News from last week’s informal EU leaders’ summit suggests that a long-discussed “multi-speed Europe” may finally move from theory to reality. If deeper integration is now open to those member states willing to pursue it, Ireland should not hesitate. European unity is no longer about commerce or culture – it is about survival in a hostile world. As German chancellor Friedrich Merz declared this week at the Munich Security Conference, the international order “no longer exists”. Eamon Kearney, Baldoyle, Dublin 13Shameful behaviour of ‘keyboard warriors’ just exposes their ignoranceWhat a contest between Ireland and Italy.

Source: Irish Independent February 17, 2026 10:05 UTC