school leavings.

An urgent priority of the Irish Presidency is reaching an agreement on the Multi Financial Framework 2014-2020. It is believed Ireland is in a good position to achieve this due to the close relations it shares with the UK, developed over years of working side by side. Ireland therefore has the ability to turn this negotiation challenge of give and take into an opportunity to demonstrate the returning support for Ireland is warranted.

While working closely with fellow EU member states Ireland has the opportunity to transfer its positivity and forward looking attitude to the EU through concrete measures putting Europe on the road to recovery. Member states have seen how seriously Ireland takes this leadership role, a good example of faith in Ireland’s leadership is Austria’s 1998 Presidency when it turned to Ireland for guidance on how to conduct the Presidency.

David Casa is a Nationalist MEP