Emma Rooney is Senior Policy Officer at European Movement Ireland, an independent, not-for-profit organisation that works to build public understanding of and participation in the EU — through campaigning in support of European values, fostering informed debate, and supporting communities and organisations across Ireland to participate in and influence EU policy and decision-making.  Emma leads on North-South and EU-UK engagement and plays a central role in the organisation's all-island outreach and research programme, including the annual Island of Ireland EU Poll, the only poll dedicated to tracking public sentiment on EU issues on an all-island basis. 

From 13th - 16th April 2026, 27 participants from the PeacePlus Forward Thinking group took part in a study visit to the Basque Country. During the visit the group met with different organisations, academics, trade unions, and politicians to explore different views on Basque independence. We also met with a number of victims and survivors of the Basque conflict, including those bereaved as a result of paramilitary violence, state violence, and those severely injured.

Rising Authoritarian Practices and the Erosion of Human Rights. Gráinne Teggart, Northern Ireland Deputy Director of Amnesty International UK, will discuss the rise of authoritarian practices and the pillars of a free society which are under attack in the UK and in other parts of the world, as well as efforts to undermine international systems designed to protect human rights. The talk will highlight global patterns and authoritarian tactics and will be a timely reminder that we all have a responsibility to rise to this challenging time and to protect human rights.

The event is on Monday 2nd March at 11am at Holywell Trust.