Freeloaders or Pragmatists? Inside Ireland’s new agreement with NATO
15 February 2024
Ireland’s military capabilities consistently lack the resources to keep up with Europe’s challenging security environment. That's why the country concluded a new deal with NATO last week; an Individual Tailored Partnership Programme Agreement (ITPP). The ITPP will enhance cooperation with NATO in maritime security, cyber and hybrid threats, climate and security, and aims to protect subsea infrastructure and counter hybrid threats from hostile actors.
The ITPP is a real step towards securing not only Ireland but all of Europe; Russian military and merchant ships have been spotted in Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), with experts suggesting interference with subsea cables. Despite its enthusiasm, the government has reiterated that Ireland will not abandon its neutrality policy to become a NATO member, leading a UK Think Tank to accuse Ireland of “freeloading” off the Atlantic security system.
 | Jessica Commins Ireland’s neutrality policy began in WWII, largely informed by Anglo-Irish tensions. Neutrality remained a deeply held policy following the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, requiring assurances from the EU to secure Irish votes for the Treaties of Nice and Lisbon. However, Ireland’s neutrality has always been biased, most recently allowing US military planes carrying weapons to refuel. Ireland has engaged extensively in international peacekeeping, suggesting that ‘freeloading’ may be a stretch. Given that other neutral European countries are also in the process of agreeing ITPPs, it would be more fair to say pragmatism continues to be the true heart of Irish neutrality. |
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