Catalysts for Change: Ireland and the EU in Conversation – Aodhan O’Riordan

Paul November 17, 2025

“Culture as a Catalyst,” featuring Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, highlights how cultural expression and policy can drive real social change across Ireland and the EU. In this Catalyst for Change: Ireland and the EU in Conversation session, Ó Ríordáin reflects on culture as a shared language that bridges divides, humanizes struggles, and strengthens community. Drawing on his long-standing advocacy for the arts, he underscores culture’s unique power to foster empathy, inclusion, and meaningful connection across society.

About the series

The series reflects on the theme ‘Catalyst for Change’ and will look at how EU policies, with input from Irish MEPs, lawmakers and civil society professionals, are enacting change in specific areas such as Environment & Marine Sustainability; Trade & Innovation; Equality and inclusion; Culture and Society; Immigration & Social Inclusion and Ireland in the European Space Programme. The interviews, with inputs from experts, will focus on specific questions, challenges and outcome that will help bring about change.

Across a series of six in-depth feature radio interviews and podcasts, Near FM will look at Ireland’s relationship as part of the EU, and how Irish lawmakers, academics and professionals are striving for positive changes that will make a difference in people’s everyday lives. The series will focus on diverse areas including the Environment & Marine Sustainability, Trade Innovation and Gender Equality.

The series is produced and presented by Emma Farrell. Post production from Paul Loughran. All interviews will be available under ‘Communicating Europe’ wherever you get your podcasts. This series is supported by Communicating Europe, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Initiative.