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As part of the IIEA\u2019s 30th Anniversary celebrations\xa0and on\xa0a\xa0visit to Ireland, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian and French Minister of State for European Affairs, Cl\xe9ment Beaune, offer a French perspective on the future direction of the European Union. They will reflect on the economic, social and political challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and outline how this crisis presents an opportunity to re-evaluate Europe\u2019s approach to climate action, the digital transition and global affairs. This event was moderated by Emmanuelle Schon-Quinlivan, Lecturer in European Politics in the Department of Government, UCC.\n\nAbout the Speakers:\xa0\n\nJean-Yves Le Drian\xa0is\xa0the\xa0Minister\xa0for Europe and\xa0Foreign\xa0Affairs\xa0of France, a position\xa0he\xa0has\xa0held\xa0since\xa0since\xa0May 2017.\xa0Previously,\xa0he\xa0served\xa0as\xa0Minister\xa0of\xa0Defence\xa0from\xa0April 2012\xa0to\xa0May 2017. Prior to this, Minister Le Drian was President of the Brittany region from 2004-2012, member of the Brittany Regional Council from 1998-2004, National Assembly Deputy for the Morbihan Department from 1978-1991 and 1997-2007, Minister of State for Marine Affairs from 1991-1992 and Mayor of Lorient (Morhiban Department) from 1981-1998.\n\nCl\xe9ment Beaune\xa0is\xa0the\xa0Minister\xa0of State for\xa0European\xa0Affairs\xa0of France, a position\xa0he\xa0has\xa0held\xa0since\xa0July 2020.\xa0Previously,\xa0he\xa0served\xa0as\xa0Special\xa0Advisor for\xa0European\xa0affairs\xa0of\xa0President\xa0Emmanuel Macron\xa0from\xa02017-2020. Prior to\xa0this,\xa0Minister\xa0Beaune\xa0was\xa0the\xa0European, International and\xa0Budgetary\xa0Affairs\xa0Adviser\xa0of Emmanuel Macron,\xa0then\xa0Minister\xa0of the Economy,\xa0Industry\xa0and the Digital\xa0Sector.\xa0Cl\xe9ment Beaune\xa0is\xa0an\xa0alumnus\xa0of the French National\xa0School\xa0of Public Administration (ENA).