On May 30, 2013, The European Institute held a breakfast discussion with The Honorable Lucinda Creighton, Ireland’s Minister for European Affairs, who outlined the progress of Ireland's European Union presidency and the future of the European Union. Ms. Creighton addressed the current economic situation in Europe, the status of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, and how to make the European Union a more effective, legitimate, and prosperous alliance for the future.