A member of the European Commission has come under fire for displaying a lack of understanding of Ireland's history during a recent debate in the European Parliament.

Kaja Kallas, a former Estonian prime minister and current vice-president of the Commission, drew attention to Ireland while discussing the 2025 Nato summit in the Hague.

She mentioned how Ireland was able to prosper during peacetime after World War II, contrasting it with the suffering endured by countries behind the Iron Curtain.

These comments were deemed inaccurate by Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion, who accused the vice-president of overlooking Ireland's post-war struggles.

During her speech, Ms. Kallas highlighted the threat Russia poses to the European Union and urged member states to collaborate with Nato allies and boost defense spending.

Ms. Funchion emphasized Ireland's right to maintain its policy of military neutrality and its history of UN peacekeeping missions.

She also raised concerns about the increasing militarization of EU politics and stressed the importance of preserving the EU as a peace project.

Ms. Kallas responded by pointing out that while Europe aims for peace, there are still threats to that peace, such as Russia's reluctance to engage in ceasefire talks.

She noted that peace doesn't equate to an end to human suffering and highlighted the challenges faced by countries like those behind the Iron Curtain after World War II.

Ms. Funchion criticized Ms. Kallas for her remarks, stating that they were insensitive to the struggles of Irish communities, including incidents like the Ballymurphy massacre and Bloody Sunday.

She called on the vice-president to retract her comments and recognize the injustices that Ireland has faced historically.

Ms. Funchion also invited Ms. Kallas to visit Ireland and meet with individuals affected by legacy issues to gain a better understanding of the country's past.

Ms. Kallas' office has not yet responded to these criticisms.