Ireland is not a member of NATO, and invests only 0.2 percent of its GDP in defense—leading to widespread accusations of “free-riding” on European security guarantees.
Since gaining its independence from the United Kingdom after World War I, the Republic of Ireland—officially established in 1949—has maintained a policy of neutrality. Even as a member of the European Union, Dublin maintains a “neutrality clause” that allows it to opt out of common defense actions.
During the Cold War, Ireland didn’t join NATO or the Non-Aligned Movement. Yet, it did establish a relationship with NATO within the framework of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, which it joined in 1999.
As the global situation continues to evolve, Dublin shows no signs of joining NATO—as did historically neutral nations such as Finland and Sweden—but it may look to establish closer ties with the alliance to ensure its maritime security.
There are even calls for the Irish Defence Forces to take part in joint exercises with NATO members, including the UK and France. Moreover, even as Ireland is not likely to join the alliance anytime soon, Dublin did announce this month that it is set to buy hundreds of French-made armored vehicles and new artillery systems—theoretically giving it some capability to defend itself.
The acquisitions will help transform the Irish Defence Forces from its current light infantry force into one resembling a NATO mechanized unit. The government-to-government agreement will see the modern French-made vehicles enter service by the end of the decade to replace aging lightly armored systems from the UK and Switzerland that have been in operation well past their expected service lives.
Ireland Isn’t in NATO—and Doesn’t Want to Join
The Irish Republic is also a member of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and cooperates with NATO under a jointly agreed “Individually Tailored Partnership Programme” (ITTP).
“Ireland cooperates with NATO in a variety of areas, including peace support operations. An important focus is to work together to develop military capabilities and improve the interoperability of the Irish armed forces with Allied and other partners’ armed forces in NATO, EU and UN-led missions,” NATO explained.
However, it could be argued that, as Ireland shares a land border with the UK’s constituent country of Northern Ireland and is strategically positioned in the North Atlantic Ocean, it would almost certainly be protected by NATO in the event of war.
It is a reminder that the UK would certainly have come to Ireland’s aid in World War II if Germany had invaded the nation. Although it was an attempt by the British government to draw Ireland into the war, the UK was still ready to aid in its defense.
Today, Ireland’s position has led to accusations of its “free-riding” on NATO, particularly the UK, for its aerial and maritime security, as Dublin lacks the capacity to defend its own airspace or Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“Despite bearing responsibility for 16 percent of the EU’s territorial waters, and the fact that 75 percent of transatlantic undersea cables pass through or near Irish waters, Ireland is totally defenseless,” according to a 2024 op-ed from Politico.com.
Even as NATO members are increasing defense spending from two to five percent of their respective gross domestic product (GDP), Dublin spends only 0.2 percent of its GDP on security and defense, the lowest in Europe. This has led to complaints from many corners of Europe that Ireland is “free-riding” on NATO’s protection, and doing nothing to defend the continent against shared threats.
“It has, in effect, abdicated responsibility for protecting Europe’s northwestern borders,” Politico.com added.
Ireland Is Starting to Realize It Needs NATO
Closer cooperation with the EU and NATO remains a highly sensitive issue in the country. Yet, Ireland simply has no other choice.
“If anything happened to gas connectors with Britain, we wouldn’t have an economy in 10 days,” Prime Minister Micheal Martin told lawmakers in the Irish Parliament earlier this year.
The future partnership with NATO could include increasing its radar, sonar, and other sensors to detect airborne and underwater threats, while also cooperating with the EU on data-sharing.
Still, given the sorry state of Ireland’s military, Ireland will probably continue to get a free ride from NATO, particularly the UK, for the foreseeable future.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed more than 3,200 published pieces to more than 4 dozen magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Region: Europe
Topic: Land Warfare
Tags: Western Europe, Ireland, United Kingdom, France, NATO, Armored Vehicles, Defense Spending
