The Island of Ireland and the European Union: Past, Present and Future

ABSTRACT This Special Collection explores the evolving relationship between the island of Ireland and the European Union (EU) against a backdrop of profound political, economic and geopolitical change. Brexit, shifting EU security priorities, growing global trade uncertainty and other challenges have disrupted long‐standing patterns of Irish engagement with Europe, with distinct consequences for both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Addressing themes ranging from crisis governance and external relations to peacebuilding, taxation and identity politics, the contributions highlight the diverse ways in which Ireland's European future is being reshaped. Organised around the dual contexts of the Republic and Northern Ireland, and complemented by cross‐border analyses, this Special Collection highlights the importance of an all‐island perspective. Collectively, the articles shed light on broader questions concerning small states in the EU, the management of crises, the long and demanding journey of building peace and the interplay between domestic and European change, while emphasising both Ireland's vulnerabilities and its agency as it navigates an uncertain European and global order.